Secondary Religious Education (RE) PGCE

Our Secondary RE PGCE course is dedicated to producing excellent RE teachers and offers you the opportunity to become part of a long tradition of trainee teachers.

Why study Secondary Religious Education (RE)?

Our PGCE training qualifies you to teach RE in all secondary schools and applications are welcome from candidates with appropriate subject knowledge. It's preferable to have sufficient accredited knowledge of two or more of the major world faiths in order to be able to teach the subject to AS/A2 Level.

Why St Mary's?

If you wish to study for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies you will be able to complete several of the modules during your PGCE year. This certificate is often a requirement for teaching in a Catholic school.

Assessment methods

Trainees are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status by successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards (DfE). Continuous assessment throughout the programme will determine success.

Master's level assignments complement the work in schools and assist in meeting the Teachers’ Standards. These assignments aim to encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective, but also reinforce the evidence-based nature of the course assessment.

Self-assessment is also recognised as a valuable perspective in the evaluation of both school and university-based work.

Career opportunities

The quality of the provision at St Mary’s is valued by our trainees and schools, resulting in high levels (over 70%) of NQT employment in our partnership schools. Employment rates following the PGCE course are consistently over 90% in teaching roles.

On the programme you will study two Master's' modules leading to 60 credits at postgraduate level. You will have the opportunity to further your postgraduate studies in your career as these credits are transferable.

At the end of the PGCE course, you will have the opportunity to complete a three-week placement in a special education setting. This is highly valued by trainee teachers to broaden their understanding of specific learning needs for some learners.

Students are expected to have a good degree in theology (2:2 or above) or a related subject. GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at level 4 (grade C if taken before 2017) or above or equivalent. At least one of the GCSEs (or equivalence) must be in place at application. GCSE equivalents are offered by St Mary's University.