PGCE History

History, according to the current national curriculum, "should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past". Our aim is to equip students to do just that, developing their ability to plan meaningful historical experiences for pupils in the 11–16 age range, to teach effectively and to assess their own and their pupils’ achievements. There are five key themes underpinning the UCL PGCE History programme: 'historical thinking','diverse histories', 'history for all', 'engaging with history' and ‘ becoming a professional history teacher'. These themes reflect our location in the capital, the wide range of schools and students that we work with and our ambition to engage, challenge and enlighten all learners. Students will understand why history is taught in schools, how pupils learn and make sense of the past, and how to teach history in an exciting way that develops learners.

Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Most of them are working as history teachers and heads of department in schools, while some have jobs as history educators in museums and archives. Many graduates in this area can be found working as senior leaders in schools. Many of our alumni continue to support UCL's work as subject mentors in schools, and some provide specialist input into the university sessions of the course.

Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader.

Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard with at least 50% History content.