Art and Design (PGCE)

About this course

Gain the knowledge and skills to be a fully qualified teacher of art and design on this PGCE Secondary course at the University of Southampton. You’ll divide your time between school placements and the University as you develop the theory and techniques to teach the subject to all secondary school pupils. With this qualification you’ll be able to work in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course will prepare you to teach young people aged 11 to 16 within the UK’s National Curriculum for Art and Design framework (Key Stages 3 and 4).

You’ll also get the chance to learn about teaching the subject to students aged 16 to 19.

As you build on your existing knowledge of art and design, you’ll learn teaching theory and the techniques for helping young people to:

• express their ideas in creative works
• develop their ability in drawing, painting, sculpture and other techniques
• evaluate creative works using the language of art, craft and design
• learn about great artists, craft-makers and designers
• understand the historical and cultural development of art forms

Through university sessions and placement practice you’ll also learn essential skills such as:

• managing the classroom
• monitoring and assessing pupils
• teaching inclusively

You'll put theory into practice through placements at 2 schools in or near Southampton. You'll spend at least 120 days on placement, observing lessons and working with small groups of young people. When you are ready, you’ll then be introduced to whole-class teaching. You’ll have the support of a school-based mentor throughout this time.

The rest of your time will be spent at the University, where you’ll prepare you for your placements, evaluate your school-based work, and develop subject-specific skills and good practice. You'll spend some of your time at Winchester School of Art, our art and design institution.

Careers

When you pass, you’ll get Qualified Teacher Status in addition to your PGCE award. This means you'll be able to work as an art and design teacher in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales.

We have high employment rates from our PGCE Secondary courses, with many trainees going on to work in our partnership schools.

If you choose to continue your studies, the credits you build up from your master’s-level modules can be put towards a future master’s degree qualification.

Students will need a degree in art and design, or a related subject; GCSEs (minimum grade 4/C) in English language and maths; Secondary school classroom experience may strengthen your application.