Course description
Choosing to study a PGCE in Secondary Education is your first step to inspiring children in learning about their world, and at Birmingham Newman University, we would love to support you in joining the profession.
The Birmingham Newman Direct – PGCE Secondary school-based programme route is designed to prepare you for teaching within your subject. The University modules look at four themes: Role of the Teacher; Learning, Teaching and Assessment; Adaptive Practice and Understanding and Managing Behaviours. These are underpinned by an additional subject knowledge and pedagogy theme.
The academic award is attained by completing two level 7 modules worth 30 credits each. Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is attained by successfully completing school experience within your school settings and evidencing your progress.
For those wishing to work within Catholic schools, or who wish to develop their understanding of Religious education, there is potentially the opportunity to undertake the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS) – see Additional Information for details.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Students apply for PGCE courses viaDfE Apply.
A UK Bachelor’s Degree (or recognised equivalent qualification) of which 50% content must be related to the named subject, and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalents). Please be aware that whilst these GCSEs are not mandatory at application point, these qualifications must be obtained by enrolment. See our page on additional GCSE Equivalency test information.
School experience is not a requirement for entry to the programme. However, having experience in a school will support your preparation for training as a teacher.
Any applicants to the PE with EBacc route must have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade C or better at A level in the relevant EBacc subject. EBACC subject areas are Maths, English, History, MFL (Modern Foreign Languages), Geography and the Sciences
At interview you will be asked about any experiences that you have with school aged children and your understanding of teaching within your chosen age range. The quality and variety of your personal statement is an important factor in the decision to call you to interview.
You will need to obtain Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and meet the requirements for fitness to train to teach prior to starting the course and be assured against a set of fundamental maths and English skills by the end of your PGCE.
For full entry requirements please see our admission requirements page.
For further information about national Initial Teacher Training (ITT) criteria and supporting advice, please refer to the DfE website.
Subject Knowledge Enhancement
If your degree does not include enough of your subject of interest, or if you just need a refresher course, the Department for Education sponsors several Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses.
There is an expectation that students would have studied the subject at A level or equivalent.
Training Course Content
Modules
- Achieving QTS and Secondary Experience Placement
- Ehanced School Experience Placement
- Developing Reflective Practice*
- Applying Reflective Practice*
*In your chosen subject
Course delivery details
PGCE School Based – Secondary Direct students at University combine school based practice with University input and provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to explore and understand in theoretical and practical terms the meaning of teaching and learning in the context of education and being a teacher. School-based training is central to the PGCE Birmingham Newman Direct programme and will be a feature of all three terms of your PGCE year. You undertake placements in at least two schools, providing opportunities to observe and practise a range of methods and approaches.
School-based learning includes observation of experienced teachers, a structured programme of group and whole class teaching and a series of directed activities to explore wider school issues.
Expenses
Full-time fee: The full-time course fee for September 2024 is £9,250.
Part-time fees: The fee for UK students is £9,250 which is the standard rate for postgraduate courses. This is divided between the two training years.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Additional Costs
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) is required for entry into this programme. Find out more about completing the DBS application form and the related additional costs that you will incur.
To find more information on funding Birmingham Newman Direct, contact the provider.
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Birmingham Newman University
Founded in 1968, Birmingham Newman University is a community-focused institution based in Bartley Green, Birmingham. It has built strong partnerships with many local businesses, charities and schools, making it an ideal choice for students wishing to gain practical experience during...