The Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course is 36 weeks long of which 24 weeks are spent on placement in a partnership school. There are five phases: Preparation (university and some school-based activities); School Placement 1 (seven week placement in school); Development (university and one week in your second school); School Placement 2 (12 week block placement and some university days); Completion (two further weeks in second school and two weeks in university).
Our teaching sessions will be interactive, encouraging your reflection and analysis. You will learn how to frame appropriate learning objectives which meet National Curriculum requirements for Key Stages 3 and 4 and how to plan lessons which engage and motivate pupils.
All key areas of teaching English will be covered, including speaking and listening, reading, writing, grammar, media and drama. Teaching at post 16 level is also taught. Whole school issues such as equal opportunities, catering for Special Educational Needs and Assessment of learning in English fed through the main method course. During your serial practice and two school placements you will apply what you have learned and continue your learning through observing experienced teachers, team teaching with peers and teachers, and supported solo teaching with your own classes.
As the course progresses, you will develop increasing confidence and expertise in selecting from a repertoire of learning activities that are supported by appropriate use of resources and technology. This will maximise the learning outcomes for pupils.
Download the flier for the Postgraduate Diploma Secondary Education (QTS) - English course (PDF, 77KB)
Equal Opportunities
The School of Education is committed to equal opportunities in the access to and provision of education. For more information please see the following documents:
School Mission Statement (PDF 23KB, opens new window)
Disability and Disability Equality Scheme
Race Equality
Details of our other PGDipEd subject areas may be found on the main Postgraduate Diploma Secondary Education course page.
All students have to complete six modules, five of which require a written assignments. In addition students need to complete two teaching placements and have to meet the Teachers' Standards for the Award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
School Studies 1:
(20 credits Level M)
This module, which consists of university based seminars and school based practical experience, will offer opportunities for you to develop your understanding and practice of teaching. In particular, the planning and evaluation of learning experiences for small groups, supported by exploration of the place of your subject within national frameworks and initiatives which will include at least one area of cross-curricular concern.
School Studies 2:
(20 credits Level M)
These university based seminars will enable you to develop an understanding of the needs of learners within a subject discipline and in secondary schools. You will also reflect on the teaching placement (School Placement 1) in your school and learn to plan and evaluate teaching experiences which will consider the role of learners.
School Studies 3:
(20 credits Level M)
The university based seminars will enbable you to develop an understanding of the needs of learners within a subject discipline and in schools. You will reflect upon your teaching placement (School Placement 2) in school, and continue to learn to plan and evaluate teaching experiences which consider the role of learners.
There will also be university and school based seminars on whole school issues – e.g. equal opportunities, management of the teaching environment.
School Studies 4:
(20 credits Level M)
During these university based seminars, you will develop an understanding of the needs of learners within your main subject discipline or within an alternative subject and schools.
Teaching Experience 1:
(30 credits Level 3)
You will observe lessons and teach on average half a normal teacher’s timetable, providing relevant documentation for every lesson taught. You will have discussions with tutors, mentors and teachers focus on pupils’ learning and the experience of teaching.
This module is closely linked with the School Studies modules where the theoretical underpinning of the practice is discussed to enable the students to analyse the ideas in practice. Much of the module will depend upon your individual work as a practitioner and reflecting upon practice.
Teaching Experience 2:
(10 credits Level M)
This module will explore your continuing reflective and analytical development as you review your teaching and learning. It is closely linked with the School Studies modules where the theoretical underpinning of the practice is discussed to enable you to analyse the ideas in practice.
The contact time will allow you to develop your theoretical framework and to develop pathways for future personal and professional development.
Fees for 2013–14 are: £9,000 (UK/EU full-time), £13,200 (overseas full-time).
Learn more about fees and funding
Scholarships and studentships
Home/EU students will be eligible to apply for statutory support from their relevant funding agency. Government training bursaries may be available depending on your subject and degree classification.
For further information contact the School directly or the Student Funding Office via online enquiries.
All applicants to the Secondary PGDipEd (QTS) course must hold a degree or equivalent qualification in the subject they wish to teach. In addition to this you will be required to have a grade C in GCSE mathematics and English, or equivalent. The DfE require us to check original certificates; you therefore cannot apply for a PGDipEd (QTS) course unless you already hold these qualifications.
At least half your degree should be in English. Graduates with degrees in subjects such as Creative Writing, Media, Drama or Journalism are also invited to apply. If you have no English in your degree, you will first need to complete the Open University modules which are equivalent of 50% of a BA honours degree in English Language and/or Literature.
All candidates also have to:
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have a GCSE in Maths and English (grade C or above) or an equivalent qualification; alternatively they might be advised to take an Equivalency Test
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pass Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy; please see the
Professional Skills Tests section of the Department for Education web site for more information on the core skills required by trainee teachers
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provide a satisfactory medical form
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complete an enhanced DBS/police check
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complete a Declaration of Suitability to Teach
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adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise