PGCE Secondary English Education (11 - 18 years)

Quick links: Entry Requirements | Fees and Funding 

Across the globe schools are seeking dynamic and highly qualified teachers to support pupils learning into the future.

Staff within the School of Education have been working closely with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), which is responsible for the growth and quality of education, on the development of this high-quality teacher training programme which leads to the award of the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) at secondary level. 

The School of Education at the University of Birmingham has a long-standing reputation as a centre of excellence for teacher training and research in a wide range of areas of educational practice and policy. Our one year full-time teacher training programme will prepare you for entry into the teaching profession as a reflective and critically aware practitioner through a significant emphasis on research-led teacher education.

Please note that applications for this programme are currently closed.

Applications are still open for our other PGCE programmes in  

Please visit our webpages for further information about the programmes and how to apply.

Download the flyer for the Teacher Training courses in the University of Birmingham Dubai (PDF)

Further information

If you are a student or teacher and wish to receive further information and updates about the teacher training programmes, please register your interest with Dr Christine Szwed, Strategic Director of Overseas Programmes (Dubai). Email dubai@contacts.bham.ac.uk

Mohammad Abdullah

Managing Director of Dubai International Academic City

“As Dubai International Academic City celebrates a decade of excellence, we are honoured to welcome one of the world’s top 100 universities, University of Birmingham, to our vibrant and diverse higher education community. University of Birmingham’s commitment to knowledge transfer through cutting-edge research makes it an ideal partner of choice, contributing to the enhancement of the UAE’s vision of creating innovative and enduring solutions that meet the demands of key sectors of development such as STEM and Education.”

Course details

Designed for those who want to teach pupils aged 11-18, the Secondary English Education teacher training programme is a full time one year programme with some of this time being spent in placement schools. It includes study around teaching methods, school-based work and whole-school issues. This teacher training course is designed to enable students to become reflective, confident practitioners, as well as offering a strong conceptual framework about education, children, English and classroom teaching.

The teacher training programme is designed to meet recognised teacher standards in the UAE and UK and time is spent in placement schools to develop the necessary experience and skills. All key areas of teaching English will be covered, including speaking and listening, reading, writing, grammar, media and drama. Whole school issues such as equal opportunities, catering for Special Educational Needs and assessment of learning in English feed through the main subject course.

During school placements students will apply what they have learnt and continue learning through observing experienced teachers, team teaching with peers and teachers, and supported solo teaching within classes. As the teacher training course progresses, students will develop increasing confidence and expertise in selecting from a repertoire of learning activities that are supported by appropriate use of resources and technology. The PGCE Teacher Training programme has an excellent and proven track record. It is rigorous and challenging, forming an excellent preparation for a successful career in teaching English.

Why study this course

  • Achieve a globally recognised teaching qualification that is taught, assessed and accredited by one of top universities in the United Kingdom
  • Develop as a teaching professional while remaining in the UAE
  • Improve your employability by developing a portfolio that demonstrates a wide range of professional competencies
  • Routes to an MA in Teaching Study are available upon successful completion of the course
  • Work with world-class tutors and educators
  • Develop a global approach to education
  • Our University programmes have been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted
  • The programme has been approved by KHDA

Fees and funding

Tuition fee is AED 58,045 (for 2020-21) which can be paid in instalments.

Scholarships

There is no bursary for these courses but there is a chance to apply for a scholarship. Find out more about the scholarships

Entry requirements

To be considered by the University of Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements. 

All applicants  must have:

  • A degree (equivalent to a UK Bachelors Degree of at least 2:2 or above) or a recognised equivalent qualification and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded. At least half the degree should be in English. Graduates with degrees in subjects such as Creative Writing, Media, Drama, Journalism or Classics are also invited to apply
  • A minimum of a week’s work experience with children in a school or other recognised setting.

f you are unsure about the equivalences of your qualifications do get in touch with us as Admissions tutors are happy to consider applications on a case by case basis. 

Find out more about international entry requirements 

All shortlisted candidates who meet the criteria will be invited to an interview in either Dubai , Birmingham or by SKYPE.

Additional information:

As part of the admissions process you will need to provide the following information on your application form. 

  • Name and address
  • Date of birth
  • Country of residence
  • A personal statement
  • Evidence of your qualifications
  • References 

Personal Statement

Your personal statement should outline your previous academic achievements and experience of working with children. It should include details of any schools you are already working in or schools you are associated with. You should also include details of what you to gain from the course and how it will help you develop as a teacher (approximately 500 - 700 words). 

Evidence of qualifications

You need to supply evidence or transcripts of your degree in the medium of English as specified by the entry requirements outlined on the course page. This will normally be a minimum of a 2.2 or equivalent. 

You will also need to provide evidence that you achieved 6.5 (5.5 in each subject) in your IELTS test. For those without a first degree studied in the medium of English an IELTS score of 6.5 is required.

References

Two references will be required one academic and one professional. Your professional reference should preferably be someone who can comment on your suitability for working with children. The references should provide supporting evidence in relation to the personal statement and your suitability for the course. You will therefore need to approach your referees to ensure that you are able to provide current contact details. 

OverviewLearning and teaching

The Primary and Secondary PGCE teacher training programmes are founded on our long-standing expertise in teacher education and combine the phase, curriculum and learning and teaching expertise of specialist tutors with centre-based training at the University.

A variety of teaching styles and approaches to learning are used in our teacher training programmes. These include university-based lectures, small group seminars and workshops, school-based work with pupils and teachers, and work undertaken individually or with other groups of students.

Specialist university tutors are experts in their field and lead dedicated subject programmes. Assessment is based on coursework undertaken during the year.

The ‘whole school issues’ part of the programme is concerned with aspects of education that are of importance to all intending teachers, irrespective of their particular teaching subjects. It is designed to provide a breadth of awareness, depth of insight and development of skills through a range of themes studied by all students.

School Collaboration

During school placements you will apply what you have learned whilst continuing to develop your practice through team teaching, supported solo teaching and observing experienced teachers. Your school based mentors and University link tutors will facilitate the development of your teaching pedagogy and subject knowledge throughout your placements.

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.

Course detailsEmployability

As the University of the Year for Graduate Employment in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2015-16, Birmingham is the UK’s number one university for securing a graduate-level job. Your University of Birmingham qualification is evidence of your ability to succeed in a demanding academic environment. Employers target Birmingham students for their drive, diversity, communication and problem-solving skills, their team-working abilities and cultural awareness, and our graduate employment statistics have continued to climb at a rate well above national trends. 

Career progression

Following successful completion of the PGCE year, students have the option to study the Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching Studies.  An MA in Teaching Studies can then be undertaken with includes an additional dissertation.The School also plans to offer postgraduates continuing professional development (CPD) courses for teachers and allied professionals in the near future.

“This course successfully combines academic and teaching practices and so helps produce effective English teachers of a high standard.”

Rebecca Ayre,  Alumni, Secondary Education: English 

Learning and teaching