Delivery format
In person
Course overview
Start your teaching career with our specialist Secondary English programme. Develop your love of teaching and learning English to inspire children and young people from 11-18, through close partnership with our school network.
The English PGCE (QTS) programme is designed to develop your understanding of what teaching English is and what teaching English does, while enabling you to use research to make informed decisions about your practice in, and beyond, the classroom. Deepening your understanding of teaching and learning, you'll build a strong foundation as a teacher which will support you to pursue a fulfilling career in the field. Upon successful completion of the course, you'll have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Master’s in Teaching Studies with us.
Course Structure
The PGCE English (QTS) programme will include the study of subject-specific teaching techniques as well as wider professional topics. You will also work in schools for a total of 28 weeks.
Semester 1: September - December (14 weeks)
- 4 weeks University-led teaching
- 8 weeks on school placement
- 2 weeks ITAP (intensive training and practice)
- 1 week half-term
Course highlights
We excel in teacher education by combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience in our PGCE English programme, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This course offers 80 credits towards further study, allowing graduates to pursue a Master's degree such as the MA in Teaching Studies. The course is taught in collaboration with our partnership schools integrating academic rigour with practical , along with the opportunity for advanced qualifications contribute to make the University of Birmingham a leader in teacher education.
- Integrated Theoretical and Practical Training: Combines the learning of cutting-edge educational theory with hands-on classroom experience
- Unlock Your Teaching Career: Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), opening doors to exciting opportunities in secondary education
- Learn from the Best: You'll be taught by a specialist Secondary English tutor to become a thinking, questioning and understanding teacher on the subject
- Diverse Placement Opportunities: Explore a wide range of placements through our extensive network of partner schools
- Career Support: Comprehensive career services and support for graduates entering the teaching profession
- Gain 80 credits
towards a Master's degree
Course delivery
Our programme prepares you for your teaching career through diverse methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and extensive school-based experience. At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Research active academics prepare you through lectures, seminars, workshops, alongside your extensive school-based experience.
The three main components are:
- Professional Studies – a lecture programme that supports you develop your professional practice
- Subject Specific Sessions – seminars which support you to develop as a teacher of your subject
- School based experience – time spent in partnership schools putting theory into practice and practice into theory.
Module information
All students take 6 compulsory modules, each worth 10-20 credits.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Teaching Experience 1 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Teaching Experience 2 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Intensive Teaching and Practice 1 and 2 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Intensive Teaching and Practice 3 and 4 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Secondary School Studies 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
| Secondary School Studies 2 | 20 | Semester 2 |
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Entry requirements
A strong academic record at A level or equivalent in relevant subjects is required, along with a strong degree (usually a minimum of 2:2), and at least 50% of the degree must have English. Graduates with degrees in Classics with an A level in English Literature are also invited to apply. If the degree is in English Language, a good pass in A Level English Literature will be required.
You must also have:
- GCSE Mathematics and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications, which will be a condition of any offer if not already achieved (equivalency tests will be accepted but only from Equivalency Testing)
- completed an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place
- completed relevant checks to ensure you have the health and physical capacity to teach
- agree to abide by the University of Birmingham Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise
Fees and scholarships
- £9,535
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to affected students or existing applicants without delay.. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
Teacher Training funding options available
A range of financial support is available to help fund your teacher training, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and tax-free bursaries or scholarships for eligible subjects. Additional grants and support are also available for those experiencing financial difficulties. International students may have limited options but could still qualify for specific grants.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
Apply online through DfE Apply. We recommend you apply early as possible as the course is often full by Spring.
Course Code: Q3X1
The interview process
The interview process is designed to identify candidates who are motivated to teach. Candidates selected for interview will be invited to:
- meet course tutors
- find out more about the course
- have a one to one interview
There may be the opportunity to meet senior colleagues from partner schools during the interview day.
Career opportunities
Our English Secondary Teacher Training course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
We are proud of our strong track record of student employment following course completion, with many of our alumni progressing to roles such as classroom teachers, Heads of Departments, Senior Leaders, and SENDCos within partnership schools, as well as other schools, both nationally and internationally. Our comprehensive career services and support equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the teaching profession and beyond.