Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - History PGCE
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember 2025Duration36 weeks
- AwardPostgraduate Certificate in Education
- Entry requirements2:2 Honours Degree in a relevant subject
- Fees£9,250 (full-time)
Page contents
Course overview
Start your teaching journey with our specialist programme. Develop your love of teaching and learning History to inspire children and young people from 11-18, through close partnership with our school network.
Our History PGCE (QTS) programme is designed to develop your understanding of what teaching History is and what teaching History 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 will 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 will have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Master’s in Teaching Studies.
Course Structure
The PGCE (QTS) 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 History 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 History tutor to become an engaging, 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
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 |
---|---|---|
LH Teaching Experience 1 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
LH Teaching Experience 2 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Intensive Teaching and Practice 1 and 2 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM Intensive Teaching and Practice 3 and 4 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Secondary School Studies 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM 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) relevant to the subject taught. At least 50% of your degree will need to be in History or a closely related subject, for example: Politics, International Relations, Archaeology, Economics, American and Canadian Studies, and Art History. In all cases we will be looking at the relevance of your degree, other qualifications and experiences related to your proposed teaching subject in assessing academic suitability.
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
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £9,250
Full-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
Course code: V1X1
The interview process
Selection is rigorous and designed to identify candidates with the strongest aptitude. Candidates selected for interview will be invited to:
- meet course tutors
- find out more about the course
- have a one to one interview
- show GCSE and Degree certificates (where these are available).
We work closely with partner schools to select candidates and applicants will often have the opportunity to meet senior colleagues from partner schools when they join us for interview day.
Career opportunities
Our History 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.