Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - History PGCE

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

• 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
• Ofsted (2024) said in their recent report 'Trainees are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences. Many trainees commented on how their personal tutors get to know them as individuals and genuinely care about their well-being'

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.

The following must be taken:

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.

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 or a Presessional English course.

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

If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September including additional online courses in the summer term.  Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.

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 have 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.

Course code: V1X1

Apply online through DfE Apply.

Please be informed that the final application deadline for all PGCE programmes is 31st July 2026. We encourage all prospective applicants to submit their applications by this date. Please note, however, that some programmes may close earlier if they reach their capacity before the 31st July. We advise applicants to apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

University of Birmingham Code of Practice on the Admission of Students

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 formal interview

There may be the opportunity to meet senior colleagues from partner schools during the interview day.

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.