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Overview
If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can make a positive difference to other people's lives, teaching is a great choice – and on our PGCE courses, you'll gain you the skills and confidence you need to become an outstanding secondary school teacher.
On this course, you'll be supported by our tutors and school-based mentors as you learn to plan and deliver lessons with strong subject knowledge, confidence and imagination, while reflecting on what it means to teach. You can study full time over 1 year, or part time over 2.
We've got excellent links with many schools in the region – so when you finish your course, you'll graduate with excellent career prospects, and eligibility for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) too.
Recognised by:
This course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on recommendation to the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA).
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts UK, EU, and International students. The part-time course is available to International students who do not require a Student Route Visa.
PGCE Courses entry requirements (September 2024 start)
Qualifications or experience
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, ideally with approximately 50% Computer Science content or other relevant experience.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
English language requirements
- Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component less than 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
If in doubt about your qualifications or suitability for the course please contact the course leader for advice.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
Qualifications or experience
- An honours degree in a relevant subject, with approximately 50% English content and a classification of at least 2:2.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
English language requirements
- Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component less than 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
Qualifications or experience
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, with approximately 50% geographical content. A minimum of 2:1 is desirable although applicants with other qualifications or valuable experience will also be considered.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
English language requirements
- Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component less than 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
Qualifications or experience
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, with approximately 50% Mathematics content.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
English language requirements
- Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component less than 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
Qualifications or experience
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, with a minimum of 50% content in an appropriate modern foreign language. Alternatively, native speakers require excellent communication skills in English.
- A second language to A level (or equivalent standard) in French, German or Spanish. Applicants offering only one foreign language are able to complete a short intensive Enhancement Course in French in order to achieve sufficient competence to teach a second language accurately and confidently at secondary level to at least Key Stage 3.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
English language requirements
- Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component less than 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview. All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
Qualifications or experience
- A good honours degree or equivalent in a relevant subject, with approximately 50% science content. A minimum of 2:2 is desirable although applicants with other qualifications or valuable experience will also be considered.
- GCSE Mathematics and English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent.
English language requirements
- Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component less than 6.0.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Selection process
- All shortlisted applicants are subject to interview.
- All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.
If you're in doubt about your qualifications or suitability for the course please contact the relevant course leader for advice.
Equivalency qualifications in place of GCSEs
If you don't have a GCSE in Maths or English, you can still apply for this course. We accept equivalency qualifications in place of these GCSEs, which you can obtain from one of two providers - Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency.
These providers also offer discounts for PGCE offer holders. To find out more about equivalency qualifications for this PGCE, please email us.
What you'll experience
The PGCE has three interconnected strands – Curriculum Studies, Professional Studies and School Experience – so the skills and knowledge you pick up can be practised and built on with teaching experience. You'll hone your teaching skills in whichever of the following subject areas you choose:
- English
- Mathematics
- Geography
- Modern Foreign Languages
- Computer Science
- Science (with biology, physics or chemistry)
On this course, you'll:
- Develop your teaching skills through practical activity and the study of theories and contemporary issues in education
- Share your experience and learn from other students through lectures and seminars
- Learn key teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management, and special needs and inclusion
- Develop your subject-based knowledge
- Get work experience in a teaching placement, where you'll work closely with mentors and other school staff
- Study a range of topics including pedagogy and practice based research; lesson planning; behaviour management; assessment, and special education needs and inclusion
Other routes
We also offer a PGCE Further Education and Training degree course, if you want to teach in further education.
School Direct
You can also study this course under the School Direct model.
Careers and opportunities
Once you graduate, you'll be ready to start your teaching career. Over 90 per cent of Portsmouth PGCE graduates go into full-time teaching, and once you're an established teaching professional, you'll have opportunities for further career progression in roles including year head and subject leader.
Professional accreditations
Our PGCE degree course is an accredited qualification and once you graduate, you'll be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
QTS is awarded by the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) to identify that a person meets all the Teachers’ Standards and criteria. QTS is required in England to teach in a state school that is under local authority control and in special schools. QTS is also recognised in some countries outside England and Wales.
Modules
Core modules in this year include:
- Classroom Practice in Secondary Teaching – 30 credits
- Reflective Practice in Secondary Teaching – 30 credits
- The Development of The Professional Secondary Teacher – 30 credits
- The Professional Secondary Teacher – 30 credits
There are no optional modules in this year.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you're assessed
The assessments that you'll complete on this course are designed to ensure that you meet the Standards for Qualifying to Teach.
In each term you'll be assessed through:
- The development of your teaching skills
- A formal assignment
- An interview in which you'll demonstrate the evidence collected towards the standards including your subject knowledge
Throughout the course, you'll also collate a portfolio of evidence based on schoolwork, observations of teaching, tasks and assignments.
Work experience and career planning
We'll help you to identify placements, voluntary roles and opportunities that will complement your studies.
When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your teaching skills to work.
After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability service as you advance in your career.
Teaching
Teaching methods on this course include:
- work-based learning
- supervised teaching practice
- lectures
- group participation
- guided reading
You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a Web connection.
Teaching staff
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course:
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your PGCE, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to be on campus and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change. You should receive your full timetable several weeks before you start with us.
It is our expectation that all international students will join us here on campus in Portsmouth.
Our PGCE courses last 36 weeks, between September and June. One third of your time will be spent in University-based sessions, and you'll spend the rest of your time on the course working in at least two of our partner schools.
Most University-based teaching takes place during the day on Fridays, though during the first few weeks of the course you are on campus every day. Generally, Monday-Thursday is spent at your placement school.
Supporting you
You'll get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff when you need it. These include the following people and services:
Personal tutor and school-based mentors
Your personal tutor is usually your PGCE course leader. They give you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
You also get 2 school-based mentors when you’re on placement. Your professional mentor oversees your professional development and offer training and support on issues related to the Teachers’ Standards. Your subject mentor works with you day-to-day. They provide subject-specific feedback and support you with lesson planning and enhancing your knowledge of the subject you teach.
Occupational health support
You’ll get occupational health support for your physical, mental and social well-being when you’re on placement. If you need more specialist support, we can arrange a referral on your behalf to the Occupational Health Service.
Learning development tutors
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning development tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
Academic skills support
As well as support from faculty staff and your personal tutor, you can use the University’s Academic Skills Unit (ASK).
ASK provides one-to-one support in areas such as:
- academic writing
- note taking
- time management
- critical thinking
- presentation skills
- referencing
- working in groups
- revision, memory and exam techniques
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library support
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees (September 2024 start)
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time – £9,250
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
EU students
- Full-time – £9,250 a year
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
(figures include Transition Scholarship)
International students
- Full-time – £18,100
- Part-time – £9,050 per year
All fees subject to annual increase.
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time – £9,250
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
EU students
- Full-time – £9,250 a year
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
(figures include Transition Scholarship)
International students
- Full-time – £18,100
- Part-time – £9,050 per year
All fees subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time – £9,250
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
EU students
- Full-time – £9,250 a year
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
(figures include Transition Scholarship)
International students
- Full-time – £18,100
- Part-time – £9,050 per year
All fees subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time – £9,250
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
EU students
- Full-time – £9,250 a year
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
(figures include Transition Scholarship)
International students
- Full-time – £18,100
- Part-time – £9,050 per year
All fees subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time – £9,250
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
EU students
- Full-time – £9,250 a year
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
(figures include Transition Scholarship)
International students
- Full-time – £18,100
- Part-time – £9,050 per year
All fees subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students
- Full-time – £9,250
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
EU students
- Full-time – £9,250 a year
- Part-time – £4,625 per year
(figures include Transition Scholarship)
International students
- Full-time – £18,100
- Part-time – £9,050 per year
All fees subject to annual increase.
Tuition fees terms and conditions
Funding your studies
Find out more how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
If you're a UK student, you may be eligible for a Government postgraduate loan, which you can use to help with course fees and living costs.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees. So you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.
You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
There may be travel costs for optional internships/placements. These will vary depending on the nature of internship/placement and can range from £50 - £1000.
Apply
Please apply for a secondary PGCE course through the Department for Education. You'll need the DfE training code for your chosen subject:
| to apply for: | use code: |
|---|---|
| Computer Science | 1X99 |
| English | Q3X1 |
| Geography | F8X1 |
| Mathematics | G1X1 |
| Science with Biology | CX11 |
| Science with Chemistry | F2X1 |
| Science with Physics | F3X2 |
| Spanish and French | RX41 |
| French and Spanish | RXD1 |
| French and German | RX11 |
| French and Italian | RX31 |
| French and Mandarin | TX31 |
| German and French | RX21 |
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.