Entry requirements

You will need to have a good degree (normally a 2:2 or above) in a relevant subject from a UK higher education institution or equivalent.

You must have a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent) in both English language and mathematics prior to enrolment and if you are offered an interview you will take a written test to assess your standard of English.

If you do not already have GCSEs in English language and mathematics, or their equivalent, and are not registered to take them, you should visit Equivalency Testing. It should be noted that applicants taking the equivalency tests need to have passed prior to enrolment.

The selection interview will assess your subject knowledge and personal qualities such as the potential to relate well to secondary age students, enthusiasm, sensitivity, communication skills and robustness and resilience for teaching.

You will also take a written test to assess your standard of English.

Successful candidates must meet Department for Education requirements for Initial Teacher Training prior to enrolling on this course. This includes obtaining a satisfactory occupational health check and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, as well as prohibition and children’s barred list checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Are you passionate about introducing the exciting world of learning through drama - in all its forms - to children and young people? This Secondary Drama PGCE will give you the strong grounding you need to make a contribution to this essential aspect of education.

This is a great career which gives you have the chance to encourage young people to follow their dreams, explore, challenge and understand the world in which they live, and develop their appreciation of the dramatic form.

The ability to tell a story powerfully through actions as well as words is important, and you’ll learn how to inspire and encourage your pupils to express themselves in this way. As a teacher you will offer your pupils a wide range of experiences using a variety of techniques in many different forms of drama, helping them to become more self-confident.

This course has strong links with local theatre companies such as the internationally-renowned Big Brum Theatre in Education Company. You will have the opportunity to collaborate with Big Brum to create enriching drama education.

Information for international students

A minimum IELTS score of 7.0 is required with no individual component less than 6.5. Candidates who have undertaken IELTS will also need to successfully pass our GCSE English equivalency test.

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.

Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.

Fees and funding

UK students

Visit BCU website for details

International students

Visit BCU website for details

Although this is a postgraduate course, current PGCE students are eligible for the finance support package available to full-time undergraduates.

Bursaries are available for trainees on eligible postgraduate courses in England who are not employed as a teacher. Bursaries are dependent on your degree classification.

Learn more about postgraduate fees and funding

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

PGCE(QTS)
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

This is a professional teacher training course that leads to Qualified Teacher Status. It is available at both Level 6 (H) and Level 7 (M).

Course contact details

Name: Pre-entry Enquiries Team
Email: courseenquiries@bcu.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Visit website

Secondary Drama - PGCE