Entry requirements

You must have a good degree (normally a 2:2 or above) in a relevant subject from a UK higher education institution or equivalent. Applicants may be required to take a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course prior to starting the PGCE course

You must also have a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above (or equivalent) in both English language and mathematics prior to enrolment.

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. We also offer our own in-house equivalency tests.

If you are successful at interview and need to pass an equivalency test to meet the entry requirements, our Admissions team will refer you to the details of our test. 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

If this is a subject you’re knowledgeable and passionate about then our PGCE Secondary Religious Education course could open the door to a great career.

By teaching Religious Education in the 21st Century you’ll draw together the history and teaching of world religions and the use and evaluation of philosophical, theological and ethical frameworks, while supporting pupils in their response to social and world issues.

You’ll gain an in-depth knowledge of teaching and learning, which will provide you with the tools to become an excellent teacher able to teach a rich and diverse curriculum.

You’ll engage in education, pedagogy and professional studies sessions and curriculum workshops. These will take place both at the University and in school settings, and will develop your expertise in generic educational and professional issues, and subject-specific teaching theory.

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.

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

Course contact details

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

Phone: +44 (0)121 331 6295

Visit website

Secondary Religious Education - PGCE