PGCE Art and Design

Entry requirements

Applicants must satisfy the University's general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus. The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. Specific minimum requirements are detailed below: a. GCSE passes at Grade C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this professional course as GTCNI, does not recognise them as equivalent). b. At least a 2:2 Honours (or above) degree directly related to the Art and Design. Alternatively, applicants may possess a Master's degree that is linked to Art and Design. In the case of a combined Honours degree, at least 50% of the degree shall be in the specialist subject. c. Two acceptable references must be supplied - one academic and one character. d. Medical certificate of satisfactory health.e. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI procedures to ensure that they do not have a criminal record and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education regulations. f. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. Applicants will also be expected to complete a set piece of formal writing as part of the selection process. This is a timed piece and is required as part of the interview/selection process. g. Applicants should comply with the DE Circular requirements as outlined in the hyperlink below; DE Circular requirements. h. Demonstrate evidence of knowledge and interest in working with young people of post primary age. This must be evidenced in the application form. An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria. Applicants who are deemed suitable may be placed on a waiting list and offered a place if another applicant declines his/her place.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The post primary PGCE is a one year, full-time programme that prepares students for a career in teaching.

The closing date for applications is the 8th of January 2025.

The aim of a PGCE is to prepare you to become a competent teacher. In order to ensure a close link between theory and practice, the courses include both university and school-based work throughout the year.

The university components are taught through a combination of:

• Lectures

• Tutorials: group or individually designed to advise in the preparation for school experience, curriculum projects and/or school-based investigations

• Practicals: involving simulations, role play, practical activities and school experience
• Workshops: designed primarily to allow students to examine the relationship between theoretical perspectives introduced in lectures and their main subject specialism.

Successful completion qualifies you to seek registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. If you hope to teach in other jurisdictions you will need to contact the relevant authorities to determine their requirements for recognised teacher status. The PGCE is an internationally recognised programme for initial teacher education leading directly to a career in teaching. The Post Primary PGCE is for those who wish to teach the 11-19 age range.

Information for international students

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.