PGCE Geography

Entry requirements

English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or equivalent). b. An Honours normally in the specialist subject (Art and Design, English with Drama and Media Studies, Geography, History, Home Economics, Music Education, Physical Education, Technology and Design) in an appropriate NI curriculum subject. In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject. (N.B. The normal minimum offer standard is a 2:2 Honours). c. Applicants for PGCE Physical Education should provide evidence of having worked with children and young people in a school setting for at least one year. d. All applicants need to provide evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age. Applicants for the post-primary pathway also require: a. Two supportive references. b. Medical certificate of satisfactory health. c. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children. d. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and use of English and general quality of presentation. e. Evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age normally in a formal/informal education setting. f. Applicants appearing to fulfil the above requirements will be shortlisted. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, enhanced criteria (e.g. degree classification) will then be applied and candidates fulfilling these criteria will be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the course. g. An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria. h. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will be placed on a waiting list and offered a place if another applicant declines his/her place.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The closing date for applications is 8th January 2025. Applications received after the closing date may be considered at the selection panel’s discretion.
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.