PGCE Secondary

Entry requirements

You must hold and be able to provide certificated evidence of having an undergraduate degree conferred by a United Kingdom higher education institution or an equivalent qualification. Most successful applicants will have a 2:2 degree classification or better.

School observation before interview is not a requirement. Many applicants do find observation before interview can be very helpful, however. Candidates should note that school placements will be in local state secondary schools, so observational experience outside of this sector might not provide an adequate understanding of the rewards and challenges presented to teachers in this sector. Any observational experience – in either the state or independent sector – should provide an opportunity to gain insight into teaching, learning and reflection upon the professional responsibilities of teachers. Candidates are invited to contact subject tutors for advice by email if they have any uncertainties about the relevance of observation undertaken.

Relevant experience includes work with children or young people, or work developing your knowledge, skills and experience relevant to the subject you wish to teach. You may have continued to develop your expertise in computing or engineering, for example, since completing a first degree. The degree or graduate-equivalent qualification shown on your application should relate to the needs of the course and the secondary subject specialism applied for.

You must have at least a grade 4 (C) or above in both mathematics and English Language at GCSE, or approved equivalents. While applicants without one or both of these GCSEs (or approved equivalents) will be considered for interview, priority is given to those candidates who have already met this requirement. If you do not currently hold a GCSE grade 4 (C) or above in mathematics and English Language, please note that we accept the equivalency tests in both mathematics and English offered by Equivalency Testing. Please contact them directly via their website.

You must have a broad-based educational background and be able to read effectively and communicate clearly in standard English.

Your application will require details of two referees. If candidates have studied within the last 5 years, an academic reference must be provided. Ideally, candidates should choose someone who can comment on the candidate's character and suitability to enter the teaching profession. The other reference should be a school or employer's reference. Please be aware that if references are not appropriate this may delay the processing of your application.

You must ask referees to include a statement in the reference which asks if they have any knowledge as to whether or not you are suitable to work with children. If they know of no reason why you should not be working with children please ask them to write ‘I know of no reason why [insert name] cannot work with children.’

Legal requirements: All places on the PGCE are subject to satisfactory health and criminal convictions assessments. Applicants will be required to complete an enhanced Criminal Records Bureau Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and obtain a registration number from the Independent Safeguarding Authority. The University of Roehampton is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expects all staff, students and trainees to share this commitment.

Months of entry

September

Course content

“Good” awarded by Ofsted for Initial Teacher Training (ITE) secondary age courses – The University of Roehampton London has secured a “Good” rating from Ofsted for its initial teaching education (ITE) secondary age courses. The University's secondary-age phase courses, that currently have 152 trainees, scored "Good" for overall effectiveness, quality of education and training, leadership, and management in a 2023 report.

Do you want to inspire young people and help change lives? Would you like a great starting salary and a rewarding career? Teaching offers all of this. Being able to educate and inspire future generations, seeing young people grow and develop with your help is unlike any other job.

As one of the UK’s leading and longest-running providers of teacher education, we can offer you the best foundation for a successful career in the profession. Completion of this Postgraduate Certificate in Education will provide you with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from one of the highest rated providers in the country.

If you study PGCE Secondary at Roehampton you will be taught by a supportive, passionate and driven team of academic staff. Our experienced team strive to ensure you receive the best training and will encourage you to become a confident and successful teacher. Your placement will be confirmed before the start of term, and your mentors in schools are also trained to ensure you achieve your full potential. In addition to our academic staff, we also have a range of support departments to help you with everything from dealing with money matters, to support with your studies. Your course will provide you with a holistic view of the profession; you will look at the child, the curriculum and teacher.

You will undertake two blocks of school experience. The foundation placement for 6 weeks in one school in the autumn term, then in the summer term a 12-week development and consolidation placement in a contrasting school.

Roehampton offers a wide range of curriculum subject specialisms:

Art and Design

Business Management and Economics

Computing

Dance

Design and Technology (specialising in Food, Materials, Textiles or Electronic and Communications Technology)

Drama

English

Geography

History

Mathematics

Modern Foreign Languages

Music

Physical Education

Psychology

Religious Education

Science (Biology with Science, Chemistry with Science, Physics with Science)

Social Sciences

In addition to your subject modules, you will also take Professional Studies modules, which will hone your expertise and effectiveness as a teacher. You will learn how to manage a classroom, how planning and preparation contribute to the effectiveness of your teaching, how best to work with parents and other adults, and gain an understanding of children’s behaviour.

Many of our subject rooms are set up to resemble classrooms, ensuring that from your first day at university you will be in a school environment. This is important for your full immersion into the school environment and familiarity with the way classrooms are structured, and the type of resources teachers need on a daily basis.

All our academic staff have extensive teaching experience in schools, and many have served in local authorities or subject associations as advisory teachers, as Ofsted inspectors or as consultants. This means that our programmes are based on the reality of the classroom and the education system. Many work at the cutting edge of research in teacher education, which has a positive impact on the quality of provision for all of our students.

Information for international students

International students | University of Roehampton, London

Fees and funding

Financial support – postgraduate students (UK) | University of Roehampton, London