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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary (11-16 or 11-18) (2024 Entry)

This image shows a female PGCE student in a class

Explore our Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education (PGCE).

The Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a high-quality programme founded on the Warwick Teacher Values of Social Justice, Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity. Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education has strong partnerships with schools across the region. With us you will become an effective and confident teacher and make a real difference to young people’s futures.

The course is fully accredited by the DfE and the ambitious curriculum both encompasses and goes beyond the ITT Core Content Framework.

*Course codes differ by subject, please visit the Centre for Teacher Education websiteLink opens in a new windowLink opens in a new window for more information.


Course overview

Our Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education focuses on the 11-18 age range. Our course will develop you into a highly effective teacher, equipped with the values, skills and knowledge to become a successful school leader.

Our courses offer the best of both immersive, school-based training and regular teaching input from experts with subject specialist teaching experience. In addition, you can access the support and learning facilities of a world-class university.

On the course you will develop a secure subject knowledge base, and the ability to plan and teach in your subject so that all pupils learn and make good progress. You will learn how to assess and evaluate learning and develop your teaching to ensure progress for all pupils. You will also learn about the needs of pupils and how to adapt your teaching to strengthen inclusion in your teaching.

In partnership with regional schools, we will ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed to forge a strong personal and professional identity, which you will continue to develop throughout your career. The Warwick Teacher Values, of Social Justice, Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity run through all our programmes.

The secondary programme is offered across the following subjects:

  • Art and Design
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Drama
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Maths
  • MFL
  • Music
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Religious Education
  • Business Studies and Economics
  • Social Sciences (Psychology and Sociology)
  • Design Technology

Please visit the Centre for Teacher Education websiteLink opens in a new window to find out more.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.

At least Grade C or 4 in GCSE English Language and Mathematics (or equivalent).

Apply through DfE Apply for postgraduate teacher training programmes.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirementsLink opens in a new window. This course requires the following:

  • Band B
  • IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

International qualifications

We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.

For more information, please visit the international entry requirements pageLink opens in a new window.


Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Core modules

Subject Studies

This module is taught by a subject specialist in your field and focuses on the evidence base, subject knowledge and practice of teaching your specialist subject.

Professional Enquiry

This module uses case-based learning approaches to understand the more complex needs of some groups of learners and how you might adapt your teaching to meet their needs. The module includes input from specialist teachers and will help you develop teaching that is effective and inclusive of all learners.

Professional Practice

This module connects both the taught curriculum and school placements, focusing on how you are embedding new knowledge and robust evidence into your own teaching in a school placement.


Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this course.


Teaching

Regular tutorials and a flexible seminar programme ensure that you are treated as an individual from the outset and are supported to progress according to your ability, taking account of your professional and personal development needs. Teaching is mainly through small group workshop sessions that provide time to explore how your own teaching is informed by what you learn on the course.


Assessment

You will be assessed through written Master's level assignments, which are aimed at assessing your professional and subject specific learning. You will also be assessed on whether you meet the Teachers’ Standards at a level appropriate for a newly qualified teacher.


Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you when you join us.

Your career

Upon completing one of our courses, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and will gain up to 90 credits at Master’s level. This allows you to fast-track to stage two of CTE’s Master’s degree, quickly progressing your professional development.

Career progression may be through taking responsibility subject leadership or pastoral responsibility such as Head of a year group, with next steps being a senior management role.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Applications and Interviews for Teaching Jobs
  • Preparing for Teaching Job Interviews
  • Writing a Personal Statement for Teaching Jobs
  • Careers Drop In (for applications and interview support)

Centre for Teacher Education (CTE)

Our vision and ambition for the Centre for Teacher Education (CTE) derives from a commitment to continue the long history of Teacher Education at the University of Warwick where generations of new teachers gain employment in our partner schools to improve the life chances of the children they teach. Our programmes are underpinned by our core values of social justice, intellectual curiosity and creativity.

Our commitment is to ensure we support and develop you as an Early Career Teacher and engage you as part of our alumni community. CTE’s Master's in Professional Education is aimed at practising teachers and school leaders and is designed to ensure the content aligns with an individual’s educational research interest. You will focus your research on an area of your own choice to ensure your studies and learning has real value and impact within your school context.

We pride ourselves on making a difference to our students. We place high-quality teaching and student support at the heart of what we do and recognise that our success is built on the strength of our partnership with our students and schools. Teaching is our top priority and our commitment to our students is paramount.

Learn more about us from our website.Link opens in a new window


Our Postgraduate Taught courses

Tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.

For more information on tuition fees please visit our Centre for Teacher Education webpagesLink opens in a new window.

Find your taught course fees  


Fee Status Guidance

The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support. 

If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed. 

The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.


Additional course costs

Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:

  • Core text books
  • Printer credits
  • Dissertation binding

Scholarships and bursaries

Scholarships and financial support

Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.

Living costs

Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.


For more information on financial support for teacher training please visit our Centre for Teacher Education webpagesLink opens in a new window.

Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.

How to apply

For more information on how to apply please visit our Centre for Teacher Education webpagesLink opens in a new window.

How to apply for a postgraduate taught course  

After you’ve applied

Find out how we process your application.

Applicant Portal

Track your application and update your details.

Admissions statement

See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.

Join a live chat

Ask questions and engage with Warwick.

Warwick Hosted EventsLink opens in a new window

Our hosted events run throughout the year, with a mixture of virtual and in-person sessions. These events are a great way to learn more about our courses and departments, chat to current students and staff, and find out more information about accommodation, careers, and how to apply.

Postgraduate Fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in-person around the UK. These events give you the chance to explore our range of postgraduate courses, and find out what it’s like studying at Warwick. You’ll also be able to speak directly with our student recruitment team, who will be able to help answer your questions.

Live chats

Join a live chat with our staff and students, who are here to answer your questions and help you learn more about postgraduate life at Warwick. You can join our general drop-in sessions or talk to your prospective department and student services.

Warwick Talk and Tours

A Warwick talk and tour lasts around two hours and consists of an overview presentation from one of our Recruitment Officers covering the key features, facilities and activities that make Warwick a leading institution. The talk is followed by a campus tour which is the perfect way to view campus, with a current student guiding you around the key areas on campus.