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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary (11-16 or 11-18) (2022 Entry)

About this taught graduate course

Course overview

Our Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education focuses on the 11-18 age range (University-led) or 11-16 age range (School Direct). Our course will develop you into a highly effective teacher, equipped with the skills and knowledge to become a successful school leader.

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

In partnership with regional schools, we will equip you with the skills needed to forge a strong personal and professional identity, which you will continue to develop throughout your career. The Warwick Teacher Values, based on social justice, 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
  • Physical Education with EBacc
  • Physics^
  • Religious Education^

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

You may also wish to consider our School Direct routes. Please visit the Centre for Teacher Education website to find out more.

The Warwick Teacher Values, based on social justice, curiosity and creativity run through all our programmes.


General entry requirements

Minimum requirements

2:ii undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline (please see the subjects listed in the 'Modules' tab).

At least Grade C in GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science (or equivalent). Please note, the new Grade 4 is considered equivalent to the old Grade C within the new grading system from 2017 onwards.

Apply through DfE Apply for postgraduate teacher training programmes.


English language requirements

You can find out more about our English language requirements. 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 page.


Additional requirements

There are no additional requirements for this course.

Core modules

Subject Studies

This module is taught by a subject specialist and focuses on the theory, method and practice of teaching your own subject.

Professional Enquiry

This module aims to add depth and breadth to your professional development by supplementing the practical, school-based components of your training, by developing you as an effective reflective practitioner who is able to engage critically with both academic research and your own practice.

Professional Practice

This module contains both taught content and school placements, focusing on the Teachers’ Standards which range from behaviour management and lesson planning to personal and professional conduct.


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.


Assessment

You will be assessed through written Masters’ 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.


Reading lists

Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.


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 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 for co-ordinating an area of the curriculum or leading a Key Stage, 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 a newly-qualified 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.


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.

Taught course fees  Research 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, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. 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
  • Robe hire for your degree ceremony

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.

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

Taught course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.

Research course applications

Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.

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.

Postgraduate Open Day

Our Postgraduate Virtual Open Day will help you find out more about your course of interest, as well as general topics like applying to Warwick, accommodation, careers and funding.
Please register your interest to be the first to hear when booking opens.

Postgraduate fairs

Throughout the year we attend exhibitions and fairs online and in the UK. These events give you the chance to learn about our Master's and PhD study routes, and the wider context of postgraduate study.

Find out more

Live chats

Every week, you can connect directly with representatives from Warwick, who will be answering your questions on applying to and studying postgraduate studies at Warwick.

Sign up for Live Chats

Departmental events

Some academic departments hold events for specific postgraduate programmes, these are fantastic opportunities to learn more about Warwick and your chosen department and course.

See our online departmental events

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