• Course content
• Entry requirements
• Additional information

Course content

The course is 36 weeks long of which 24 weeks are spent on placement in a partnership school. There are five phases: Preparation (university and some school-based activities); School Placement 1 (seven week placement in school); Development (university and one week in your second school); School Placement 2 (12 week block placement and some university days); Completion (two further weeks in second school and two weeks in university).

Our teaching sessions will be interactive, encouraging your reflection and analysis. You will learn how to frame appropriate learning objectives which meet National Curriculum and Framework requirements for Key Stages 3 and 4 and how to plan lessons which engage and motivate pupils.

All key areas of teaching English will be covered, including writing, reading, speaking and listening, grammar, media, drama, assessment and post 16. During your two school placements and serial practice you will apply what you have learned and continue your learning through observing experienced teachers, team teaching with peers and teachers, and supported solo teaching with your own classes.

As the course progresses you will develop increasing confidence and expertise in selecting from a repertoire of learning activities, supported by appropriate use of resources and technology, those which will maximise the learning outcomes for pupils.

Assessment

All students have to complete six modules, five of which require a written assignment. In addition all students complete two teaching placements and have to pass the TDA Standards for the Award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Progression

As postgraduate programmes, PGCE courses at this university are assessed at Masters level. On successful completion of the PGCE course you will be awarded 120 credits. For those students who successfully complete their induction year there is an opportunity to transfer credits to the MEd course which is awarded on completion of a 60 credit dissertation. (Transfer is subject to a satisfactory reference from your PGCE tutor and induction tutor).

The Birmingham University English PGCE course is highly regarded across Birmingham and the West Midlands. We have an excellent record of students gaining jobs at the end of the course. Many of our ex- PGCE students have gone on to become Heads of Departments, Senior Managers or advisers.

Entry requirements

All applicants to the Secondary PGCE course must hold a degree or equivalent qualification in the area they wish to teach. In addition to this you will be required to have a grade C in GCSE mathematics and English, or equivalent. DfES require us to check original certificates; you therefore cannot start a PGCE course unless you already hold these qualifications.

At least half your degree should be in English. Graduates with degrees in subjects such as Media, Drama, Journalism are also invited to apply. If you have no English in your degree, you will first need to complete at least two Open University modules in each of English Language and Literature.

Additional information

When to apply

Applications, via the GTTR (see How to Apply link on the left), can be made from 1st October for the following September start. There is one intake per year.

Application is recommended by the end of January as later applicants may find the course is full.