Key information
- Duration:
- 10 months full time, 20 months part time
- Start date:
- September 2019
- Apply by:
- 1 August 2019 (International), 1 September 2019 (UK/EU)
This course prepares you to successfully start your career as a new teacher – you’ll benefit from our excellent record in employment. You’ll learn to teach in schools in East or West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, Surrey, Hampshire or Kent.
School-led teacher education is provided by experienced mentors and professional tutors, and is supported by University tutors throughout the year.
We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide the course as set out here. For the school-experience component of the PGCE, we’ll aim to find you a placement within 50 miles of the University or your home. If we can’t secure enough placements, we may have to withdraw an offer of a place on the course.
Why choose this course?
- We develop our trainees’ skills as reflective practitioners using an innovative range of assessment modes that enable individuals to succeed.
- We train teachers who demonstrate a strong core philosophy about effective children’s learning, and who are critically challenging and questioning.
- Our employability records surpass national benchmarks: 100% of Primary trainees have found jobs year-on-year, and 100% have stayed in their roles over the last four years. All Secondary PGCE subjects exceed national expectations.
Entry requirements
Degree requirements | You should normally have a lower second-class (2.2) undergraduate honours degree or above. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please select your country from the list.
Argentina
Degree requirements | Licenciado/Titulo with a final mark of at least 6.0-7.0 depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Australia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with second-class lower division. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Azerbaijan
Degree requirements | Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81% |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bahrain
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA 2.5/4.0 (Grade C+). |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Bangladesh
Degree requirements | Masters degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brazil
Degree requirements | Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a final mark of at least 7. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Brunei
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second class lower division or GPA 2.7/4.0. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Canada
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 (grade B). |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Chile
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a final mark of 4.5-5.0/7 depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
China
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 62%-80% depending on your university. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Colombia
Degree requirements | Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad’ and a GPA of 3.0. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Cyprus
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a final mark of at least 6.5. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ecuador
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 15/20. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Egypt
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from a university with an overall grade of at least 70% |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
France
Degree requirements | Licence with mention assez bien or Maîtrise with final mark of at least 12. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Germany
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a final mark of 2.7 or better. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Ghana
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from a public university with second-class lower division. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Greece
Degree requirements | Ptychion from an AEI with a final mark of at least 6.5. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Hong Kong
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class lower division. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
India
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 50-65% depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Indonesia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with GPA 2.8/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with GPA 3.0/4.0. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Iran
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a final mark of at least 14. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Italy
Degree requirements | Diploma di Laurea with an overall mark of at least 101. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Japan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Jordan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or 75%. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kazakhstan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with an overall mark of 3.75 or better (on a scale of 1-5)/GPA 2,67. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kenya
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class lower division. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Kuwait
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or B. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Lebanon
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 13/20. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malawi
Degree requirements | Masters degree, depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Malaysia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.7/4.0 |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Mexico
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 7/10. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nepal
Degree requirements | Masters degree with overall mark of 70% |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Nigeria
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with second-class lower division or CGPA of at least 2.5-3.0/5.0 depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Norway
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with an overall grade of C. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Oman
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Pakistan
Degree requirements | Four-year bachelors degree with overall grade of 65% or Masters with 55% |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Palestine
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with at least 70% or GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Paraguay
Degree requirements | Bachelors with a final mark of at least 7/10. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Peru
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 12/20 from a public university or 14/20 from a private university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Philippines
Degree requirements | Masters degree with 1.75/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.5/4.0 |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Qatar
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with an overall CPGA of at least 2.8 (on a scale of 4). |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Russia
Degree requirements | Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Saudi Arabia
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a CGPA 3.0/5.0 or 2.8/4.0. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Singapore
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class lower division or CAP 3.5. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Africa
Degree requirements | Bachelors (honours) degree with second-class division 2. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
South Korea
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with a CGPA of at least 3.0/4.5 or 2.8/4.3 or B. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Spain
Degree requirements | Licenciado with a final mark of at least 2/4 or 6/10. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Sri Lanka
Degree requirements | Bachelors Special degree with lower second honours. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Switzerland
Degree requirements | Licence or Diplôme with 4.5/6 or 7/10. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Taiwan
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with overall mark of at least 65%-75% depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Thailand
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.5 -2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Turkey
Degree requirements | Lisans Diplomasi with CGPA of at least 2.6 - 2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
United Arab Emirates
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or equivalent. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
USA
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Vietnam
Degree requirements | Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or 7.0/10. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zambia
Degree requirements | Masters degree with GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
Zimbabwe
Degree requirements | Bachelors (Honours) degree with second-class lower division. |
---|---|
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
Please note | Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis. |
My country is not listed
If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us
Subject-specific requirements | You will need:
|
---|
English language requirements
IELTS (Academic)
Higher level (7.0 overall, including at least 6.5 in each component).
Check your IELTS qualification meets all of our entry requirements and find out more about IELTS
Alternative English language qualifications
Proficiency tests
Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)
For tests taken before January 2015: grade B or above.
For tests taken after January 2015: 185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill
We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Advanced
Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)
For tests taken before January 2015: grade C or above.
For tests taken after January 2015: 185 overall, including at least 176 in each skill.
We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.
You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Cambridge English: Proficiency
Pearson (PTE Academic)
67 overall, including at least 62 in all four skills.
PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about Pearson (PTE Academic)
TOEFL (iBT)
95 overall, including at least 22 in Listening, 23 in Reading, 23 in Speaking, 24 in Writing.
TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Find out more about TOEFL (iBT)
The TOEFL Institution Code for the University of Sussex is 9166.
English language qualifications
AS/A-level (GCE)
Grade C or above in English Language.
Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.
GCE O-level
Grade C or above in English.
Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.
GCSE or IGCSE
Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).
Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.
German Abitur
A score of 12 or above in English.
Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate
If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.
If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language
Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)
Level 5, including at least 4 in each component in English Language.
Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)
The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:
Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 80%
Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 80%
International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)
English A or English B at grade 5 or above.
Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education
Grades A - C in English language
Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level
If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.
If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.
The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).
West African Senior School Certificate
Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).
Country exceptions
Select to see the list of exempt English-speaking countries
If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.
You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.
Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s Home Office, not by the University of Sussex.
List of exempt countries:
- Antigua and Barbuda
- Australia
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Canada**
- Dominica
- Grenada
- Guyana
- Ireland
- Jamaica
- New Zealand
- St Kitts and Nevis
- St Lucia
- St Vincent and the Grenadines
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United Kingdom
- USA
** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.
English language support
If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course
Visas and immigration
Find out how to apply for a student visa
Admissions information for applicants
Disclosure and Barring Service Enhanced check | Yes. All candidates offered a place on the course will be required to satisfactorily complete an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (formerly known as a CRB check), including a check of all cautions and warnings as well as convictions, before their place on the course is confirmed. Note that the University will pay the costs of this check directly on your behalf. |
---|---|
How to apply | You must apply through UCAS Teacher Training. You must provide a written reference on your application form. If you finished your studies in the last five years, your principal referee should be a tutor or lecturer who can comment on your academic achievements and your personal qualities. If you finished your studies more than five years ago, your principal referee should be a responsible person, such as your employer. No candidate will be offered a place without being interviewed. We are unable to reimburse travel and other expenses incurred when attending an interview. |
Interviews by Skype or at the University | Yes |
Mental and physical fitness to teach assessment | Yes. All trainees must be screened for mental and physical fitness to teach by the Occupational Health Department at the University. Note that the University will pay the costs of these checks directly on your behalf. |
Personal statement | Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. |
Professional skills test in numeracy and literacy | You must pass the UK Department for Education professional skills test in numeracy and literacy. Tests can only be taken at test centres in the UK, France, Germany and Spain. Find out more about professional skills tests. You must provide evidence of these qualifications at interview. |
If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us
Application deadlines
1 August 2019 (International), 1 September 2019 (UK/EU)
Course details
How will I study?
All teachers are prepared to meet a set of national professional standards, recognised by the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
In preparation for QTS, teachers prepare critical reflections of achievement, charting progress over the academic year. It includes evidence of lesson observations, engagement with professional development, and self-designed teaching and learning materials.
The main elements of the PGCE course are:
- Professional Knowledge for Schools
- Curriculum Studies
- Professional Practice.
At all stages, assessment is shared between school-based professionals and University tutors.
Modules
Core modules
Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.
Please note
Certificate and Diploma programs at the University of Sussex are not eligible for USA federal Direct Loans. Find out more about American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid
Life as a Masters student
Education at Sussex is a hands-on learning experience.

An International Education and Development seminar on campus.

Students attend an International Education and Development seminar at Sussex.

An education lecture at Sussex.

Department of Education students have many opportunities to put their learning into practice in a classroom setting.

An International Education and Development seminar at Sussex.

Our experts

Mrs Irene Dallaway Gonzalez
Teaching Fellow (Mathematics Education)

Mr Duncan Mackrill
Senior Teaching Fellow in Education
Research interests
Education, Initial Teacher Education, Music Education, Music Technology, Spirituality and Music, Tablets in education, Technology Enhanced Learning

Dr Robert Rosenthal
Senior Teaching Fellow in Education
Research interests
Education
Course enquiries
+44 (0)1273 678447
eswadmissions@sussex.ac.uk
Find out about the Department of Education and your Secondary PGCE course
Fees and scholarships
How much does it cost?
Fees
- UK/EU students:
- £9,250 per year
- Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:
- £9,250 per year
- International students:
- £15,100 per year
Note that your fees, once they’re set, may be subject to an increase on an annual basis - see details on our tuition fees page.
Additional costs
All costs are best estimates based on current market values. We review estimates every year and they may vary with inflation. Find out tips for budgeting as a student
DBS and health checks
The University subsidises the mandatory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and health checks, with no cost to the student.
Travel to and from placements
This course has mandatory placements. Students receiving Department of Education bursaries pay for their own travel. Travel costs are subsidised for students without access to bursaries.
Living costs
Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex
How can I fund my course?
Scholarships
Our aim is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to despite financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique individuals.
Sports Scholarships Scheme (Postgraduate)
These scholarships are available to Masters students who have demonstrated sporting excellence prior to joining the University of Sussex
How Masters scholarships make studying more affordable
Working while you study
Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work
Careers
On graduation, you’ll have the skills and expertise to successfully start as a new teacher. We offer a support package to newly qualified teachers during their first year of teaching.
In addition, successful candidates can transfer up to 90 Masters-level credits on to the MA in Education.
Graduate destinations
100% of students from the Department of Education were in work or further study six months after graduating. Recent School of Education and Social Work graduates have gone on to jobs including:
- science teacher, Howard Of Effingham
- science teacher, East Sussex County Council
- science teacher, St Catherine's College.
(HESA EPI, Destinations of Post Graduate Leavers of Higher Education 2017 survey)
Professional Practice 1
- 15 credits
- Autumn & Spring Teaching, Year 1
In this course, you will be given the opportunity to develop and apply your knowledge and understanding in a phase/subject specialism in a school and classroom context. This is a current statutory requirement for Initial Teacher Training (TDA, 2007). You will be working towards the standards for Qualified Teacher Status in your professional practice.
The course will include the following: an induction week programme, providing an introduction to school policies and procedures; opportunities to observe experienced practitioners in your specialist subject/phase; one hour of dedicated mentor time per week, focusing on subject knowledge and pedagogy; regular professional studies seminars organised by the school's professional tutor; phased introduction to teaching, including a negotiated timetable of classes across KS two, three, four and Post 16 (where appropriate), amounting to a total of 12 hours (eight hours classroom teaching and four hours other professional duties); one formal observation once a week by the mentor or designated other teacher in the department, with written and oral feedback; where required, one observation by the school's professional tutor, with written and oral feedback; one or two observations by the university curriculum tutor, with written and oral feedback; access to school resources, including ICT; opportunities to take part in wider school life, eg trips, clubs, tutor groups, parents' evenings; time to reflect critically on this experience, plan lessons and prepare resources.
Reflecting on Professional Knowledge
- 30 credits
- Autumn & Spring Teaching, Year 1
In this year long module you will focus on developing and auditing your professional knowledge and reflecting critically upon how this has emerged from academic study, your own classroom experiences and investigations, and your work with other professional practitioners.
Central to this process will be your ability to organise and verbally articulate the evidence you need to demonstrate QTS, understand how scholarship and research has informed your development and identify ongoing targets for professional development.
A key target of yours will be reflection upon your own understanding in your curriculum area.
This will require regular audits of subject knowledge and the identification of strengths and needs. Gaps in subject knowledge will become a focus for personal research, and the presentation of new curriculum knowledge will be a key requirement as will an understanding of the frameworks in which that knowledge is organised and delivered as part of the school curriculum (National Curriculum, GCSE & A-Level specifications, etc.) and the associated modes of assessment for learning.
You will also be introduced to current developments, initiatives and professional issues in education, and critically reflect upon the intersection between theoretical positions, your own classroom practice and observations, and the guidance offered by experienced professionals.
Such professional studies are likely to include the following (amongst others):
- classroom and behaviour management
- new technologies in education
- child protection
- diversity in education
- assessment for learning
- special educational needs (SEN)
- child development
- citizenship in the curriculum
- how children learn: personal, social and health education
- role of parents and carers
- equal opportunities
- prevention strategy
- cross-curricular issues
- literacy and numeracy across the curriculum
- English as an Additional Language
Professional knowledge will be developed within the context of current research, reviews, primary sources, and other source materials and teaching in specialist subjects, as well as recent inspection findings and government reports.
Assessment is through the presentation of a portfolio to two assessors in the form of a professional dialogue viva.