Exploring Teaching in Schools (X5900E)

15 credits, Level 5

Spring teaching

Are you interested in becoming a teacher? Have you ever wondered if you have the potential to work with young people in schools? On this module, you’ll receive a structured and supportive introduction.

You’ll explore policy, theory and practice in education, gaining an understanding of the teacher’s role, including:

• the professional standards required for Qualified Teacher Status
• issues around child wellbeing and safeguarding
• professional values
• observing and working with teachers and other school professionals.

This with help you understand the challenges and rewards of working in schools. You’ll explore career pathways – including the University of Sussex’s PGCE programme – and develop the skills for your future.

Beforehand, you’ll need to pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). During, you’ll complete a school placement, supported by workshops.

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 150 hours of work. This breaks down into about 58 hours of contact time and about 92 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.