Secondary PGCE (11-19) (Provider-led School-based) with QTS
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you will be able to impact some of the most crucial years of a child's development? Our PGCE Secondary (school based) course is for you.
The University of Greenwich has a long and established history of providing Initial Teacher Education programmes. This school-based programme is designed to prepare Beginning Teachers for work in schools and colleges and ensure that they are equipped to stay in the profession. We work collaboratively with expert colleagues from across our community of practice (including school leaders) to design an innovative and ambitious curriculum that meets the needs of all learners. This equips our Beginning Teachers with the necessary skills, knowledge and understanding to have a significant impact on the lives of pupils that they work with.
Our lectures, delivered by experts in their field will help you widen your individual skills, expertise and background knowledge in your subject specialism. We'll build on your natural flair, so you successfully engage with young students.
“Subject tutors are credible and knowledgeable in their fields. Additionally, an extensive range of expert colleagues, many of whom trained at the university themselves, contribute to the delivery of the programme. Trainees are given ample opportunity to put their learning into practice through the ongoing school-based element of their course. This ensures that trainee teachers make a highly confident start to their careers in teaching.“ (Ofsted, 2023)
We offer a range of subject areas for you to teach:
- Mathematics
- Science with Biology
- Science with Chemistry
- Science with Physics
- Physical Education
School
Location
Duration
1 years full-time
Start month
September
Home /international fees 2025/26
£9,535 /£17,500
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
When you join us, you will be taught by an experienced team of experts with an academic, research and secondary school background. Expert colleagues from our partnership schools also contribute to seminar teaching with their latest insight. The University of Greenwich has a long history in education and our academics are experts in their respective fields committed to sharing their expertise with aspiring teachers.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant subject
- Applicants with a degree in an unrelated subject may be considered if they have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant subject.
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Application and selection
- Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview/selection day
Applicants will also be required to:
- Provide an academic or professional reference
- Complete a Suitability Declaration
- Pass an Occupational Health check
- Pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
This school-based programme is designed to prepare Beginning Teachers for work in schools. School-Based PGCE Secondary teacher training aims to enable those who have previously gained a degree qualification at Level 6 to transfer knowledge and skills into secondary settings in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status*.Alongside gaining QTS* trainees will study a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at level 7.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 30-40. Lectures are normally attended by 30-40, and seminars/tutorials by 30-40.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for course work, presentation, and portfolio subject knowledge. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. You can also join a range of student societies, including Education.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.
Assessment
Continuous assessment of classroom skills and teaching effectiveness builds towards a professional development portfolio. There are also written and practical assignments with opportunities for Master's level credits in the postgraduate version.
Feedback summary
Information coming soon.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
University is a great investment in your future. English-domiciled graduate annual salaries were £10,500 more than non-graduates in 2023 - and the UK Government projects that 88% of new jobs by 2035 will be at graduate level.
(Source: DfE Graduate labour market statistics: 2023/DfE Labour market and skills projections: 2020 to 2035).
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,535 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,500 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a wide range of financial help including scholarships and bursaries.
The Greenwich Bursary
This bursary is worth £700 for new undergraduate students with a low household income, entering Year 0 or 1 who meet the eligibility criteria.
EU Bursary
Following the UK's departure from the European Union, we are supporting new EU students by offering a substantial fee-reduction for studying.
Financial support
We want your time at university to be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress, so planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies (estimate, £150 per year).
Placements: you are expected to pay for your transport to your placements during the year.
University of Greenwich sets and receives fees, delivers the programme, provides wellbeing support, and makes the academic award. University of Derby co-designs and accredits the curriculum, and recommends the QTS award.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in two contrasting secondary schools, with intensive training placements for an additional four weeks where you will focus on core elements of practice. This will be an integral part of your study and provides the context in which you can develop your professional skills, knowledge and understanding.There will also be further opportunities to engage in school-based training in a range of specialist schools and educational contexts.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates are equipped for careers working in secondary schools and other educational settings.
Employment rates are outstanding and have consistently been well above national and London averages year-on-year.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews, and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
We hold an Employability Fair which is attended by Partnership schools.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics.
Support from the department
During the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your studies. Your tutor will be on hand to offer both personal career and academic guidance. Individual support and designated workshops are tailored to meet the needs of each of our students in order to ensure high quality outcomes.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Teacher training at the University of Greenwich
We’ve over a century of experience training excellent teachers and strong links with schools and employers. Our courses are also rated good by Ofsted for our Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Further Education and Training teaching (Ofsted, 2023).
Visit our teacher training degrees page.
Teacher training degrees
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