Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - EnglishPGCE

The English PGCE (QTS) programme is designed to develop your understanding of what teaching English is and what teaching English does, while enabling you to use research to make informed decisions about your practice in, and beyond, the classroom. Deepening your understanding of teaching and learning, you'll build a strong foundation as a teacher which will support you to pursue a fulfilling career in the field. Upon successful completion of the course, you'll have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Master’s in Teaching Studies with us.

Course Structure

• Integrated Theoretical and Practical Training: Combines the learning of cutting-edge educational theory with hands-on classroom experience
• Unlock Your Teaching Career: Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), opening doors to exciting opportunities in secondary education
• Learn from the Best: You'll be taught by a specialist Secondary English tutor to become a thinking, questioning and understanding teacher on the subject
• High Quality School Placements: Birmingham works with an extensive network of partnership schools
• Career Support: Comprehensive career services and support for graduates entering the teaching profession
• Ofsted (2024) said in their recent report 'Trainees are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences. Many trainees commented on how their personal tutors get to know them as individuals and genuinely care about their well-being'

The three main components are:

• Professional Studies – a lecture programme that supports you develop your professional practice
• Subject Specific Sessions – seminars which support you to develop as a teacher of your subject
• School based experience – time spent in partnership schools putting theory into practice and practice into theory.

The following must be taken:

The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.

A strong academic record at A level or equivalent in relevant subjects is required, along with a strong degree (usually a minimum of 2:2), and at least 50% of the degree must have English. Graduates with degrees in Classics with an A level in English Literature are also invited to apply. If the degree is in English Language, a good pass in A Level English Literature will be required.

You must also have:

• GCSE Mathematics and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications, which will be a condition of any offer if not already achieved (equivalency tests will be accepted but only from Equivalency Testing)
• completed an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place
• completed relevant checks to ensure you have the health and physical capacity to teach
• agree to abide by the University of Birmingham Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise

The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to affected students or existing applicants without delay.. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.

Teacher Training funding options available

A range of financial support is available to help fund your teacher training, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and tax-free bursaries or scholarships for eligible subjects. Additional grants and support are also available for those experiencing financial difficulties. International students may have limited options but could still qualify for specific grants.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Apply online through DfE Apply. We recommend you apply early as possible as the course is often full by Spring.

Course Code: Q3X1

The interview process

The interview process is designed to identify candidates who are motivated to teach. Candidates selected for interview will be invited to:

• meet course tutors
• find out more about the course
• have a formal interview

There may be the opportunity to meet senior colleagues from partner schools during the interview day.

We are proud of our strong track record of student employment following course completion, with many of our alumni progressing to roles such as classroom teachers, Heads of Departments, Senior Leaders, and SENDCos within partnership schools, as well as other schools, both nationally and internationally. Our comprehensive career services and support equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the teaching profession and beyond.