Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Physical EducationPGCE

Our PGCE Physical Education (QTS) programme is designed to challenge you to make informed and justified decisions about your teaching approach, laying the foundation for ongoing professional development. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Master’s in Teaching Studies with us.

The Physical Education Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education course aims to nurture physical educators who are innovatively responsive to evolving youth cultures, comfortable in challenging both their own and others’ beliefs and practices to make physical education relevant to every young person. Through integrating theory with practical experiences, the course seeks to unpick what meaningful physical education experiences truly entail, shaping you into teachers with a sustained impact on personal flourishing through lifelong physical activity habits and enjoyments.

Our supportive partnerships with physical education departments in a variety of diverse schools within the West Midlands enhances the relevance of your learning. As your learning shifts to within school practice and learning, we foster your curiosity and reflective expertise as you learn to take ownership of and challenge your pedagogical decision making in the quest to and achieve meaningful experiences in physical education for every child.

Course Structure

• Integrated Theoretical and Practical Training: Combines the learning of cutting-edge educational theory in world class sporting facilities 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: Be inspired by renowned educators and researchers at the forefront of their fields
• Diverse Placement Opportunities: Explore a wide range of placements through our extensive network of partner schools
• Career Support: Comprehensive career services and support for graduates entering the teaching profession

• Learn from a specialist physical education tutor.
• Be part of a large group of physical education trainee teachers with opportunities for collaboration and community at local and national level.
• Gain a range of complimentary qualifications that readies you for teaching physical education and contribute to your future school community e.g., Duke of Edinburgh Assessor Qualification.

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 degree must have PE or sport components) relevant to the subject taught. In all cases we will be looking at the relevance of your degree, other qualifications and experiences related to your proposed teaching subject in assessing academic suitability.

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

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

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: X9C6

The interview process

Selection is rigorous and designed to identify candidates with the strongest aptitude. Candidates selected for interview will be invited to:

• meet course tutors
• find out more about the course
• have a one to one interview
• show GCSE and Degree certificates (where these are available).

We work closely with partner schools to select candidates and applicants will often have the opportunity to meet senior colleagues from partner schools when they join us for 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. Our comprehensive career services and support equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the teaching profession and beyond.

We provide comprehensive career services and support for our students, preparing them to excel in the teaching profession. Many of our alumni gain employment in our partner schools and return to the programme as subject mentors on the PGCE.

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.