PGCE Secondary English with QTS (11-16) at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Do you want to help pupils express themselves, to become critical thinkers and develop the vital skills they need to succeed, not just in English, but also in other areas of their education and beyond? Our PGCE in English will develop you into a teacher able to deliver the wide-ranging curriculum covered under English, including Language, Literature and supporting studies in Drama and Media education.

What you will study

You’ll learn the teaching methods and strategies that will help your classes develop their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills so they become effective communicators. This course covers the 11-16 age range, in secondary age phase, with post-16 enhancement. Taught modules, assignments and School-Based Training are structured around the development of your progress against our ITE Core Curriculum. Modules include Secondary Professional Studies, Secondary Subject Pedagogy: English, Professional Enquiry, School Experience 1, School Experience 2*.

Career pathways

Two-thirds of your course takes place in school and we ensure that you are offered a number of placements in a wide range of educational establishments. You will do work placements in at least two different schools and also visit others – including a primary school and or a post-16 setting where appropriate.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or a Master’s degree in a relevant subject from a UK higher education institution or equivalent. Applicants without a degree in English may be required to take a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course prior to starting the PGCE course. Applicants will also need to complete the relevant safeguarding checks for this course. All applicants will be interviewed; see 'interview arrangements' below. Applicants for this course also need GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above prior to enrolment. We accept a range of qualifications in lieu of GCSEs for our Initial Teacher Training courses. Please see a full list of GCSE equivalencies for Initial Teacher Training. The selection interview will assess your subject knowledge and personal qualities such as the potential to relate well to secondary age students, enthusiasm, sensitivity, communication skills and robustness and resilience for teaching. You will also take a written test to assess your standard of English. Additional information.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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