PGCE (Secondary) History at University of Brighton

Programme overview

History teachers bring the past to life, helping their students to understand their own identity and the world they live in by exploring how society has evolved and how the present is connected to the past. Our Secondary History PGCE leads to QTS – the professional teaching qualification. Brighton is rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted and you’ll be taught by a team of experts with real classroom experience, using our specialised facilities that mirror those found in schools.

Faculty: School of Education | Department: Teaching (postgraduate) | Duration: full-time: 1 year | Study mode: full-time | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Two-thirds of your year will be spent teaching under supervision in schools. Our tutors and mentors will advise and support you throughout each placement. You will receive comprehensive feedback during this time, enabling you to see what you are doing well and where you might need to improve. The university works in partnership with schools and colleges to provide a high-quality programme of support, ensuring a sound relationship between theory and practice. You will benefit from undertaking two placements in two schools or colleges, with the opportunity to visit additional schools or colleges as part of the peer observation programme.

Career pathways

A (Secondary) History PGCE at the University of Brighton prepares you for a career teaching history in secondary schools. Leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the course develops the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to help young people understand how the past has shaped the world around them, while encouraging critical thinking, enquiry and informed judgement.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree. Normally an honours degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant subject. As well as those who have studied history at undergraduate level, we also welcome applications from candidates who have studied complementary programmes such as international relations, politics and humanities courses. GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4). At least English language and maths. If you don’t have the required GCSEs, an equivalency test demonstrates that you have achieved the same standard as a traditional GCSE grade C or level 4. At Brighton, we accept equivalency tests from A Star Equivalency. If you have equivalency test results from another provider, contact us at [email protected] to see if we can accept them. We cannot accept Functional Skills for teaching courses. International student application deadline. The deadline for international applicants is late May. This deadline is in place to ensure sufficient time for the visa process to be completed before the course starts in early September. Interviews. Interviews for this course are online. If we invite you to an interview, you’ll be able to choose a date that suits you best. Experience. While experience in a school is not a condition of entry for initial teacher education courses, we recommend that you take up opportunities to gain a realistic understanding of whether teaching is right for you.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,108 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

Duration: full-time: 1 year

Apply through the official page: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training

Explore more study programmes

Health Sciences