PGCE Secondary with Music (with QTS) at University of Warwick

The one-year PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status prepares graduates to teach Music in secondary schools, covering the 11-18 age range. Seminars, workshops and tutorials explore music education pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and philosophy, including repertoire and music technology. The course is led by the Centre for Teacher Education, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024, and is built on the Warwick Teacher Values of social justice, intellectual curiosity and creativity.

Department: Centre for Teacher Education  |  Duration: 1 year full-time  |  Intake: 1 September 2026  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Coventry, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Three modules run through the year: Subject Studies (evidence base, subject knowledge and teaching of the specialist subject), Professional Enquiry (adaptive teaching, including neurodiversity, anti-racist pedagogy and socioeconomic disadvantage) and Professional Practice (linking taught sessions to placements, reflective practice, wellbeing and safeguarding). Trainees spend a minimum of 120 days in school, with two main placements (one for a term and one for two terms) on the university-led route, plus 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice. Assessment is by Master's-level assignments and against the Teachers' Standards.

Career pathways

Career progression can be through a specialist curriculum or pastoral role or into management, for example heads of Key Stage, coordinators of cross-curricular areas, or subject and professional mentors for trainee teachers. Completion leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

Official programme page