Secondary Education (QTS) PGCE

    Secondary Education (QTS) PGCE

    Duration1 year(s)
    Tuition Fee
    GBP 23,924 / Year
    Next IntakeSeptember 1, 2026
    Secondary Education (QTS) PGCE

    About

    Introduction:

    Secondary school teachers equip pupils with fundamental knowledge and skills – setting them up for adulthood. The role of a secondary teacher is to deliver specialised subject knowledge, as well as support intellectual and personal development. With high demand for secondary teachers, you can be certain that you’ll make a positive impact on the lives of your pupils and society.

    Whether you’re currently studying for a degree, have recently graduated or are planning a career change, studying with us will enable you to launch your career as a dynamic and inspirational secondary school teacher. At NTU, we understand that the best way to learn how to teach is in the classroom. This is why you’ll spend much of your time during the course in schools.

    You’ll be taught by former secondary school teachers here at the university and mentored by teachers in schools, who will support you in building your expertise, critical thinking and creativity. You’ll cover the curriculum in detail, and learn how to bring it to life for students, developing who you are as a teacher.

    You’ll be equipped with the subject knowledge and professional skills needed to meet the expectations of secondary school teachers, shaping the lives of our young people by sharing your passion and inspiring theirs.

    Our PGCE Secondary Education courses are available in the following subject specialisms:

    • Art and Design
    • Biology
    • Business Studies
    • Chemistry
    • Computing
    • Dance
    • Design and Technology
    • Drama
    • Economics
    • English
    • English with Drama
    • Geography
    • History
    • Maths
    • Modern Languages
    • Music
    • Physical Education
    • Physics
    • Psychology
    • Religious Education
    • PGCE Secondary Education courses are available in a large number of subject specialisms.
    • You’ll be recommended for accreditation for Qualified Teacher Status with the Department for Education, allowing you to take a post as an Early Career Teacher upon course completion.  
    • Placement opportunities are in a variety of educational settings through our extensive partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations.  
    • Three of the academic modules can be studied at postgraduate level. Successful completion will result in 60 credits towards a full Masters award.

    Course accreditation

    We are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then complete your induction period.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    What are we looking for?

    You will need:

    • a third class UK honours degree or equivalent in any discipline
    • GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk. Applicants with pending qualifications will be considered.
    • an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and any other safeguarding checks that may be necessary, if you accept an offer
    • two references.

    Other requirements

    • Strong applicants are invited to an online or in-person interview which incorporates an English assessment. Candidates who are not able to demonstrate graduate level subject knowledge may be offered a place on the course nevertheless, dependent upon successful completion of a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course in that subject prior to commencing their teacher training year.
    • It may strengthen your application to have had some experience in a classroom in a UK mainstream school, setting or college, although this is not an entry requirement. If you do wish to gain some experience prior to your application, you can explore a number of options. Existing students at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham can access our Students in Classrooms service. You can use your contacts through family or friends, or contact schools directly to ask for work experience or you can access the DfE’s School Experience service.

    International qualifications

    We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

    English language entry requirements

    You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

    Would you like some advice on your study plans?

    Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

    Career

    Careers and employability

    The vocational nature of the PGCE Secondary and the fact that successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means that graduates are ideally placed to pursue a career as a teacher in a secondary school or college.

    Employability team

    Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.

    Fee Information

    Tuition Fee
    23,924 / year
    Secondary Education (QTS) PGCE
    Nottingham Trent University
    Nottingham Trent University
    United Kingdom

    United Kingdom, Nottingham

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