Education - Art & Design

About this course

The aim of a PGCE is to prepare the student to become a competent teacher. This is achieved through a variety of teaching and learning methods which are summarised below:



Lectures

• Tutorials: group or individually designed to advise in the preparation for school experience, curriculum projects and/or school based investigations.

• Practicals: involving simulations, role-play, practical activities and school experience.

• Workshops: designed primarily to allow students to examine the relationship between theoretical perspectives introduced in lectures and their main subject specialism.

Year One

School Experience 1

School Experience 2

Foundation for Learning and Teaching

Developing Effective Learning and Teaching



Optional:

Principles of Religious Education

Improving Practice in Religious Education

Applicants must satisfy the University's general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus. The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. Specific minimum requirements are detailed below:



a. GCSE passes at Grade C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this professional course as GTCNI, does not recognise them as equivalent).



b. At least a 2:2 Honours (or above) degree directly related to the Art and Design. Alternatively, applicants may possess a Master's degree that is linked to Art and Design. In the case of a combined Honours degree, at least 50% of the degree shall be in the specialist subject.



c. Two acceptable references must be supplied - one academic and one character.



d. Medical certificate of satisfactory health.



e. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI procedures to ensure that they do not have a criminal record and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education regulations.



f. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. Applicants will also be expected to complete a set piece of formal writing as part of the selection process. This is a timed piece and is required as part of the interview/selection process.



g. Applicants should comply with the DE Circular requirements as outlined in Initial Teacher Education: Approval of Programmes document.



h. Demonstrate evidence of knowledge and interest in working with young people of post primary age. This must be evidenced in the application form. An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria. Applicants who are deemed suitable may be placed on a waiting list and offered a place if another applicant declines his/her place.



Eligibility

PGCE Programmes at Ulster are only available to applicants from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, and who meet all the requirements to be deemed a home fee payer. This means that if you are not a UK or Irish citizen (or have settled in the UK status), you will not be eligible to study this course.



English Language Requirements

For admission to any initial teacher education course, applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in English language and mathematics. In addition, all new entrants to primary level courses must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in a science subject or subjects. An acceptable level of competence is defined as a GCSE level pass at Grade C or higher, or an equivalent qualification. Enquiries regarding equivalent qualifications should be made to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).



• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements

• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/country



Exemptions and transferability

The PGCE is a complete programme and the student cannot be exempted from any part of the programme. Given the unique structure of the PGCE course in the University of Ulster it is not possible to transfer with exemption from another course or institution.

Attendance

The PGCE is a full time course. It is 36 weeks in length and includes a six week workshop practice in Belfast.



Monday to Friday 9.30 to 17.00. Induction for the PGCE takes the form of a two day residential programme at Bushmills Education Centre during the last week in August.

Start Date: September 2026.

Careers and Opportunities

The course prepares the student to teach their chosen subject in a post-primary school or college. Successful completion of this course qualifies the graduate to seek registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland.