Education - History

About

The course offers graduates wishing to progress into post-primary education the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to become an effective teacher of history. You are introduced to the most recent research-informed developments in history curriculum and pedagogy, relevant to teaching the Northern Ireland Curriculum. History's place in the curriculum is established along with its links to other subject areas. Throughout the course history teaching is related to wider educational themes including learning theory, the improvement of literacy and numeracy, classroom and behaviour management, assessment and to developing students' skills in Information and Communication Technology.



The PGCE is both an academic and a professional qualification. On successful completion of initial teacher education student teachers will be able to evidence their competence and be awarded the Post Graduate Certificate in Education allowing them to register with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. They will also accrue 60 CATS points towards a Master’s degree in Education. In total the PGCE is worth 120 points (60 at Master’s Level 7 and 60 at Post graduate Level 6).



While the initial motivation for wishing to enter this course may be to teach a specialist subject, it is important to recognise that there is much which is covered that is generic to teaching and learning in all subjects. In addition to academic achievement, teachers are prepared for contributing to young people's development as individuals, and as contributors to society, the economy and the environment.



In Northern Ireland history teaching has an important role in helping young people understand past conflict so that they can better contribute to a more just and peaceful society. The PGCE programme is committed to education contributing to the vision of Northern Irish society as a shared society. Those enrolling can expect to be challenged to reflect on the impact education can have on a society emerging from conflict.



Work placement / study abroad

Twenty four weeks of the programme are school based. This includes one week in a primary school and two 11-12 week placements in post-primary schools.

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

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).



b. At least a 2:2 Honours (or above) degree directly related to History. Alternatively, applicants may possess a Master's degree that is linked to the specialist PGCE subject on offer. 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, 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 that nothing would legally prohibit them from working with children.



f. Evidence of good quality presentation and basic literacy skills are required throughout the application process. 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.



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.



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.

PGCE is a full time course. It is 36 weeks in length. Attendance is compulsory.

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.