Information Technology & Computing

Overview
The PGCE in Information Technology and Computing is a recognised teaching qualification aligned to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences which affords graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS). The course is aligned broadly with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, supporting graduates in teaching Information Technology and Computing across the 11-18+ year age range. The programme aims to develop your competence and confidence in the teaching of Information Technology and Computing and in the general professional role of the teacher.

Our PGCE will appeal to you if you wish to move into teaching and if you are an Honours graduate in Computing & Information Technology/Computer Science or about to graduate in Computing & Information Technology/Computer Science or a related discipline (see Entry Requirements for acceptable degrees).

The programme combines university-based tuition, consisting of taught sessions and directed independent study, with professional placements in schools and is organised around three interdependent strands:

Professional School-based Experience - focuses on developing practical teaching competence particularly through working closely with experienced teachers during periods of school placement.

Subject Studies - focuses on teaching and learning within your subject specialism (and cognate areas).

Education and Professional Studies - focuses on common aspects of teaching and the professional role of the teacher, bringing together relevant theory, policy and practice. This includes issues such as: the Northern Ireland education system, curriculum theory and policy, theories of learning and assessment, social class and educational disadvantage, special educational needs and barriers to learning, pastoral care and child protection/safeguarding, student voice, mental health and wellbeing of students, positive behaviour management, diversity and inclusion, effective use of technologies and whole school approaches to literacy, numeracy the social and emotional health of young people. Students are also offered a choice of elective course designed to enhance the subjects and skills they can offer to schools.

Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.

Year 1
Core Modules
• Educational and Professional Studies (10 credits)
• Information Technology/ Computing Studies (30 credits)

Course Structure
After enrolment, you will complete an Induction week followed by a one-week placement in a primary school in early September.

The next six week block of the course is devoted to university-based tuition (subject-specific taught sessions and directed independent study) before you commence your first period of professional placement based in a school (11 weeks).

At the beginning of February, you return to Queen’s for four weeks of university-based tuition in preparation for your second professional period in a school (12 weeks). A final week of university-based tuition completes the course at the end of May/beginning of June.

Successful completion of the PGCE depends on achieving satisfactory standards in both practical teaching and in University based modules, which are assessed through course work.

The extended placements, which we arrange, are normally in two different school types. This ensures a varied experience of teaching in different post-primary schools and working with pupils from the whole ability range.

In the two post-primary schools you will work closely with members of each school’s staff. Your subject lecturer from Queen’s will also maintain close co-operative links with these teachers during your school placements.

Graduate
All applicants must possess the following:
• At least a 2:2 Honours degree (and/or higher degree) in Computer Science, Computing & IT or Software Systems Development.

Degrees in cognate areas (for example*, Interactive Multimedia Design, Web Design, Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Technology Systems) may be considered if 50% or more of the modules studied are deemed currently relevant to teaching Computer Science, Digital Technology and/or Software Systems Development to A level, with at least 50% of final year ICT/Computing modules fulfilling the relevance criterion.

Other acceptable combinations include:
• A Joint Honours degree (2:2 or above) in ICT/Computing with a school subject (for example*, Business Studies/Mathematics) HOWEVER at least 50% of all the modules passed need to be currently relevant to teaching Computer Science, Digital Technology and/or Software Systems Development to A level.

• An Honours degree (2:2 or above) in a school subject (for example*, Business studies) PLUS a Masters degree in Computer Science/Software Systems Development which has been awarded prior to applying for the PGCE course.

• A Joint Honours degree (2:2 or above) with Information Systems (for example*, Management Information Systems or Business Information Systems) must have at least 50% of modules passed in the Information Systems area that are currently relevant to teaching Computer Science, Digital Technology and/or Software Systems Development to A level with at least 50% of final year ICT/Computing modules fulfilling the relevance criterion.

*These are examples only and are not a definitive list.
We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria if the course is over-subscribed.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.

Please note the closing date for 2024 entry to this programme is 1st November 2023. Please note, applicants who are successful in obtaining an offer following completion of the selection process must provide official confirmation that they have satisfied any conditions of their offer by 12 noon on Thursday 29th August 2024.

Applications received after the closing date will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by the closing date have been processed. Normally we do not consider ‘late’ applications before June at the earliest.

How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Coursework comprises subject studies assignments, practical teaching and core tasks arising from lectures, workshops and tutorials addressing key educational issues.

36 weeks (Full Time)

Teaching Times
Typically Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day.

Entry Year: 2024/25
Commencement date: Monday 2nd September 2024.

Career Prospects
Introduction
This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS).

Qualified teachers have found employment in secondary schools, progressing through either a subject specialist or pastoral route into middle and senior management. Others have gone on to successfully complete further postgraduate study.

Career Development
PGCE graduates may transfer 30 credits into one of the School’s Educational Master’s programmes.