PGCE Post Primary Education - Various Subjects

The aim of a PGCE is to prepare you to become a competent teacher. To ensure a close link between theory and practice, the courses include both university and school-based work throughout the year.



The university components are taught through a combination of:

• 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, and school experience

• Workshops: these allow you to examine the relationship between theoretical perspectives introduced in lectures and your subject specialism



Ulster University offers a range of post-primary PGCEs in the following subjects:

• Art and Design

• English with Drama and Media Studies

• Geography

• History

• Home Economics with Food and Nutrition and Nutrition and Food Science

• Music

• Physical Education

• Primary Education

• Technology and Design with Engineering and Manufacturing



Work placement / study abroad

Students nominate three secondary schools and three grammar schools for the teaching practice placements. Every effort is made to accommodate student preferences.

Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.

Year one

• School Experience 1

• School Experience 2

• Foundation for Learning and Teaching

• Developing Effective Learning and Teaching

• Principles of Religious Education This module is optional

• Improving Practice in Religious Education This module is optional

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.



English Language Requirements

English language requirements for international applicants

The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.



Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.

PGCE is a full time course.

It is 36 weeks in length with the exception of PGCE Technology and Design which is 42 weeks and includes a six week workshop practice in Belfast.

Monday to Friday 9.30 to 17.00.

Start Date: September 2025

Career options

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.



Jurisdiction

The PGCE is a recognised teaching qualification in the UK. For those applicants wishing to teach in other jurisdictions we recommend that you contact the relevant authorities there to discuss their requirements for recognised teacher status.