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
- Geography
- English with Drama and Media Studies
- Physical Education
- History
- Music
- Home Economics with Food and Nutrition and Nutrition and Food Science
- Technology and Design with Engineering and Manufacturing

Successful completion qualifies you to seek registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. To teach in other jurisdictions you will need to contact the relevant authorities to determine their requirements for recognised teacher status. The Post Primary PGCE is for those who wish to teach the 11-19 age range.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page" below.

To apply to our postgraduate taught programmes, you must meet the University's General Entrance Requirements and any course-specific requirements.

These vary depending on the course and are detailed online.

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.

If English is not your first language this course requires a minimum English level of IELTS (academic) 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5, or equivalent.

Visit ulster.ac.uk/englishrequirements for more details.

For full entry requirements please see "Course Web Page" below.

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).

Year of entry: 2020/21

Postgraduate Information Session 26 March 2020
Register at: ulster.ac.uk/pg-information-events

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.