Technology & Design with Engineering & Manufacturing - PGCE

Overview

The post primary PGCE is a one year, full-time programme that prepares students for a career in teaching.



Summary

This course will prepare you to teach Technology & Design to the full range of pupils in post primary schools. It is offered at the Coleraine campus with additional subject workshops in partnership with the Education Authority in their purpose-built facilities in Belfast.



About

You will acquire knowledge and skills in those areas of Technology and Design in which you may have had little or no experience, e.g. CAD, Electronic Systems, PCB production, Pneumatic Control Systems, Graphics and Computer Control Systems. While practical in nature, you will draw on knowledge gained from the other areas of the course and at all times, apply these skills in the classroom. As an aspiring professional, you will be expected to be self-motivated and to take the initiative in managing your own professional development. In your school placements you will be expected to prioritize pupil learning and develop your teaching strategies accordingly. Elements of the course are taught at Masters level and you will be expected to support your development with a detailed understanding of current research and literature in teaching, learning and Technology and Design. You will be assessed through a variety of means including e-portfolio, essays, observations and tests.



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.

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

a. English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or a Qualification that is equivalent in breadth and depth to a GCSE e.g. Irish Leaving Certificate). Please note that Essential Skills/Key Skills is not accepted.



b. An Honours degree, in a technology related subject. In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject. The normal minimum offer standard is a 2:2 Honours. Applications are welcomed from engineers (electrical, mechanical, civil), product designers, and architects; and also from quantity surveyors, graphic and interior designers whose applications are supported by relevant A level (or equivalent) subjects.



c. All applicants need to provide evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age normally in a formal/informal education setting.



d. Applicants for the post-primary pathway also require:



i Two supportive references.



ii Medical certificate of satisfactory health.



iii Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children.



e. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and use of English and general quality of presentation.



f. Applicants appearing to fulfil the above requirements will be shortlisted. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, enhanced criteria (e.g. degree classification) will then be applied and candidates fulfilling these criteria will be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the course.



g. An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria.



h. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will 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.

The closing date for applications is 8th January 2025. Applications received after the closing date may be considered at the discretion of the selection panel.

Attendance

This is a programme of professional education and training of teachers for the teaching profession. Attendance, therefore, is compulsory for all activities, modules and components of the course. The main PGCE course runs from the end of August to the beginning of June. University modules normally run from Monday to Friday (9:30-4:30) and students are required to attend all classes and course activities. School placements (of which there are two, each of twelve weeks) require commitment to the school, usually 8:30-5:00 with evenings spent in lesson preparation.



The T&D PGCE course includes a six week workshop practice. Normally commencing in July each year. An additional specialised course may run one afternoon per week in various locations during September and October.

Start Date: September 2025

Career options

The course prepares you to teach Technology & Design at post primary school level. Where appropriate students may have opportunities to teach other subjects, depending on their own degree and A-Level specialisms.



The PGCE is an internationally recognised programme for Initial Teacher Education leading directly to a career in teaching. The post primary PGCE is for those who wish to teach the 11-19 age range. 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.