Education: Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Course Details

The PGCE is broadly aligned with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, training graduates to teach across the 11-18 year age range. You will gain a postgraduate qualification and qualified teacher status (QTS). 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
• Subject Studies (eg English, Mathematics)
• Educational Studies including the Professional Role of the Teacher

The PGCE is broadly aligned with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, training students to teach one of the following school subjects up to Advanced-level GCE:

• Computing/Information Technology
• English
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages (typically two from: French, Irish, Spanish, although German and Italian might also be considered as second languages offered)
• Politics
• Religious Education
• Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)
• Sociology

The programme also offers practical experience and supervised teaching in schools, as well as workshops on a variety of topics including special educational needs, classroom management, pastoral care, diversity and inclusion, Children's Rights and digital storytelling. 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.

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

Morning / Afternoon / Evening.

Typically Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. Optional courses are available in the evenings from 5-7pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day.

1.5 modules per Semester (30 CATS points)

20 hours (minimum)

• Education and Professional Studies
• School Placement
• Subject Studies

Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester

• Maths, English, ICT - 80% lectures, 20% private study;
• Social Science - 60% lectures and 20% tutorials, 20% private study;
• Science – 40% lectures, 20% lab, 20% tutorials, 20% private study;
• Mod Lang – 60% lectures and 20% tutorials, 20% private study;