PGCE Courses
A PGCE course is a supplement for those who already have a degree, that focuses on developing your teaching skills. The teaching skills you learn are not based on the subject you intend teach but on general teaching skills, so you are expected to already have a thorough understanding of your subject through your degree.
Primary courses generally train a student to teach all subjects in the Primary School Curriculum, whilst secondary courses train you teach your chosen subject to the 11 - 16 year range.
A PGCE course normally takes 1 year full time or up to two years part-time and are designed for graduates wanting to obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teaching in the maintained sector in England and Wales.
To gain QTS you will need to successfully complete skills tests in numeracy, literacy and information and communications technology.
You can read further details about the qts skills tests:
- QTS Practice Test
- Numeracy Skills Test
- Literacy Skills Test
- Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Skills Test
After obtaining QTS you will need to complete a one year induction period to teach in England and Wales.
PGCE Courses in your Area
There are many Universities throughout the UK providing PGCE courses.
There is an excellent tool available at the Graduate Teacher Training Registry here: www.gttr.ac.uk
PGCE Funding
All UK and EU students beginning a PGCE course are eligible for a training bursary.
The amount available depends on the subject area and ag-range you are training for.
For full-time 1 year students you will receive a monthly salary for the duration of your course.
The following non-taxable bursaries are available:
- £9,000 for trainees in Key Stage 2-3 English, Mathematics, Science, Secondary Design and Technology, English, English and Drama, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Music and Religious Education.
- £6,000 for trainees in all Primary and all other Secondary and Middle years courses.
For further details about becoming a Teacher in the UK please see the Graduate Teacher Training Registry
