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Secondary Education (QTS) PGCE

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  • Level of study:
    Masters, Professional
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
  • Start date:
    September 2026
  • Duration:
    One year full-time
  • Attendance:
    Full-time
  • Course delivery:
    On-campus (Clifton Campus)
Secondary school students in a classroom

About this course

Secondary school teachers equip pupils with fundamental knowledge and skills – setting them up for adulthood. The role of a secondary teacher is to deliver specialised subject knowledge, as well as support intellectual and personal development. With high demand for secondary teachers, you can be certain that you’ll make a positive impact on the lives of your pupils and society.

Whether you’re currently studying for a degree, have recently graduated or are planning a career change, studying with us will enable you to launch your career as a dynamic and inspirational secondary school teacher. At NTU, we understand that the best way to learn how to teach is in the classroom. This is why you’ll spend much of your time during the course in schools.

You’ll be taught by former secondary school teachers here at the university and mentored by teachers in schools, who will support you in building your expertise, critical thinking and creativity. You’ll cover the curriculum in detail, and learn how to bring it to life for students, developing who you are as a teacher.

You’ll be equipped with the subject knowledge and professional skills needed to meet the expectations of secondary school teachers, shaping the lives of our young people by sharing your passion and inspiring theirs.

Our PGCE Secondary Education courses are available in the following subject specialisms:

  • Art and Design
  • Biology
  • Business
  • Chemistry
  • Computing
  • Dance*
  • Design and Technology
  • Drama*
  • English
  • Geography
  • History
  • Maths
  • Modern Languages
  • Physical Education
  • Physics
  • Religious Education

*Available through our partner schools.

  • Choose from a variety of subjects

    PGCE Secondary Education courses are available in a large number of subject specialisms.

  • Be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status

    with the Department for Education, allowing you to take a post as an Early Career Teacher upon course completion.  

  • Placement opportunities

    are in a variety of educational settings through our extensive partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations. 

  • Gain 60 credits towards a Masters degree

    Three of the academic modules can be studied at postgraduate level. Successful completion will result in 60 credits towards a full Masters award.

Our course consists of modules that integrate the study of learning and teaching, both in general and in relation to the curriculum subject or subjects that you wish to teach, with your experiences in placement. In this way, what you do at both the university and in our schools allows you to learn, practice reflect and develop, bringing theory and practice together as you do so.

Course accreditations

We are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then complete your induction period.

  • Department for Education

Module information

Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll be studying throughout the course:

We regularly review our course content based on student and employer feedback to ensure they remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or availability in future years. Optional modules will only run where there is sufficient demand. This will be determined on a case-by-case basis to protect the academic and student experience.

Student experience

  • Mel Hayton

    Melissa Hayton

    “I knew from a few years back that I wanted to teach. I’m so glad I did! It was the best decision I’ve made. I like the fact I am able to influence the lives of children and watch their confidence grow.”

    Read Melissa's profile
  • Kay Power

    Kay Power

    “The camaraderie on the course with my fellow trainees was a highlight. We truly supported each other every week.”

    Read Kay's profile

Q&A - PGCE Secondary Education

 

How you're taught

The University-based elements of the course comprise a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials. They explore learning and teaching in general and in your subject(s) and are designed to enable your developing professional practice while placed in our partner schools.

Our lecturers and tutors are experienced secondary teachers who have a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. They are highly respected researchers within their fields of education.

Placements

School or college placement experience is central to the Secondary PGCE at NTU. You will spend at least 120 days placed in secondary schools and perhaps other educational settings, and spend an additional four weeks in Intensive Training and Practice (see below).

During most weeks, you will spend one day studying, reflecting and planning at the university and the other four days in placement with a partner school. You will be supported by a trained mentor in school and will be assigned a university tutor. Your tutor will support you and help you to get the most out of your school experience.

There are two main periods of school-based placement. Which consists of:

  • an 8-week placement in the autumn term (Sept – Nov)
  • a 21-week placement running over three terms (Dec – July)

In addition, you will experience four weeks of “intensive training and practice” during which your university and school-based experiences will be focused upon some foundational aspects of becoming a teacher.

We are in partnership with a large number of schools across the East Midlands and beyond. Over the course of the year, you should experience placements in at least two contrasting schools in different locations whether city centre, suburban or semi-rural, and serving the needs of different and diverse communities. This variety provides opportunities for a wide range of teaching experiences and lays a good foundation for your ongoing professional development.

How you're assessed

Assessment

You’ll engage in assessments that draw together academic and professional practice.

Assessment methods include:

  • written assignments
  • a portfolio of evidence of classroom practice

You will be provided with regular formative feedback throughout your periods of placement that will help you to learn and develop. We will make a final summative judgement about whether you should be recommended for QTS.

Following successful completion of the course year, you’ll achieve a qualification (PGCE or other award dependent on level of achievement) and be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

Qualifications

The award of PGCE is made at one of two levels, depending upon your achievement:

  • Postgraduate Certificate in Education (including 60 Masters-level credits).
  • Professional Graduate Certificate in Education

Both of these are recognised teaching qualifications. You have the opportunity to achieve masters level credits which may be accepted towards an MA qualification that you might choose to seek in the future.

Successful completion of the course will lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), whichever of these two qualifications you achieve.

Contact hours

You will generally attend university one day a week, with the rest of your time spent at your placement school, however the exact split may vary from time to time and for a small number of weeks, you will attend university every day.  Your exact timetable will be confirmed to you at the start of your course.

Who will teach you?

  • Profile image for Aisling Walters

    Aisling Walters

    Senior Lecturer

    Aisling is a Senior Lecturer at NTU. She is a Course Leader for the Secondary Education undergraduate route. Aisling leads the NTU Secondary English PGCE course and teaches on several undergraduate Education courses. In 2026, Aisling received the Nottingham Trent University's Vice Chancellor's award for Teaching Excellence.

    Visit Aisling Walters's staff profile
  • Dr. Ruth Richards

    Ruth Richards (Dr )

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Ruth Richards is a Senior Lecturer at Nottingham Institute of Education, Course Leader for the EdD, and an award-recognised doctoral supervisor specialising in science teacher education.

    Visit Ruth Richards (Dr )'s staff profile
  • Profile icon

    Mark Crowley

    Senior Lecturer

    Mark Crowley (Mr)

    Visit Mark Crowley's staff profile
  • Philippa Baker

    Philippa Baker

    Senior Lecturer

    Philippa Baker

    Visit Philippa Baker's staff profile

  • Sarah Davies

    Senior Lecturer

    Sarah is the assistant course leader for the Post Graduate Certificate in Secondary Education. Sarah is also a senior lecturer and contributes to a range of modules within the Masters in Education.

    Visit Sarah Davies's staff profile
  • Jamie Tinney

    Jamie Tinney

    Senior Lecturer

    Jamie Tinney

    Visit Jamie Tinney's staff profile
  • Matt Woodford

    Dr Matt Woodford

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Matt is a senior lecturer in the Nottingham Institute of Education contributing to the development of outstanding school teachers.

    Visit Dr Matt Woodford's staff profile
  • Rachael_Blazewicz_Bell

    Rachael Blazewicz-Bell

    Principal Lecturer

    Rachael Blazewicz-Bell (Miss)

    Visit Rachael Blazewicz-Bell's staff profile

  • Joanne Wells

    Senior Lecturer

    Learn more about Joanne Wells, NTU Senior Lecturer and Mentor Development Lead, specialising in teacher training and education.

    Visit Joanne Wells's staff profile

Entry requirements

UK students

  • a third class UK honours degree or equivalent in any discipline
  • GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4  or equivalent. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk. Applicants with pending qualifications will be considered. If necessary, you can take a relevant GCSE as a private candidate.
  • a  personal statement

Biology. Chemistry and Physics applicants only

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics students will be expected to teach across all science disciplines. Therefore, please ensure your personal statement includes references to general scientific knowledge and understanding, as well as subject-specific strengths.

Design and Technology applicants only

Design and Technology candidates should have a strong understanding of design processes. Experience with a range of materials is preferred, though applications from those specialising in one area (e.g. textiles, wood, or similar) are also welcome. Please ensure your personal statement includes details on your skills and experiences in these areas.

International students

Academic entry requirements: A third class UK honours degree or equivalent. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international qualifications on our international entry requirements page.

Other requirements: GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C /4 or equivalent and a personal statement.

We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk.  Applicants with pending qualifications will be considered.

Biology. Chemistry and Physics applicants only

Biology, Chemistry, and Physics students will be expected to teach across all science disciplines. Therefore, please ensure your personal statement includes references to general scientific knowledge and understanding, as well as subject-specific strengths.

Design and Technology applicants only

Design and Technology candidates should have a strong understanding of design processes. Experience with a range of materials is preferred, though applications from those specialising in one area (e.g. textiles, wood, or similar) are also welcome. Please ensure your personal statement includes details on your skills and experiences in these areas.

If you hold an international High School qualification in English, Maths and Science, contact us to find out whether it would be accepted to meet the GCSE requirement.

English language requirements: International Students who need a Visa may be required to provide an additional English Language qualification for visa purposes. See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.


£9,790 per year

Please note that if you are considering a course that runs over more than one year, the tuition fee stated is for the first year of study. The course fee for the second year may be subject to annual review.

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including scholarships, discounts and loans.

Please note that despite this being a Masters-level course, postgraduate students may be eligible for funding via the undergraduate student finance system.

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Postgraduate loans

There is a government postgraduate loan scheme for Masters degrees. The loan contributes towards costs of study, and students can put it towards tuition fees, maintenance costs or other costs at their discretion. Find out more about postgraduate loans.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £17,950

Scholarships

You might be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies. We award scholarships to those who can demonstrate excellent achievement, passion and dedication to their studies. See which courses are eligible for scholarships.

Alumni discount

We’re happy to offer a 20% alumni discount to most current NTU students and recent NTU alumni. This discount is currently available for those starting an eligible postgraduate taught, postgraduate research or professional course.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money, the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment as part of your offer conditions. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, in order to enrol on the course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about your advance payment, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Your modules will point you to key textbooks and recommended reading. Many are available online, and in our libraries, but some students choose to buy their own copies. You’ll receive resource lists showing where to access eBooks, digital resources and physical copies. Our friendly Library team is always on hand to help you find what you need.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Careers and employability

The vocational nature of the PGCE Secondary and the fact that successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means that graduates are ideally placed to pursue a career as a teacher in a secondary school or college.

If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.

  • Employability Promise

    Personalised support, one-on-one coaching and industry-specific advice – it’s all part of our Employability Promise. And it doesn’t end when you leave NTU – you’ll have access to all our careers services for three years after you graduate (conditions apply).

  • Graduate employers

    Graduates from this course have successful careers in organisations such as:

    • Multi-academy trusts
    • Education departments in local government
    • Private education providers

  • NTU Enterprise

    If you’re a budding entrepreneur, NTU Student Enterprise can help you to develop your ideas and innovations and turn them into a reality. We also offer training, mentoring, workshops, financial advice and more to develop your business skills.

Campus and facilities

As a Secondary Education student you’ll mainly be studying in the Ada Byron King building, home to Nottingham Institute of Education. You will benefit from our specially designed teaching rooms simulating classrooms for subjects such as music and science. These purpose-built classrooms will help prepare you for a future in teaching, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience in a realistic environment.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Applying

UK students

Applications to this course are made through the Department for Education. Click Apply Now to be redirected.

Further information about applying

You will be able to apply directly to NTU, and / or to one or more of our partners, through the DfE system. Applying to a partner makes it more likely that you will be placed with them for your professional practice, but your course will otherwise be the same.

You are welcome to apply to as many of these offers as you wish. If you are successful in an application made to one of our partners, this will make it more likely that you will be placed within their local partnership of schools for your professional practice.

Whether you accept an offer directly from us at Nottingham Institute of Education at NTU, or from one of our partners, you will be on the same course and NTU will be your provider.

Apply now

International students

Apply online through the Department for Education website.

Further information about applying

You will be able to apply directly to NTU, and / or to one or more of our partners, through the DfE system. Applying to a partner makes it more likely that you will be placed with them for your professional practice, but your course will otherwise be the same.

You are welcome to apply to as many of these offers as you wish. If you are successful in an application made to one of our partners, this will make it more likely that you will be placed within their local partnership of schools for your professional practice.

Whether you accept an offer directly from us at Nottingham Institute of Education at NTU, or from one of our partners, you will be on the same course and NTU will be your provider.

If you already have a teaching qualification from outside the UK, you may be able to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. To learn more and check if you meet the eligibility criteria, please visit the Department for Education website.

Please read our application guidance before you start your application.

We advise you to prepare and apply as early as you can as Student visa processing time can vary.

We'll send you important emails throughout the application process. Please check your emails regularly, including your junk/spam mail folder.

Personal statement guidance

When you apply to NTU, we’ll ask you to submit a personal statement – here are our tips on what to include and how to structure your personal statement.

Application support

If you have any questions about applying, get in touch through our online form or call us on 44 (0)115 848 4200.

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