Karen Woolley
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITE PE)
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PGCE Secondary Education (QTS) (11-16 with Post-16 enhancement)
Key Facts
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Duration
1 Year
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Level
PostgraduatePG PGCE
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2:2 (or above) Honours Degree
GCSE Grade 4/C (or above) in English and Mathematics -
£9,790
Updated 12/03/2026
Overview
This course will help you to become a creative and innovative teacher of secondary-age children. Underpinned by contemporary research and theory, this course will enable you to teach both Key Stage 3 and Key Stage 4 in your chosen subject (English, history or physical education). On successful completion of the course, you will be recommended for QTS and will have studied for 60 credits at Masters’ level. This may contribute to a full Masters’ degree in the future if you wish to continue your studies. The University of Northampton has a long-standing reputation in training creative, dynamic and innovative teachers that transform lives and inspire change for children. The course will start the first Monday in September.
Highlights
You will be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor who is your main contact throughout the course and who is there for you both personally and academically.
· Placements in two different school settings
· UON trained mentor who is based in the school where you are training
· Use of School Experience Collection within the 24/7 library and learning zone
· Learning beyond the classroom opportunities
· Research informed teaching.
Entry Requirements
You must hold an honours degree from a UK University (or recognised equivalent) and the classification should be 2:2 or above.
You will need a GCSE Grade 4/C or above in English and mathematics, and you will be required to prove this with original certificates.
Accepted Equivilency Qualifications:
- Equivalency Testing for English and mathematics.
- A Star Equivalency for mathematics but NOT for English.
If you already have an equivalency exam from another provider, then please contact University Admissions who will be able to advise you if it is acceptable.
If you have any questions regarding your qualifications, please contact Admissions for advice prior to your application.
You will be interviewed, and you will need to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and occupational health checks.
It is considered that you will benefit from school experience before the course starts.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- A successful interview by the University*
- A successful Occupational Health Screening*
- A satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report*
- Evidence of original qualification certificates* (copies are not accepted)
- These checks are all required prior to enrolment to the programme.
Intellectual and academic capabilities
Prior to the award of QTS, providers must assure trainees’ capabilities in English and mathematics. Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure Fundamental English and mathematics, whereas responsibility for assurance lies with the provider.
If you would like more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
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What You'll Learn
The PGCE year is an intensive, transformative journey. Successful candidates will be provided with opportunities to consider teaching theories, national curriculum specialist subject knowledge, and research-informed approaches to teaching and learning. This will be achieved through learning events, assessments, placements and professional development in the form of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks. You will learn the skills needed for effective teaching in your subject. Our university tutors will challenge and guide you to explore a range of perspectives in secondary education.
The University of Northampton prides itself on providing a supportive learning environment. Your learning and development will be supported by your personal academic tutor, your school-based mentor and tutors from the university. There is a key focus in this PGCE on helping our students to develop personally and professionally in the role of a secondary teacher and to become a skillful and creative teacher in your specialist subject.
The PGCE timetable has two assessed placements on this course. Your first placement in the autumn term starts with observing lessons and progresses to leading a full class. Your second placement will see you increase your teaching and overall class duties up to 80% of the teacher’s responsibilities.
Alongside your placements, you will have blocks of time when you are in university attending learning events. You will have 4 weeks of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAPs), which are designed to develop pivotal elements of teaching. You will study two modules at level 7; one in your specialist secondary subject and one in Professional Studies that looks at whole school issues and what it means to be a secondary teacher.
You will develop your teaching skills and your understanding of the subject curriculum. Your tutors and peers will encourage you to reflect through critical thinking and by exploring new ideas.
What will I learn on the PGCE Secondary Education (QTS) (11-16 with Post-16 enhancement)?
There are two Masters’ Level 7 modules worth 30 credits each; one focusing on Professional studies, and the other focusing on Teaching and Learning in your subject area. These modules can contribute to the MA in Education.
There are two placements; one is a 10-week placement (20 credits), and the other is a 16-week placement (40 credits).
This course provides you with opportunities to get fully immersed into the life of the school and to understand the role of the teacher. By the end of the second placement, students will assume 80% of the class and teacher responsibilities, which will prepare you for the next stages of your career.
How often will you attend university/school?
Your course consists of university and school-based learning. You will be in school for at least 120 days over the course of your degree. University-based days are normally 9am-5pm. School-based days will vary according to the requirements of the school and specific placement expectations, but general expectations are that you will be in school between 8.15am and 4.30pm.
What is my weekly commitment to the PGCE Secondary?
The commitment to the course is full time – you need to be available five days a week. However, not all of that time will be face to face teaching. Sessions in university vary according to the time of year, and when you are on placement. On average you may have a minimum of 20 hours face to face teaching. At other times you may be undertaking reading and writing for assignments or completing pre-tasks before coming to sessions.
Who arranges my school-based placements?
School-based placements are arranged by the University’s placement and work-based learning team.
Does my school placement have to be in Northampton?
We have a partnership of schools that we work with regularly. The majority of these schools are in the Northamptonshire area, but we do work with schools further afield in Milton Keynes, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.
What equipment will I need for the Physical Education PGCE?
For the physical education PGCE you will need swimming kit, a waterproof jacket, shin pads, gum shield and a whistle.
What is the starting salary for a Teacher in England?
To check the starting salary for a teacher in England can be found on the Get Into Teaching website.
Can I work overseas with a Primary Education QTS degree?
Yes, you can work overseas, dependent on the requirements of the country you are seeking to work in. You will need to consider how you will complete your ECT Induction if you choose to teach abroad immediately after gaining QTS.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
- £9,790
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 26/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
When assessing an applicant’s eligibility to pay home fees, we use the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) which sets out the regulations that have been decided by the UK Government Department of Education.
Additional Information
- UK Fees: £9,535
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
Staff
Emma Whewell
Head of School - Sport & Public Health
Toby Purser
Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)
Rachel Bassett-Dubsky
Senior Lecturer in Education (CYF)
Careers and Employability
On graduating having received your QTS you will be able to teach in a Secondary setting in your chosen subject area. Additionally to your QTS, you will have completed 60 Masters’ credits and have further opportunities at the University of Northampton to further study and complete a Masters.
Facilities
We have an extensive School Experience Library which candidates will have access to. It is made up of resources specifically for trainee teachers, to support you on your placements. You will be able to borrow resources and planning materials. We have access to partnership schools across the region around the university. The ITT provision was rated Good by Ofsted (May 2022).
