PGCE (Secondary): Standard Programme

Why study PGCE (Secondary): Standard Programme at Goldsmiths

This full-time PGCE will give you the knowledge, skills and understanding to teach at secondary level in a range of subjects: Art and Design; Biology; Chemistry; Design and Technology; Drama; English; English and Media; Mathematics; Media; Modern Languages and Physics.

  • This programme aims to develop all the skills, knowledge and understanding you’ll need to become a responsible and effective secondary school teacher in your chosen subject.
  • Goldsmiths PGCE students are often offered employment in their placement schools.
  • Our recent Ofsted inspection (2022) found that: 
    • Trainees develop the knowledge they need to succeed in their future teaching roles. They learn how to meet the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND), and those who speak English as an additional language. Trainees become confident in managing pupils’ behaviour and develop a strong understanding of their responsibilities in relation to safeguarding and inclusion.
    • Trainees are well prepared to teach their subjects and phases.
    • Typically, trainees feel that school mentors and partnership tutors support them well, including with their workload.

Find out about the programmes: 

PGCE (Secondary): Art & Design

PGCE (Secondary): Design & Technology

PGCE (Secondary): Drama

PGCE (Secondary): English

PGCE (Secondary): English and Media

PGCE (Secondary): Mathematics

PGCE (Secondary): Media

PGCE (Secondary): Modern Languages

PGCE (Secondary): Science Education: Biology, Chemistry or Physics

Contact the department

If you have specific questions, contact Department of Educational Studies.

Teacher Training Code

See subject areas

Length

1 year full-time

Department

Educational Studies

Our vision and mission

The programme is driven by the desire to support the development of exceptional teachers for world-class schools and in doing so is committed to:

  • Promoting reflection, to help you develop a strong sense of identity that is built upon a close connection between research and experience
  • Recognising inclusivity, to be rights-respecting, and recognise and challenge the political, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of practice
  • Celebrating creativity, taking informed risks, and using innovative strategies to support learning
  • Developing confidence and engagement, enabling you to participate fully in steering the course of the teaching profession locally, nationally, and globally

What you'll study

There are three modules in the PGCE:

  • Studies in Professional Issues and Research in Education (SPIRE) (30 credits)

  • Subject Studies (30 credits)

  • School Experience (60 credits)

Read more about these in the programme specification. 

Learning and teaching

A range of teaching methods is employed across all our PGCE programmes, including:

  • Taught subject sessions
  • Practical workshops
  • Compulsory lectures
  • Seminars
  • Group and individual tutorials
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Supported self-study

How to apply

You apply for this PGCE through the Department for Education’s Apply for Teacher Training website.

More information about the process can be found on the Get into Teaching website and the UCAS teacher training web pages.

Please take a look at the information on applying, including the specific qualifications or experience you need for this course.

There's no closing date for primary or secondary applications, but we advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Fees, funding and scholarships 

Tuition fees

Please check individual PGCE programme page for details of fees.

Find out about paying your fees.

If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.

Funding opportunities

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for prospective students - please use the Scholarship Finder.

Find out more about funding your studies with us.

Get into Teaching funding

The Department for Education offers tax-free scholarships and bursaries to trainees on eligible PGCE programmes. Bursary amounts vary depending on your previous qualifications and the subject in which you're training to teach.

For more information about PGCE funding visit the Get into Teaching website.

Please note: these bursaries are not controlled by Goldsmiths and are subject to change.

Entry requirements

Please see the PGCE programme pages for the specific entry requirements for your qualification.