PGCE (Secondary): Design & Technology
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Why study PGCE (Secondary): Design & Technology at Goldsmiths
Our aim is to develop teachers whose vision, imagination and professionalism takes them beyond the realities of current educational policy, and encourage them to continually seek to evolve new and better models of practice.
- This programme is run by Goldsmiths' globally respected Department of Design.
- The curriculum includes working with resistant materials (product design), systems and control (electronics, CAD/CAM), textiles, and food technology. What unifies these is the subject of Design, and the development of designing competence.
- This programme is aimed at preparing you to teach in two broad areas. You’ll be given the opportunity to specialise in one area to Key Stage 3 (age 11-14), and another to Key Stage 4 and beyond (age 14+). Key Stage 3 specialist fields are Materials; Textiles; Electronics and Communications Technology; and Food. The two Key Stage 4 specialist fields are Materials and Textiles.
- Through an integrated course that involves both a practical and theoretical approach, you’ll be encouraged to reach your potential as a fully qualified teacher.
Part-time study
It is possible to study for the PGCE in Design and Technology on a part-time basis. You can find out more on the page for our part-time PGCE programmes.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions, contact Alice Hellard.
Teacher Training Code
W9X1 (full-time); WX91 (part-time)
Length
1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £9535
Home - part-time: £TBC
International - full-time: £21200
Department
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 seminars examining the nature of Design and Technology education, and workshops designed to develop your subject expertise. By the end of the programme you must offer a second area of competence to teach to the end of Key Stage 3, as well as your specialist area at Key Stages 4 and 5.
You engage in two design activities: one in the first term, and the second throughout the year.
The first activity is mirrored by the same project being undertaken by Year 9 pupils in a local school, and culminates in a shared presentation.
The second activity culminates in a presentation of a personal design-and-make project to your peers, to consider and reflect on the nature of the process of designing.
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 and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PGCE fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £9535
- Home - part-time: £TBC
- International - full-time: £21200
If your fees are not listed here, please contact the Fees Office - registry (@gold.ac.uk).
Funding opportunities
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for prospective students - please use the Scholarship Finder below.
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.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Entry requirements
You'll need:
- To meet our fitness to train requirements
- A GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics. Please note, we can only accept some UK and international GCSE equivalent qualifications (). If you have a non-UK qualification that you believe is GCSE equivalent, you must check this with the Admissions team.
- An undergraduate honours degree, at 2:2 or above from a university in the United Kingdom or an international equivalent in a subject related to Design and Technology, such as theatre design, product design, graphics, silversmithing, or architecture
In some special cases, an unrelated degree may be acceptable if you have worked in a field related to Design and Technology.
Each year the programme contains a good mixture of graduates with a broad spread of specialist expertise, and we welcome applicants with experience of working in business and industry.
