PGCE (Secondary): English
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Why study PGCE (Secondary): English at Goldsmiths
This teacher training programme offers a balance of theory and practice to give you a thorough grounding in all aspects of the National Curriculum for English, including post-16 teaching.
- As well as learning how to plan and evaluate lessons and assess your students, you'll also develop knowledge specific to english teaching. This includes learning a wide range of teaching approaches that you can draw on - including drama, voice and media studies.
- You'll look at how to meet different needs and interests in mixed experience classrooms including working with bilingual pupils, and those with special educational needs.
- You'll have practical workshop sessions and seminars with trained professionals, and you'll undertake placements in schools.
Part-time study
It is possible to study for the PGCE in English 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 Jez Pinfold.
Teacher Training Code
Q3X1 (full-time); QX31 (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
In the Autumn Term, two days of most weeks are devoted to the College-based English Method programme.
These subject sessions have a seminar/workshop format.
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 must 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 (see the list of accepted UK GCSE equivalencies). 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 English.
International qualifications
If you have a non-UK qualification that you believe is GCSE equivalent, you must check this with the Admissions team.
