PGCE (Secondary): Mathematics
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Why study PGCE (Secondary): Mathematics at Goldsmiths
Secondary schools need good maths teachers. This exciting and demanding programme will prepare you to become an effective and high-quality maths teacher, with a particular focus on the unique demands of working in a multi-ethnic London comprehensive school.
- Get to know the different parts of the mathematics curriculum and possible teaching approaches in Goldsmiths' supportive and collaborative learning environment.
- Explore the forefront of mathematics education, engaging critically with current issues and debates, and help shape the field's future. An essential aspect of your learning is challenging your preconceptions about learners, mathematics and teaching.
- Focus on broadening your knowledge of resources for teaching, longer-term planning, and the post-16 curriculum in mathematics sessions at Goldsmiths.
- Develop your skills in planning, teaching, and managing whole classes. You will build up gradually, from learning ways to teach one student to small groups to a whole class.
- Learn about ‘whole-school’ issues and contributing to a school’s pastoral life.
- Take advantage of our unique partnerships with local schools and gain hands-on teaching experience in carefully selected placements. You will be prepared for teaching anywhere in the world.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions, contact Dr Sipho Morrison.
Teacher Training Code
G1X1 (full-time); U866 (part-time)
Length
1 year full-time or 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, the emphasis is on getting to know the different parts of the school mathematics curriculum and possible teaching approaches. You will also reflect on your mathematics journey, identifying strengths and areas for growth, and receive personalised guidance every step of the way.
You will look at the possibilities of using information technology in teaching mathematics and explore different approaches to assessing pupils.
An essential feature of the term is discovering and refining your unique teaching style. You will follow this through in the first assignment, built around your personal 'why' you want to teach.
You learn about ‘whole-school’ issues as well as mathematics teaching and are expected to contribute to the pastoral life of the school. You will do an assessed project on a whole-school or cross-curricular theme.
Early in the first term, you will be based mainly in university. After half term, you will spend most of your time in school, with one day a week back in university.
Following the Christmas break, you will spend almost all your time in a second school. Here, you will develop your skills in planning, teaching and managing whole classes. You'll be taking responsibility for them over a sustained period of time. This includes assessing, recording and reporting on pupils’ attainment and catering for a range of achievement levels.
Later, mathematics sessions at university focus on broadening your knowledge of resources for teaching, longer-term planning, and the post-16 curriculum.
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, that we can only accept some UK and international GCSE equivalent qualifications.
- 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 Mathematics.
International qualifications
If you have a non-UK qualification that you believe is GCSE equivalent, you must check this with the Admissions team.
