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Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Postgraduate PGCE
Secondary Education with Qualified Teacher Status
Train to become an outstanding secondary school teacher and make a positive impact on young people’s lives. You’ll be qualified to teach 11–18-year-olds across a rewarding career.
Course Overview
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L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park
You’ll have the choice of several subject specialisms on our PGCE Secondary Education courses, all of which lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS):
- PGCE Secondary Education 11-18 English with QTS
- PGCE Secondary Education 11-18 Mathematics with QTS
- PGCE Secondary Education 11-18 Physical Education with QTS
- PGCE Secondary Education 11-18 Physical Education: EBacc English with QTS
- PGCE Secondary Education 11-18 Physical Education: EBacc Maths with QTS
Through a carefully structured, supportive and engaging curriculum, this course will:
- Help you develop a deep understanding of how children learn
- Equip you with the subject knowledge and skills to become a confident and successful teacher
- Be led by our vastly experienced subject experts to support your development as a true specialist
Your modules
Visit the teaching and learning section, further down this page, for more details on your modules. You’ll be awarded 60 master’s credits and QTS on successful completion of three core modules.
EBacc courses
If you have a passion for teaching physical education, you could choose to study one of our EBacc pathways. This could help you enhance your employability as you’ll be able to teach physical education and a second subject specialism of your choice.
Your teaching experiences
You’ll develop your own teacher identity and teaching style thanks to our critically reflective learning approach. This will empower you to successfully deliver innovative, inclusive and engaging lessons with confidence. This course will provide intensive training and practice opportunities that will focus on the development of initial teacher training core areas, such as:
- Effective behaviour management
- Adaptive teaching
- Pedagogical approaches
- Subject specific pedagogies
You’ll develop a rich understanding and breadth of knowledge which will enable you to be immersed in your school experiences.
Learn from experts
We have been developing teachers for more than 100 years. You'll benefit from an experienced team, determined to help you realise your potential, who are active in educational research. Their practical experience and theoretical, current knowledge will feed into your learning.
Placements
You’ll put your knowledge into practice during supportive and structured teaching experiences on two contrasting school placements. During this time, you’ll be challenged by experienced professional and subject-specific, trained school-based mentors to develop your teaching skills and apply your subject knowledge. You’ll be supported to plan, deliver and assess pupils’ learning and develop your professionalism by:
- A university link tutor who will collaborate with school colleagues to monitor and quality-assure your progress in school
- A university personal tutor who will offer professional support
School partnerships route
We offer an alternative training model so you could choose to learn on the job with our partner Springboard.
Why study PGCE Secondary Education at Leeds Beckett University...
- Contrasting and supportive placements opportunities – with a highly diverse local community
- Full-time or part-time option available - choose the pace that suits you
- Professionally experienced expert teaching team - you’ll learn from lecturers who have been practising secondary school teachers and are now active in educational research
- Start on your path to Qualified Teacher Status - on completion of this course, you’ll be ready to work as a qualified secondary school teacher
- Study in in our top-class facilities - featuring purpose-built teaching classrooms and state-of-the-art sports facilities
- School Partnerships Route - we offer an alternative training model through our school partnerships so you could choose to learn on the job
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least a lower second-class honours degree relevant to secondary education in or related to the subject area the candidate is applying for.
GCSES:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 (Grade C for those sitting their GCSE before 2017) or above, or an equivalent award including some equivalency tests, are required prior to the course start (Evidence should usually be provided by 1 September). Functional Skills and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy/Literacy are not accepted in place of GCSEs.All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Entry requirements
Applicants should have at least a lower second-class honours degree relevant to secondary education in or related to the subject area the candidate is applying for.
GCSES:
GCSE English Language and Maths at Grade 4 (Grade C for those sitting their GCSE before 2017) or above, or an equivalent award including some equivalency tests, are required prior to the course start (Evidence should usually be provided by 1 September). Functional Skills and the Certificate in Adult Numeracy/Literacy are not accepted in place of GCSEs.All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Interview Required
Suitable applicants will be invited to an interview as part of the admissions process. The interview will involve a group activity and an individual interview. You will also have the opportunity to learn more about the course.
IELTS
All applicants should satisfy our English Language requirements . Please note the IELTS requirement for this course are IELTS 6.5 with no skill below 6.5. Further details about acceptable equivalent qualifications can be found on our International Student information pages .
Selection Criteria
Due to the popularity of this course, we will use selection criteria based on your personal attributes, experience and/or commitment to the area of study using information derived from your personal statement and reference. These will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements, and only if you are successful at this stage will you be invited to interview.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Health Check
For certain Professional Body courses, Occupational Health checks are also part of the entry requirements. Applicants will be asked to complete an on-line Health Questionnaire and sent guidance and links on how to complete this following your offer of a place.
Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
What you'll learn
Attend a series of lectures, workshops and seminars with specialist members of staff, who are all experienced teachers. They'll share their knowledge about what to expect in high schools, how different strategies work for diverse types of classes, behaviour management and organisation in your specialist subject, and when to best part with your subject knowledge. You'll cover pedagogy, assessment and curriculum in relation to your specialist area. This module will prepare you for becoming part of a high school department during phase 1.
This module will prepare you for the world of teaching in a high School. You'll attend a series of lectures (with many guest speakers and current practitioners) and seminars that will cover all aspects of how to be successful in school. There'll be a constant focus on developing your professional behaviours throughout the module. The experts will advice you on how to speak to pupils professionally, procedures to follow in school, how to teach pupils with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities, how to plan, and how to teach pupils who have English as an additional language (plus many more areas).
This module relates to the time you will spend in school making use of the skills and knowledge you have developed. You'll attend two school placements that will take place at different schools, and you'll aim to progress by meeting the Core Content Framework progress statements. This will be judged by your School-based Mentor and your Link Tutor. You'll be expected to fully immerse yourself in becoming a teacher and teach 60% of a teacher’s timetable in phase 1 and 80% in phase 2. The demands on you as a student teacher will also increase from phase 1 to phase 2.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£9,250
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£17,500
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£9,250
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £9250. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£17,500
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £17500. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel or dual accommodation costs
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Career Prospects
This course meets the requirements for Qualified Teacher Status and our student teachers go on to be an essential part of the education workforce locally, nationally and globally. On completion, you’ll have the skills and knowledge to work as a qualified secondary school teacher. You’ll make a genuine difference to the lives of young people and inspire future generations across a hugely rewarding career.
Train to be a teacher with us at Leeds Beckett and enjoy a long, rewarding career.
You'll learn how to help young people to be the best version of themselves, reach their potential and lead a life that has a positive impact on others.
Paul Ogilvie
Course Director
Beckett Careers Team
Our careers service is not just there for undergraduates, we support our postgraduate taught and research students too.
Your postgraduate degree will boost your CV and help you stand out from the crowd. Whether you're just starting out on your chosen career path, changing careers or moving to the next level, we can provide you with expert advice and resources to help you take the next steps to achieving your goals.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Global Village
Our Global Village is made up of students and staff who are here to help you settle into life in Leeds and make new friends.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed – whether that’s completing your current studies or joining our cutting-edge research teams.
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