PGCE English (QTS)
2025-26 Year of entry
With two placements in secondary schools in or near London, this specialist English teaching qualification will prepare you for a fulfilling career with excellent prospects
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Why study PGCE English (QTS) at Middlesex?
On the English PGCE course, we will equip you with the experience to both educate and inspire secondary English pupils.
- A dynamic subject - Language is at the heart of everything we do. It sustains thought, it provides clarity of instruction and it develops community. This is your chance to strengthen young people’s English skills through writing, reading and spoken language.
- Strong course structure - This course fully embeds the Core Content Framework, enabling you to meet and exceed the Teachers’ Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Dedicated tutors - Learn from experienced tutors who are subject specialists in their field and can offer personalised support.
- A wide range of skills - Engage in subject sessions which are engaging and offer both theoretical and practical approaches to teaching English.
Other skills you'll gain include:
- Teaching language and literature
- Learning theory and cognitive science
- Promoting effective reading strategies
- Supporting and developing authentic writing
- Teaching vocabulary, grammar and punctuation
- Developing oracy in the classroom
- Critical thinking about pedagogical approaches
- Creating innovative approaches to English teaching.
"The highly aspirational and rich training programme, together with expertly led input from university staff, leads to trainees being fully ready for and confident about embarking on their career in teaching.
Secondary trainees are fulsome in their praise for their tutors at the centre and while on placements.
Secondary trainees develop an in-depth knowledge of their subject and how to teach it effectively. This is because subject tutors are experts in their field and the programmes build trainees’ learning sequentially."
Ofsted report 2024
3 great reasons to pick this course
About your course
You will critically evaluate the effectiveness of a wide range of resources and your own pedagogy. You will analyse research data and critically evaluate how research has contributed to the knowledge and understanding of how to teach English effectively.
The module enables students to develop and demonstrate their progress in the understanding and skills necessary to operate as an effective teacher within the Secondary age range. As such, it supports students in demonstrating they are making progress towards meeting current professional requirements under the Teachers’ Standards when teaching secondary aged pupils. This includes developing students’ knowledge and understanding of their secondary specialist subject curriculum alongside development of effective teaching, learning and assessment approaches.
Students will develop reflective perspectives on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in practice. They will explore aspects of inclusive practices in the classroom, encouraging reflection on cultural responsivity.
This module introduces students to the role of research in developing best practice in teaching and learning drawing particularly on theories and ideas about how young people learn. Students will also develop knowledge, understanding and skills for effective teaching of their specialist secondary subject and the module content will contribute towards their development of deep subject and curriculum knowledge. It addresses the emphasis for trainee teachers to appreciate and understand the role of research-based practice for developing effective teaching and learning approaches. In addition, the module will introduce students to strategies to support their development as critically reflective specialist subject teachers in a secondary school setting.
The module is linked with using the best available research evidence to underpin an intensive focus on a particular teaching and learning approach.
This module develops further students’ subject and curriculum knowledge for teaching by exploring the principles of curriculum choice, sequencing and enriching learning. Students will draw upon literature from related disciplinary areas in addition to key education literature and develop specialist knowledge about curriculum planning and supporting progression for all learners. Simultaneously students will deepen their knowledge and understanding of English/Drama.
The module supports students to achieve the current requirements for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It enables students to deepen their understanding and develop the skills necessary to operate as critically reflective secondary teachers of their subject discipline in a school setting.
To find out more about this course, download the programme specification (PDF).
Register your interest
Sign up now to receive more information about studying at Middlesex University London.
Teaching
The course is designed to provide 120 days in schools with a minimum of two school placement periods. Each placement provides a sustained teaching experience between Tuesday and Friday. After Easter, this will move to an 80% timetable, Monday to Friday.
The remaining 60 days of the course are university-based through lectures, seminars and practical workshops. The course will consist of a range of presentations, discussions and practical workshops where exemplar material can be discussed, scrutinised and applied in practice.
You will be based at our north London campus in Hendon and at your placement.
Your course timetable will balance your study commitments on campus with time for work, life commitments and independent study.
We aim to make timetables available to students at least two weeks before the start of term. Some weeks are different due to how we schedule classes and arrange on-campus sessions.
You'll have a strong support network available to you to make sure you develop all the necessary academic skills you need to succeed on your course.
Our support services will be available on campus.
You'll have access to one-to-one and group sessions for personal learning and academic support from our library and IT teams, and our network of learning experts. Our teams will also be here to offer financial advice, and personal wellbeing, mental health and disability support.
The university-based modules are assessed by coursework. The Professional Practice is assessed against the standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Each module is assessed on a pass/fail basis. All modules are compulsory and must be passed. You do not have an automatic right to reassessment for the Professional Practice module.
The Professional Practice module assess your ability to demonstrate you are able to apply the knowledge, understanding and skills of the ITE curriculum to your teaching practice, and fully meet the Teachers' Standards by the end of your training programme.
Each term, you'll get regular feedback on your learning.
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North London campus
Our north London campus is just 20 minutes from central London, giving you easy access to everything this vibrant city has to offer. Make the most of incredible professional opportunities, cultural experiences, and more affordable living, all within a supportive and close-knit campus community.
Learn about campus lifeFacilities and support
Our Sheppard Library has over 1000 study areas and 600 computer spaces
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Student support
We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health, and disability support.
Additional needs
We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.
Wellness
Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.
Work while you study
Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.
Careers
How can the PGCE English (QTS) support your career?
Our university's postgraduate courses have been recognised for their ability to support your career.
Employment rates are extremely high. Typically over 95% of our PGCE graduates are in employment or further study six months after graduation according to Graduate Outcomes in 2022.
Career paths
After completing this course, you'll be able to apply for a position as an early career teacher (ECT) in a secondary school setting.
As a newly qualified teacher, your salary will start at £30,000 (or more in London).
Teachers can find career progression in both the classroom and the school's management structure. You might aspire to become the head of a department, age group or curriculum. By developing your leadership skills and experience, you could progress to a senior management position, such as deputy head or head teacher.
For more information on salary and career progression, visit the Department for Education's website.
MDXworks
MDXworks, our employability service, will help you make the most of your experience and connections to achieve your career goals. You'll have unlimited access to one-to-one advice and support from specialists in your sector plus 24/7 online support. You can also make the most of events and networking opportunities, on and off campus.
Global network
At Middlesex, you’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. After you graduate, we'll support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.
Entry requirements
We welcome your application regardless of your background or experience.
For this course, ideally, we are looking for these qualifications:
- A 2:2 honours degree or above in a subject relevant to English or English Literature.
- GCSEs in English and Maths with Grade 4/C or above
- Graduate-level professional qualifications.
An A Level (or equivalent) in English or a English-related subject is preferred. This would be a requirement if your degree subject is less closely related.
If this is not the case, you’ll need to prove your subject knowledge in some other way. You may be asked to complete Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) training prior to starting the course.
Further requirements
The following requirements are set out in the Initial Teacher Training Criteria document. You must have:
- GCSE grade C / grade 4 or above in English and mathematics or be retaking them this year. We also accept the equivalency tests by Equivalency Testing, A Star Teachers or any other appropriately accredited provider. We cannot accept functional skills or key skills or IELTS
- Been subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure check and/or any other appropriate background check
To strengthen applications, it is recommended that you have obtained, or have set up to obtain, recent and relevant experience within state secondary school settings in England.
Safer recruitment
We are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm. Our recruitment processes adhere to the principles of safer recruitment; we implement robust and safe recruitment practices which support the identification and rejection of any applicants who are unsuitable to work with children and young people. We will respond to any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process.
International students are eligible to apply for this course.
Here are the qualifications relevant for this course:
- A 2:2 honours degree or above and a strong A Level in English language or literature or equivalent.
If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, we may be able to count this towards your entry requirements.
Further requirements
The following requirements are set out in the Initial Teacher Training Criteria document. You must have:
- GCSE grade C / grade 4 or above in English and mathematics or standard equivalent
- We also accept the equivalency tests by Equivalency Testing, A Star Teachers or any other appropriately accredited provider. We cannot accept functional skills or key skills or IELTS
- Been subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure check and/or any other appropriate background check.
English language
You'll need good English language skills to study with us. We cannot accept IELTS on this course. Find out more about our English language requirements.
Visas
International students can apply for a student visa to train to teach in England if they are undertaking an unsalaried initial teacher training (ITT) course and:
- they have an unconditional offer from a licensed sponsoring institution
- they can financially support themselves in the UK and pay for their course
- they meet the English language requirements for the student visa.
Find out more about the student route visa.
Safer recruitment
We are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm. Our recruitment processes adhere to the principles of safer recruitment – we implement robust and safe recruitment practices which support the identification and rejection of any applicants who are unsuitable to work with children and young people. We will respond to any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process.
Apply as early as possible to make sure you get a place. You can submit your application before you receive your final qualification.
Lead Partner schools
We also have a small number of Lead Partner schools who recruit to PGCE programmes on behalf of Middlesex University. You can find schools offering these opportunities on DfE Find and Apply. If you are interested to apply via the Lead Partner route, you need to apply to the Lead Partner school via DfE and Apply. If you apply via the Lead Partner route, you would undertake your school-based training placement in the Lead Partner school or one of its linked schools. Otherwise the Lead Partner route provides access to the PGCE programme as described on this course page.
Safer Recruitment
We are committed to keeping children and young people safe from harm. Our recruitment processes adhere to the principles of safer recruitment – we implement robust and safe recruitment practices which support the identification and rejection of any applicants who are unsuitable to work with children and young people. We will respond to any concerns about the suitability of applicants during the recruitment process.
Personal statements
Make sure that you highlight your best qualities in your personal statement that are relevant to this course. Such as your ability to be forward-thinking, creative and collaborative.
Interviews
Entry onto this course requires an interview. We use the interview to find out more about you, to better understand your aspirations and interests, and to explore why you want to study with us.
At the interview stage, your suitability for teaching will be judged, including your subject knowledge for teaching and your potential to demonstrate proficiency with fundamental English and mathematics. If we identify any shortfall, you may be required to complete some additional work before starting the course.
During the course, your subject knowledge and fundamental English and mathematics will be developed and assessed to ensure you reach the required level.
We aim to arrange all interviews on our Hendon campus.
Exceptions
You can also apply through Department for Education’s Teacher Training website for:
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- Lead Partner Routes (School Direct salaried, Postgraduate Teacher Apprenticeship or fee-funded PGCE)
Find out more
Find out how to apply for postgraduate taught courses and watch our step-by-step video.
Admissions questions? Ask us a question now via the live chat icon on the screen.
Fees and funding
The fees below are for the 2025/26 academic year.
UK students1
Full-time students: £9,535
International students
Full-time students: £12,800
Loans and Bursaries
UK students can apply for a tuition fee loan which covers your fees and is only repayable after your graduate. In addition, UK students may be eligible for additional grants and loans including those from the Department of Education. You will find a full list of designated ITT subjects and funding offers on The Department for Education website.
Additional costs
We cover your costs for the day-to-day things that you need to do well in your studies; however, you will have to pay for travel, stationery and clothing for placement. You will get:
- Free – laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing
- Free specialist software for your course
- Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.
Postgraduate scholarships
You may be eligible for one of our scholarships including:
- The Alumni Postgraduate Award – as an undergraduate student continuing postgraduate studies at Middlesex, you can apply for 20% off your fees
- The Chevening Scholarship – full course fees.
Find out more about our postgraduate scholarships.
Fees disclaimers
1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase postgraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.
Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.
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We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.
Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.
Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.
At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.