PGCE English (QTS)

Language is at the heart of everything we do. It sustains thought, development and community. As an excellent written and verbal communicator, this is your chance to strengthen young people's English skills through writing, reading, speaking and listening. Whether chairing a lively debate or navigating a class through a complex Shakespeare extract, you'll be an inspiring influence for pupils from all backgrounds.

Why study PGCE English (QTS) at Middlesex University?

On the English PGCE course, we are passionate about language and literature in all its forms. Combining your enthusiasm for literature and communication with the educational theory and practice offered on this course, our team of experienced English teachers will equip you with the skills and experience necessary to both educate and inspire secondary English pupils. Through interactive workshops, tutorials, lectures and debates, this one-year full-time course enables you to meet and exceed the national standards for the award of qualified teacher status.

During your studies, you will undertake teaching placements in at least two secondary schools and have the chance to acquire skills in the pedagogy of English teaching and in the application of new technologies in teaching and learning. We have excellent relationships with schools in and outside London and in this highly personalised programme, schools are carefully selected to suit each individual and expose them to a variety of imaginative and thought provoking learning strategies. Key experts from our partner schools are on hand to offer invaluable mentoring and support.

The course includes interrelated elements that focus on the school and classroom, language, literature and communication. Key areas addressed during the course include the teaching of literature, media aspects of English; an exploration of support for language and learning needs; and the role of Drama within English.

Course highlights

• You will learn from experienced and personalised tutors who are subject specialists in their field, as well as other experts from the partnership.
• English pathway sessions are varied, engaging and offer both theoretical and practical approaches to teach English in the secondary classroom.
• You could undertake an enhanced placement in a third educational setting, such as with The British Library, a PRU, a SEND school or another setting to cater for your interests and professional development.
• Middlesex University provides links with wider educational providers to give you an experience of leading learning outside the classroom.
• Dovetails with the excellent Professional Studies offered at Middlesex University.
• As a student of this course you'll receive a free electronic textbook for every module.

What will you study on the PGCE English?

You will critically evaluate the effectiveness of a wide range of resources and your own lesson plans. You will analyse research data and critically evaluate how research has contributed to the knowledge and understanding of how to teach English effectively.

How is the PGCE English (QTS) taught?

You will spend at least 120 days in schools that include two school experiences: Secondary Professional Development 1 and Secondary Professional Development 2 in which you will teach approximately 60% of the timetable. Each placement has a block element to provide a sustained teaching experience over the complete teaching week.

The remaining 60 days of the programme is university based, where you will attend lectures, seminars and practical workshops. The course will comprise of a range of presentations, discussions and practical workshops where exemplar material can be selected from English contexts.

Assessments

The two school experiences are assessed against the professional requirements under the Teachers’ Standards:

• Professional Knowledge and Pedagogy is assessed through coursework by undertaking a small scale research assignment.
• English is assessed through coursework, by undertaking a Monitoring and Assessment assignment.

How can the PGCE English (QTS) support your career?

Graduates will look to move into a position as a Newly Qualified Teacher in a secondary school setting.

Our course gives you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Teaching is a profession with excellent progression and benefits and our graduates have an excellent reputation within the profession. Our employment rates are extremely high with around 97% of our PGCE graduates in employment or further study six months after graduation. The starting salary of a qualified teacher in inner London is £30,480.