PGCE Secondary (PGCE)

About the Course

Apply via the GOV.UK website

The Secondary PGCE programme will support students to consider the pedagogy of their chosen subject specialism in depth. This course aims to develop and integrate subject pedagogy and theory with classroom practice and equip student teachers with the skills necessary to become reflective and effective teachers of their chosen subject across the 11-18 age range.

All Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) courses at Liverpool Hope offer students the opportunity to combine a programme of theory with real world experience. The initial professional development focuses on what underpins the work of an effective and successful teacher, while school placements offer you the opportunity to put theory into practice. School placements will cover the 11-16 age range, along with a KS5 enhancement.

*PGCE Business includes subject sessions concentrating on the pedagogy of teaching Business along with working with local employers to enhance business education. School placements will cover the 14-18 age range, along with a KS3 enhancement opportunity.

For closed courses please go to Learn to Teach locally to check for vacancies

Subject specialisms we offer:

Curriculum Overview

Successful completion of this PGCE secondary course is achieved through the following ways:

Award of Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education - made upon successful completion of the formal subject based assignments at Masters Level and successful completion of the two teaching placements. This provides a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 60 Masters Credits.

Award of Professional Certificate in Secondary Education - made upon successful completion of formal subject based assignments at least at Honours level but below Masters level and successful completion of two teaching placements for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Enhancement Opportunities

Work Placement Opportunities

Each PGCE Secondary course involves at least two placements in a secondary school setting. This gives you an opportunity to put theory into practice, ensuring that when you finish the degree you will be prepared for a fulfilling career as a teacher.

Entry Requirements

Apply via the GOV.UK website

A minimum of a Second-Class Honours degree in a relevant discipline awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification, incorporating at least 50% subject related for the following subjects,

• Art & Design
• Biology
• Business
• Chemistry
• Computer Science with ICT
• Drama
• English
• Geography
• History
• Mathematics
• Modern Languages - non UK applicants can apply
• Music
• Physical Education
• Physics
• Religious Education

GCSE Grade C or above in English and Mathematics (Grade 4 or above in the new grading system). These can be pending but required before enrolment

Alternative equivalency tests or assessments for English, mathematics and science (where required) may be considered to meet the GCSE requirements.  Please contact us for further information if you hold, or intend to apply for, an equivalency test or assessment.

Relevant experience in a school setting is beneficial for your application, but not essential.

Offers will be subject to a successful interview, as well as a Health Check Statement and an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (formally the Criminal Records Bureau – CRB).

International Entry Requirements

Non-UK applicants should achieve a minimum score of 6.0 overall with 6.0 in Reading and Writing mandatory, and 5.5 minimum in each sub-skill  in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) assessment (or an equivalent assessment).

UK/Channel Island Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for Home students are £9,535*.

*subject to Council approval.

Funding

Loans

Funding is available to help you train to teach. You can apply for a:

• tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 to cover your teacher training, so you do not need to pay course fees upfront
• maintenance loan of up to £12,382 to help with living costs

You can still apply for a tuition fee and a maintenance loan if you already have a student loan, and regardless of whether you get a teaching bursary or scholarship.

You will only have to make loan repayments once you’re earning. Your repayments will not increase if you already have a student loan and take an additional loan for teacher training.

Scholarships & Bursaries

You may be eligible for a teaching bursary or scholarship when training to teach.

These are tax-free amounts of money you receive to train in certain subjects. You do not need to pay them back.

You’ll need a first, 2:1, 2:2 degree or a PhD or master’s degree to be eligible for a bursary, as well as meeting the bursary scheme’s individual terms and conditions.

Find out more about your eligibility for teacher training bursaries.

EU/Non EU International Tuition Fees

2025/26

Tuition fees for EU/Non-EU International students for 2025/26 are £15,250

Please be aware that the UK’s departure from the EU may affect your tuition fees. Learn more about your fee status and which tuition fees are relevant to you.

Careers

Completion of a Secondary PGCE programme gives you Qualified Teacher Status, allowing you to become a teacher in a secondary school.