Course Structure

After enrolment in early September, you will complete an Induction week followed by a two-week block experience in a primary school.

The next six week block of the course is devoted to university-based tuition (subject-specific taught sessions and directed independent study) before you commence your first eleven week period of professional placement based in a school.

At the beginning of February, you return to university-based tuition in preparation for your second eleven week professional period in a school. A final week of university-based tuition completes the course at the end of May.

Successful completion of the PGCE depends on achieving satisfactory standards in both practical teaching and in course work.

The extended placements, which we arrange, are in two different school types. This ensures a varied experience of teaching in different schools and working with pupils from the whole ability range.

In the two post-primary schools you will work closely with members of each school’s staff. Your subject lecturer from Queen’s will also maintain close co-operative links with these teachers during your school placements.

Course Details

The programme combines university-based tuition, consisting of taught sessions and directed independent study, with professional placements in schools and is organised around three interdependent strands: Professional School-based Experience - focuses on developing practical teaching competence particularly through working closely with experienced teachers during periods of school placement. Subject Studies - focuses on teaching and learning within your subject specialism (and cognate areas). Education and Professional Studies - focuses on common aspects of teaching and the professional role of the teacher, including Northern Ireland Curriculum policy, the education system, assessment, theories of learning, educational disadvantage, barriers to learning, pastoral care and child protection/safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing of students, relationships with other professionals, promotion of inclusion, effective use of technologies, digital safeguarding, and, literacy and numeracy in the classroom. The programme also offers workshops on a variety of topics including special educational needs, classroom management, pastoral care, diversity and inclusion, and children's rights. Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.

Teaching Times

Typically Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day.

Career Prospects

Introduction
This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS).

Qualified teachers have found employment in secondary schools, progressing through either a subject specialist or pastoral route into middle and senior management. Others have gone on to successfully complete further postgraduate study.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

Facilities

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ_BwOtjXAE

Prizes and Awards

• Elizabeth M Fulton Prize for top performing student in Science.
• Excellence in Teaching Award – competition across all PGCE subject areas.
• GTCNI STAR Award (2 prizes) – one for Educational and Professional Studies; one for Overall Best Performing PGCE Student in the year.

Entrance requirements

Graduate
Please note the closing date for 2021 entry to this programme is Monday 2nd November 2020 at 4pm.

Applications received after the closing date will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by the closing date have been processed. Normally we do not consider ‘late’ applications before June at the earliest.

All applicants must possess the following:

- An Honours degree (and/or higher degree) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, relevant to teaching Science at Key Stage 3 and at least one of Physics or Chemistry or Biology to A- level. Degrees in cognate areas may be considered if 50% or more of the modules studied are deemed currently relevant to teaching the chosen science for which you have applied (either Physics, Chemistry or Biology).

- At the time of application, GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent qualification. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this professional course as the professional accrediting authority, the GTCNI, does not recognise them as equivalent)

We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria if the course is over-subscribed.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.

Further information is available at https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/Study/PostgraduateTaught/PGCE/

International Students

For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI)	£4,530
England, Scotland or Wales (GB)	£9,250
Other (non-UK) EU	TBC*
International	£17,700

* The tuition fees that EU students starting courses at UK universities following the agreed transition period are required to pay will depend on what is agreed as part of the UK's exit negotiations. Please refer to www.qub.ac.uk/brexit-advice/information-for-students It is however expected that there will be a specific arrangements put in place for RoI nationals living in the UK and Ireland and those with pre-settled and settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme.

Fees quoted above are for 2021-22.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

Education (Science) costs

"Students are required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure Check with Access NI costing £33.
Students have two mandatory eleven week placement and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence. These costs vary depending on the location of the placement provider. Students will be expected to dress professionally and may incur additional costs for clothing. Additional costs will be incurred for the creation of teaching materials whilst on placement, which may be partly absorbed by the placement school.

How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

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