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The Psychology PGCE programme has been designed to enable all students to demonstrate that they have met the Teachers' Standards across Key Stages 4 and 5 (14–19 age range). This programme prepares students to teach psychology in a flexible and exciting way.
Covid-19 programme updates
Due to COVID-19, there may have been updates to this programme for the 2020 academic year. Where there has been an update, these are indicated with a red alert and a link which will provide further information.
Key information
This programme is full and we are currently not accepting applications for September 2020 entry.
Applications for September 2021 will open in October.
Programme starts
September 2020
Modes and duration
Tuition fees (2020/21)
Note on fees:
The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website.
Accreditation
Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Entry requirements
A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard with at least 50% Psychology content.
Preferably Psychology at grade C, plus an additional social science or humanities subject.
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via www.equivalencytesting.com and achieving at least a grade 5. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. We do not accept BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications in place of GCSEs.
We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.
If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The total cost of these checks is £157. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.
Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.
English language requirements
If your education has not been conducted in the English language, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.
The English language level for this programme is: Good
Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.
International students
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Visa information
This programme is suitable for international students on a Tier 4 visa - study must be full-time, face-to-face, starting September.
International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below.
Select your country:
About this programme
We draw on current research at the IOE and elsewhere to inform student's psychology and social science teaching, encouraging them to engage with recent debates, literature and policy in the field. Our underlying aim is to develop reflective, inquiring, compassionate Psychology teachers who are committed to social justice, inclusion and diversity. As a 14-19 programme, there is an explicit focus on teaching examination classes in an interactive way.
Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totalling 60 credits. These credits can be carried forward onto some Master’s programmes at the IOE (check individual programme requirements).
The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.
Successful completion of the Professional Practice module and successful completion of the two modules (60 credits) at level 7 will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE).
Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PGCE.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change.
Compulsory modules
- Subject Studies - Psychology
- Wider Educational Studies - Psychology
- Secondary - Professional Practice
Placement
You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with psychology and social science mentors who support you through your two school placements. In our partner schools and colleges, students teach psychology at A level. At GCSE, most student teachers teach psychology and/or sociology. In some placements there are opportunities to contribute to relevant vocational qualifications and Key Stage 3 humanities. Your responsibilities will be equivalent to a practicing teacher but on a reduced timetable.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE as well as time spent in placement schools or colleges. Assessment is by observation of practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.
Funding
Bursaries are available for some subject programmes to students who meet the eligibility criteria. To find out what funding may be available to you, please visit the Department for Education funding page.
For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website.
Careers
Graduates of this programme are expected to work across a broad range of areas. Some will work as psychology teachers, while others will become heads of department and heads of year. Graduates in this area can also go on to work as senior leaders and teachers in charge of subject.
Employability
Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader.
Why study this programme at UCL?
Tutors on the Psychology PGCE are skilled classroom practitioners with extensive experience in secondary schools and colleges, in school leadership, inspection, educational research and consultancy.
At the IOE, students will participate in a range of lectures and seminars designed to enhance their development as a teacher. These interactive sessions will cover how children learn, assessment, lesson planning, behaviour management and subject-specific matters. A collaborative ethos is encouraged, with Psychology and Social Science PGCE student teachers working closely together, so that materials, resources and ideas are shared.
During their teaching practice placements, students benefit from our partnership with over 200 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond, which enables each of our students to become a skilled and confident teacher in their chosen subject specialism.
Accreditation
Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Application and next steps
Applications
Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.
Who can apply?
The Secondary PGCE full-time programme is suited to those wishing to gain Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) for teaching in a UK maintained (state-funded) school and who have fulfilled the appropriate entry requirements.
Application deadlines
For more information see our Applications page.
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Page last modified on 13 August 2020
