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Business Education PGCE

London, Bloomsbury
KS4 & post-16 (age ranges 14 - 19)

The Business Education PGCE prepares students to teach across the 14-19 age range, helping them develop the professional skills and attitudes to teach business in schools and colleges, as part of both academic (A level and GCSE) and BTEC courses. Where student teachers wish to focus also upon teaching Economics, support will also be given both at university and within placement schools.

UK students International students

Study mode

Full-time

UK tuition fees (2023/24)

£9,250

Overseas tuition fees (2023/24)

£24,200

Duration

1 academic year

Programme starts

September 2023

Applications accepted

All applicants: 11 Oct 2022 – 04 Aug 2023

Applications open

Apply for this course

Skills

This course will give you everything you need to face the classroom, both the pedagogical theory and the practical skills to be an inspiring teacher.

Support

Our gradual immersion approach will introduce you to the classroom progressively, from one pupil to the whole class.

A unique gradual approach to teaching

Experience

Placement in very diverse, carefully chosen schools will allow you to learn from different contexts and be prepared to teach in any school.

Read our placement guide

Start teaching

With a PGCE you can start teaching as soon as you complete the course and are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st in the world for education for nine years running in the QS World University Subject Rankings.

Entry requirements

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in a Business-related subject.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) tests

For PGCE Business Education there is no SKE as such. However, support is given over the duration of the course in order to develop subject knowledge, where needed.

A levels

No specific subjects required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency and achieving at least a grade 5. For Mathematics, equivalency tests in Mathematics Foundation or Mathematics Higher with grade 5 are accepted. BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications are not accepted in place of GCSEs.

School experience

We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.

Skills tests

Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.

Equivalent standard

Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test at www.equivalencytesting.com or A Star Equivalency and achieving at least a grade 5.

Relevant experience and background

Applicants whose degree qualifications are lower than 2:2 standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background at master's level and above and/or significant postgraduate experience in the relevant field.

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.

DBS and occupational health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The Occupational Health Check is £77, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of £12.75 if you can submit your DBS Enhanced Disclosure check via a UK Post Office. 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.

About this course

Students will understand how business/economics is taught in schools, how pupils learn and make sense of the evolving nature of business/economics. This is reflected in the range of business related courses that are now offered by schools, sixth forms and colleges, with the focus in some instances on entrepreneurship, work skills and new business technologies.

Students will be joining one of the largest Business PGCE programmes in the country, allowing them to benefit from a team of tutors with a wide range of expertise of business, both inside and outside of the classroom. Students will also be able to develop strong peer networks, share ideas, resources and advice amongst your cohort of fellow students.

Who this course is for

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.

Read more about the requirements for teacher training

What this course will give you

Tutors on the Secondary PGCE are skilled classroom practitioners with extensive experience in secondary schools and colleges. We aim to give students insight into the continuously evolving subject of business/economics and its application to classroom teaching. Our collaborative approach ensures that students develop into thoughtful and highly skilled teachers who can work confidently and flexibly within the broad framework of the 14-19 curriculum.

The dynamic nature of business means that students benefit greatly from practical experiences and learning outside of the classroom. IOE offers students the ability to visit places such as the London Stock Exchange and the Bank of England; we also have strong links with the Economics and Business Education Association (EBEA) and provide access to national and regional Business Education conferences.

Both Business and Economics are popular subjects within secondary schools. Because of this there is a high demand for teachers who are experts in this field, leading to lots of job opportunities in schools in and around London.

Read more about teacher training at the IOE

The teacher you want to be

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 good 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) within 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 aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader.

The tools of a great educator

Understanding of theory and subject or phase pedagogy
Creating a successful climate for learning, including behaviour management
Planning and teaching classes that engage pupils
Using assessment to inform planning
Working with the wider school community, including parents

Employability

Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as teachers of business and economics education, while others have jobs as middle and senior managers in schools. Graduates in this area can also be found working as education officers, initial teacher educators, teachers in international schools and as entrepreneurs running businesses offering consultancy in schools.

Accreditation

Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Structure

The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at IOE, as well as time spent in placements. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.

Modules

: Students undertake two level 7 (Masters-level) modules of 30 credits each, totalling 60 credits and a Professional Practice module at level 6. The level 7 credits may be carried forward onto some full Masters programmes at IOE (check individual programme requirements).

Compulsory modules

Secondary - Professional Practice

Subject Studies - Business

Wider Educational Studies - Business

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 are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

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). Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Business Education.

School placements

Students will spend most of their time (at least 120 days) in schools, working with business studies mentors who provide support through the two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools with whom we work, with many outstanding mentors and strong business studies departments. The Professional Practice module is assessed through these placements, associated tasks and a portfolio.

We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:

A dedicated team who will identify the best schools for your placements
Support and guidance from your university tutor and your school-based mentor
School experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
Reasonable travel times from your home to your school

Making the most of your placement

Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about school placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and school-based mentor will help you navigate your school experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support & Wellbeing team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2023/24)	£9,250
Tuition fees (2023/24)	£24,200

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students are responsible for funding their travel to and from placements and any visits/conferences they wish to attend

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

Bursaries and Scholarships may be available for some subjects, subject to eligibility. Visit the Department for Education website for information.

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.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

: IOE Centenary-Windle Trust Scholarship

Value: Full tuition fees and stipend (online study only) (1 year)

Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need

Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE Windle Trust Scholarship

Value: Full tuition fees and stipend (1 year)

Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need

Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 2 May 2023

Value: Tuition fees and a stipend of £17,609 (1 year)

Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need

Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 2 May 2023

Value: Tuition fees and accommodation at International Students House (1 year)

Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need

Eligibility: UK, EU, Overseas

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