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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 also within placement schools.
Key information
Programme starts
September 2020
Modes and duration
Application dates
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 in a Business-related subject.
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.
No specific subjects required.
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
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.
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.
Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PGCE.
Compulsory modules
- Subject Studies - Business
- Wider Educational Studies - Business
- Secondary - Professional Practice
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.
Placement
Students will spend most of their time (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.
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 placements. Assessment is by 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 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.
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 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) 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 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 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. The 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.
Accreditation
Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Department: Institute of Education
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
- All applicants
- 21 August 2020
Early application is advised as programmes may close as soon as places are filled. Applicants should check the government website for the latest vacancy information.
For more information see our Applications page.
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Page last modified on 14 February 2020