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History, according to the current national curriculum, "should inspire pupils’ curiosity to know more about the past". Our aim is to equip students to do just that, developing their ability to plan meaningful historical experiences for pupils in the 11–16 age range, to teach effectively and to assess their own and their pupils’ achievements.
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 with at least 50% History content.
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
There are five key themes underpinning the UCL PGCE History programme: 'historical thinking','diverse histories', 'history for all', 'engaging with history' and ‘ becoming a professional history teacher'. These themes reflect our location in the capital, the wide range of schools and students that we work with and our ambition to engage, challenge and enlighten all learners. Students will understand why history is taught in schools, how pupils learn and make sense of the past, and how to teach history in an exciting way that develops learners.
Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totalling 60 credits. These 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.
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 - History
- Wider Educational Studies - History
- Secondary - Professional Practice
Placement
Students spend most of their time (120) days in schools, working with history mentors who support them through two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools to work with, within our regions inside the London Orbital Motorway (M25). The Professional Practice module is assessed through these placements, associated tasks and a portfolio.
Teaching and learning
Teaching at UCL Institute of Education is mostly through seminars and workshops in your teaching base group of about twenty trainee teachers, with additional keynote and subject lectures, tutorials and directed study days, 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. Most of them are working as history teachers and heads of department in schools, while some have jobs as history educators in museums and archives. Many graduates in this area can be found working as senior leaders in schools. Many of our alumni continue to support UCL's work as subject mentors in schools, and some provide specialist input into the university sessions of the course.
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?
Students will be joining one of the largest History PGCE programmes in the country, allowing them to benefit from a team of tutors with a wide range of expertise and interests. Students will also be able to develop strong peer networks across tutor groups and share ideas, resources and advice.
The UCL Institute of Education History PGCE course explores a number of aspects of diverse multicultural histories, and our tutors and alumni are regularly involved in presenting such hidden histories in local and national forums. We also offer students unique London-based opportunities at museums or other historical sites, in order to develop understanding of learning history outside the classroom.
UCL also hosts the Centre for Holocaust Education and we provide the opportunity to complete a full two-day teachers' programme in Holocaust Education as part of the PGCE. Moreover, we have strong links with the history department at UCL and their specialist units like the Centre for the Study of the Legacies of British Slave-ownership.
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 28 May 2020