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The Languages PGCE explores languages teaching and learning by combining theory and practice in innovative, inspiring and effective ways. This helps students develop a critical awareness and strong classroom skills to enable them to become a principled professional and educational thinker.
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 the main language (French/German/Spanish/Mandarin) to be taught. The degree must contain at least 50% of the language if it is a combined degree. If a candidate does not have a degree in that language, then they should be a native speaker and have a degree in a related subject. For Mandarin, HSK level 6 may be acceptable along with a degree in a related subject. Italian (whether degree or native speaker) may only be offered in conjunction with main French. Italian with main Spanish may be possible if the candidate also has some French.
All candidates for the European language pathways of main Spanish and German should normally have French A Level at grade C or the equivalent as a minimum. However, we are sometimes able to consider applications for combinations of languages not including French but places are extremely limited and early application is necessary.
If second language skills are currently below A Level standard, there are opportunities to enhance these through government funded Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses for those candidates who are successful at interview. Again, early application is strongly advised to be able to take advantage of this opportunity.
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
This programme enables students to engage critically with a number of approaches and issues relating to languages education, such as the teaching of grammar, the incorporation of literature into lessons, target language use and the monitoring and assessment of pupils' learning. It incorporates a range of approaches to effective, inclusive learning, and develops a student’s professionalism and critical awareness to a high level. The programme prepares languages student teachers to teach the 11-16 age range. Wherever possible, we provide opportunities for trainees to gain experience at Key Stage 5 (post-16 age range).
Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 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 two placement schools.
Four pathways are available: European languages, European language with EAL (English as an Additional Language) enhancement, Mandarin Chinese with a European Language, and Mandarin Chinese with EAL enhancement. EAL is primarily intended for those students who can offer only one language.
Upon successful completion of 60 credits, you will be awarded a PGCE.
Compulsory modules
- Subject Studies - Languages
- Wider Educational Studies - Languages
- 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
You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with subject specialist mentors who support you through your two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools with whom we work, with many outstanding mentors and strong Languages departments.
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 languages teachers and heads of department in schools, while others have jobs using the skills they have developed on the programme. Graduates in this area can also be found working as senior leaders 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 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 is a springboard into a rewarding career, not just as a skilled teacher, but as an educational leader.
Why study this programme at UCL?
The Languages PGCE programme is informed by research and places a strong emphasis on cultural knowledge, use of literature in the languages classroom, pupils' use of target language and broader aspects of language learning including issues related to bilingual learners and English as an additional language and other areas such as information and communications technology and digital, video and multimedia production.
UCL Institute of Education (IOE) has well-established partnerships with cultural and educational institutions across London, as well as European and Chinese universities and teacher training institutions. Our partnership with over 200 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond enables our students to become skilled and confident teachers in their chosen subject specialism.
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 24 February 2020