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Languages PGCE

London, Bloomsbury
Ages 11 - 16 Secondary

The Languages PGCE explores languages teaching and learning by combining theory and practice to promote innovative, inspiring and effective pedagogy. This helps our Student Teachers to develop a critical awareness and strong classroom skills to become highly competent classroom practitioners, principled professionals and educational thinkers.  Students develop the professional knowledge and skills they need to teach all pupils in the 11-16 range. Students are also supported to develop their knowledge and understanding of teaching Languages at A-Level. We are committed to creative and interactive approaches to teaching to promote engagement and learning.

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

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.

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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

UK qualifications Equivalent qualifications

First degree

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.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) tests

We may wish to discuss options available to you to improve your second language skills, including subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) courses.

A levels

All candidates for the European languages 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.

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.

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: 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


This programme enables student teachers to engage critically with a number of approaches and issues relating to second languages education, such as the teaching of grammar, the incorporation of literature and film into lessons, target language use, and the monitoring and assessment of pupils' learning. It incorporates a range of approaches to ensure effective, inclusive teaching and learning, and develops a student teacher's professionalism and critical awareness to a high level. The programme prepares languages student teachers to teach the 11-16 age range.

We offer an EAL (English as an Additional Language) enhancement to our Mandarin Chinese Student Teachers who may not offer a second mainstream language (usually French, German or Spanish) and to those on the European language pathways who have experience and/or a particular interest in the area. The EAL teaching group size is limited, so those without a second language are given priority.

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

The Languages PGCE programme is informed by research. It places a strong emphasis on cultural knowledge, the use of literature and film in the languages classroom, pupil use of target language and broader aspects of second language learning.  We promote inclusive practice and consider ways in which teachers can meet the needs of all learners, including those with SEND. We also look at how languages teachers can capitalise upon the skills of bilingual learners and those with EAL (English as an additional language) in their teaching.  We promote creative and innovative practice and include sessions that focus on the effective use of digital technology and multimedia.

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, 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.

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. A significant number of our graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme have great career prospects, with many becoming a Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years. Many maintain their links with initial teacher education by becoming subject 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, becoming lead teachers in the classroom and/or 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.

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. Many are pursuing teaching careers as languages teachers and heads of department in schools, in the UK and abroad, while others have jobs using the transferable skills they have developed on the programme. Many of our graduates build on their early career success to become senior leaders 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 two school placements. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.

 

Modules

You will undertake two modules at level 7 (Masters level written assignments) of 30 credits each and one Professional Practice module at level 6. The level 7 credits can be carried forward to some full Masters programmes at IOE (check individual programme requirements).

When you are not undertaking face-to-face teaching at IOE, you will be spending at least 120 days of teaching practice in IOE Partnership Schools.

Compulsory modules





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. 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.

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

School placements

You will spend most of your time 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.

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.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Secondary PGCE Languages - Open Event

Watch the recording of our Secondary PGCE Languages programme and find out what it is like to study at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society.

Watch on demand event

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.

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

The Department for Education provides tax-free bursaries of £25,000 for Languages PGCE students starting their training in 2023, subject to eligibility. Scholarships of £27,000 are available to Languages PGCE (French, German and Spanish only) students who meet specific eligibility criteria. Note students cannot receive a bursary and a scholarship. For more information and to find out if you are eligible visit our Teacher Training Funding pages.

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

Application and next steps

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.

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Culture, Communication and Media Department
Culture, Communication and Media Department

ioe.mflpgce@ucl.ac.uk

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