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Religious Education PGCE

London, Bloomsbury
Ages 11 - 16 Secondary

Religious Education gives learners the opportunity to consider life's big questions through its curriculum and pedagogical approaches. The Religious Education PGCE programme supports student teachers in developing the knowledge and skills they need to help pupils explore their ultimate and immediate questions about their own lives and the lives of others through reflective, critical and academic engagement with contributions from religious, non-religious, philosophical and ethical thought.

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 close at 5pm UK time

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.

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

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.

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 £80, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of £12.80 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 provides an understanding of why Religious Education is taught in schools. We support student teachers in their research into how the subject has evolved and why it is a crucial part of the English curriculum today. Through engagement with scholarship and placements in two contrasting schools, the Religious Education PGCE enables students to reflect on the aims and purposes of Religious Education. You will learn from experts about how different pedagogies can support young people to develop key knowledge and skills to engage critically in a religiously and non-religiously plural world. The programme prepares Religious Education student teachers to teach the 11-16 age range. Students are also supported to develop their knowledge and understanding of teaching RE at A-Level.

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

This programme offers students opportunities such as visits to places of worship, national galleries and museums, as well as the chance to discuss religion and world views with leading scholars and people of faith to consider the impact of religion on society today. Current research at IOE informs the RE PGCE curriculum and encourages student teachers to engage with contemporary issues, debates and literature in this field. Tutors and contributors to the Religious Education PGCE are skilled classroom practitioners with extensive experience in secondary schools and colleges as well as in school leadership, inspection, educational research and consultancy. Students also benefit from the opportunity to develop strong peer networks on the course, across other PGCE programmes at IOE and in schools, where they share ideas, research and resources.

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 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) 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 Programme 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 in schools across London and around the UK as teachers, heads of departments and heads of year. A number of graduates continue with their Masters level study on completion of the PGCE.

Accreditation

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

Structure

The programme is delivered via seminars, visits to places of worship and museums, 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.

 

The course is full-time and there is time allocation for self-directed study for collaborations and submission dates for assignments.

Modules

You will undertake two modules at level 7 (Masters level) of 30 credits each and one Professional Practice module at level 6.

When you are not participating in face-to-face teaching, you will be undertaking at least 120 days of teaching practice through a placement in various Partnership Schools.

Face-to-face teaching is with programme staff, alumni and scholars who have longstanding associations with the Religious Education programme. Field trips to places of worship are important aspects of the programme in facilitating meaningful encounters with faith communities. Visits and workshops in museums are also key parts of the programme, as this is a vital way for student teachers and pupils to connect with the diverse cultures of faith traditions.

The Masters credits at level 7 can be carried forward onto some full Masters programmes at IOE (check individual programme requirements).

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 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.

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

School placements

Student teachers will spend most of their time in schools, working with Religious Education mentors who provide support through the two school placements. We are fortunate to have an excellent choice of partnership schools, with many outstanding mentors and strong Religious Education 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

PGCE Secondary Virtual Event

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Find out more about studying for PGCE Secondary at UCL at our virtual event. Discover what your training year will involve, how you will be supported throughout the process, what to expect from your school placements and ask any questions you have about our secondary PGCEs. Our Admissions team will also be running a Q&A session about applying for teacher training and some of our programme leaders will be on hand to talk about their secondary subjects.

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 visits organised by the programme within the London area.

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 - Aziz Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: 30 June 2023
Value: Full tuition fees (1yr)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

IOE - Commonwealth Distance Learning Scholarships

Deadline: 28 March 2023
Value: Tuition fees (2-5yrs (online study))
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

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

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

Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment
Curriculum, Pedagogy and Assessment

religiouseducationpgce@ucl.ac.uk

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