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Course information

Teacher Training Code

Q3X1; QX31 (Part-time)

Length

1 year full-time; 2 years part-time

Course overview

This teacher training programme offers a balance of theory and practice to give you a thorough grounding in all aspects of the National Curriculum for English, including post-16 teaching.

Why Study PGCE (Secondary) English at Goldsmiths?

  • As well as learning how to plan and evaluate lessons and assess your students, you'll also develop knowledge specific to english teaching. This includes learning a wide range of teaching approaches that you can draw on - including drama, voice and media studies.

  • You'll look at how to meet different needs and interests in mixed experience classrooms including working with bilingual pupils, and those with special educational needs.

  • You'll have practical workshop sessions and seminars with trained professionals, and you'll undertake placements in schools.

School Direct

It is also possible to study this course via our School Direct programme. Please visit our School Direct page to see which schools offer this subject.

 

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Jez Pinfold.

What you’ll study

In the Autumn Term, two days of most weeks are devoted to the College-based English Method programme. These subject sessions have a seminar/workshop format.

Teaching practice is in two main blocks, each in a separate school. During the school-based weeks of the Autumn Term, there are opportunities to observe teachers, to ask questions, and to speak with your school-based mentor – either the head of the English department in the school or another experienced member of staff.

Much of the Spring and Summer Terms are devoted to school-based work. Normally, two English students are located at each school so that, as well as teaching classes on your own, you may also be able to undertake joint teaching, including joint preparation and marking.

Download the programme specification. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office.

Between 2020 and 2022 we needed to make some changes to how programmes were delivered due to Covid-19 restrictions. For more information about past programme changes please visit our programme changes information page.

How to apply

You apply for this PGCE through the Department for Education’s Apply for Teacher Training website. More information about the process can be found on the Get into Teaching website.

Please take a look at the information on applying, including the specific qualifications or experience you need for this course.

There's no closing date for primary or secondary applications, but we advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.

Learning & teaching

A range of teaching methods is employed across all our PGCE programmes, including:

  • Taught subject sessions
  • Practical workshops
  • Compulsory lectures
  • Seminars
  • Group and Individual tutorials
  • Individual and group presentations
  • Supported self-study

Course requirements

You'll need:

  • to meet our fitness to train requirements
  • a GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics. Please note, we can only accept some UK and international GCSE equivalent qualifications. A complete list of accepted UK GCSE equivalencies can be found here: link. If you have a non-UK qualification that you believe is GCSE equivalent, you must check this with the Admissions team.
  • an undergraduate honours degree, at 2:2 or above from a university in the United Kingdom or an international equivalent in a subject related to English Literature or Language, English/Media Studies or Linguistics.

Fees, funding & scholarships

Annual tuition fees

These are the fees for students starting their programme in the 2023/2024 academic year.

  • Home - full-time: £9250
  • Home - part-time: £4625
  • International - full-time: £18790

Get into Teaching Funding

The Department for Education offers tax-free scholarships and bursaries to trainees on eligible PGCE programmes. Bursary amounts vary depending on your previous qualifications and the subject in which you're training to teach.

For more information about PGCE funding visit the Get into Teaching website.

Please note: These bursaries are not controlled by Goldsmiths and are subject to change.

If your fees are not listed here, please contact the Fees Office - fees (@gold.ac.uk).

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.

There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.

Funding opportunities

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for prospective students, and our careers service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies. Find out more about funding your studies with us.