Course information

Teacher Training Code

G1X1

Length

1 year full-time

Course overview

Secondary schools need good Maths teachers. This exciting and demanding programme will prepare you to become an effective and high-quality Maths teacher, with a particular focus on the unique demands of working in a multi-ethnic London comprehensive school.

Why study PGCE (Secondary) Mathematics at Goldsmiths?

  • Get to know the different parts of the Mathematics curriculum, and possible teaching approaches. You will also review your maths experience, and identify any gaps.

  • You’ll have the opportunity to explore the use of Information Technology in teaching Mathematics, and explore different approaches to assessing pupils.

  • Develop your skills in planning, teaching, and managing whole classes, and taking responsibility for them over a sustained period of time. This includes aspects of assessing, recording and reporting on pupils’ attainment, and catering for a range of achievement levels.

  • You’ll learn about ‘whole-school’ issues, and about contributing to a school’s pastoral life – this will include a project on a whole-school or cross-curricular theme.

  • Mathematics sessions at Goldsmiths will focus on broadening your knowledge of resources for teaching, longer term planning, and the post-16 curriculum.

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 Dr Sipho Morrison.

What you’ll study

In the Autumn Term the emphasis is on getting to know the different parts of the school Mathematics curriculum and possible teaching approaches. You review your maths experience, identify any gaps and begin to do something about them.

We look at the possibilities of using Information Technology in teaching Mathematics, and explore different approaches to assessing pupils.

An important feature of the term is developing your skills in posing questions, and this is followed through in the first assignment, which is built round pupils working investigatively.

Early in the first term you are based mainly in College, but with at least one day a week in school. After half term you spend most of your time in school, with one day a week back in College.

Following the Christmas break, you spend almost all your time in a second school, as you develop your skills in planning, teaching and managing whole classes, taking responsibility for them over a sustained period of time. This includes aspects of assessing, recording and reporting on pupils’ attainment, and catering for a range of achievement levels.

You learn about ‘whole-school’ issues as well as Mathematics teaching, and are expected to contribute to the pastoral life of the school. You do an assessed project on a whole-school or cross-curricular theme.

Later, Mathematics sessions at College focus on broadening your knowledge of resources for teaching, longer term planning, and the post-16 curriculum, though you may already have done some sixth-form teaching if it was available in your first school placement.

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. Please view our list of accepted UK GCSE equivalencies. 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 Mathematics related subject such as Mathematics or Statistics. Your degree should contain at least 50% Mathematics content, for example some Physics or Engineering degrees would be suitable.

Some applicants may be referred to a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course. For more information about Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses, please visit the government guidance page.

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
  • 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.