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Course information

Teacher Training Code

CX11 (Biology)
FX11 (Chemistry)
WX91 (Design & Technology)
QX31 (English)
FX31 (Physics)

Length

2 years part-time

Course overview

This course offers an innovative and integrated route for those looking to become qualified secondary school teachers who need a part-time programme of study.

The part-time PGCE is available for those wanting to teach English, Design & Technology, or Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics).

Why study PGCE (Secondary) part-time at Goldsmiths?

  • The programme is part-time in order to fit around your individual circumstances and how intensively you are able to work.

  • You’ll take part in University-based workshops and tutorials where you’ll be fully supported by a network of mentors, tutors and peers.

  • You’ll spend an overall period of 24 weeks working in a school environment, gradually taking full responsibility over classes.

  • We will normally arrange your placement in a school that is already in partnership with us. Most of these schools are in the Greater London area. The timings of the two main blocks of school experience are arranged to meet your requirements and those of the placement schools. 

Contact the department

If you have specific questions about the degree, contact Dave Dennis (Sciences PGCEs) or Francis Gilbert (English PGCE).

What you’ll study

The Part-time programme is completed over two years. Attendance to all University taught sessions is required, the flexibility on the programme is around the timings of the school placements and how these are completed (on a part-time or full-time basis).

Year 1 

 

Subject studies module

This is completed in the first year, including the Masters-level assignment. You will be required to attend all the University subject sessions in the first term (normally for 4 weeks at the start of the autumn term) and in sessions that run in January. The teaching sessions run from 9am to 4pm each day. You will also be expected to attend University each Friday of the autumn term. 

School experience module

You will complete the equivalent of 24 weeks in school over the two year Programme. We normally expect you to arrange your other commitments to enable you to undertake the school placements on a full-time basis. In some cases in may be possible for you to complete the first school experience on a part-time basis, as three or four days a week over a longer period of time. However, the second school experience (in Year 2) consists of full-time attend in the school for one block of 12 weeks. 

In the first year you complete the equivalent of 10 days in a secondary school before Christmas and in either the second or third term you will complete your first school placement, you can discuss the timing of this placement with your University tutor once you complete your needs analysis. 

Year 2

 

Studies in Professional Issues and Research in Education (SPIRE) module

In the second year of the programme you complete the SPIRE module (Studies in Professional Issues and Research in Education), including the Masters level assignment. There are a series of taught sessions, some in the autumn term and some of the sessions run in January.

School experience module

You will complete the school experience module in the second year. The second school placement is 12 weeks completed on a full-time basis.

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

Fees, funding & scholarships

Please check individual PGCE programme pages for details of fees.

Find out more about fees and funding opportunities for PGCE applicants. If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an application deadline.

Additional costs

In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as 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.