Overview
The Secondary PGCE forms a practical introduction to teaching. You’ll develop the professional expertise, knowledge and understanding to teach secondary-age children. You will also gain experience teaching at the post-16 level.
We offer the following Secondary PGCE courses:
- Computing
- Design & Technology
- English
- Geography
- History
- Mathematics
- French
- French with German
- French with Spanish
- German with French
- Spanish
- Spanish with French
- Spanish with German
- Science with Biology Specialism
- Science with Chemistry Specialism
- Science with Physics Specialism
An understanding of the relationship between theory, practice and research underpins this PGCE.
You’ll graduate with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) if you:
- complete these components
- meet the Teachers’ Standards through your practical engagement in schools
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
During the PGCE you will undertake 60 credits of master’s-level modules. The course modules take place in school and classroom practice. They work to complement your experiences – enhancing outcomes and your professional development.
During your training at Newcastle University you will:
- develop the core knowledge, skills and understanding expected of Early Career Teachers (ECTs)
- extend your awareness of effective teaching in your subject area. You’ll do this through subject-based/curriculum studies
The course emphasis is on enhancing the learning and welfare of young people. The research interests of our staff support these key interests.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
How you’ll learn
The Secondary PGCE course starts in early September and continues until June. The course structure follows school term dates as opposed to university semesters.
Newcastle University sessions will take place (typically) one day a week during semester one. The majority of sessions will be in-person, though occasionally sessions will take place online. Other learning, training and discussion opportunities include:
- workshops
- seminars
- 1:1 tutorials
- lectures
- conferences
- online interactive video observation
There are two school placements. The first runs from September to December and the second runs from January to June.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Essay
- Observation of professional practice
- Oral presentation
- Poster
- Portfolio
- Reflective log
Additional assessment information
The Secondary PGCE course has a focus on learning from experience, through reflection and enquiry. This process of reflective enquiry underpins the development of teaching skills. It also forms the basis for the written work submitted as part of your PGCE.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
Placements
Teaching placements provide a practical and theoretical foundation for your professional journey. A significant proportion of the programme involves school-based practice.
Placement one runs from September to December. Placement two (in a second school) runs from January to June. During this time there will be periods of observation and periods of teaching practice, with the number of lessons you will teach increasing over time. These placements allow you to gain a thorough and immersive experience and allow staff to supervise your progress towards Qualified Teacher Status.
Newcastle University has positive, long-standing relationships with partner schools across the North East. This helps us to provide you with a range of experiences across a range of school contexts.
Your future
On completion of the Secondary PGCE, you can continue your studies part-time on our Practitioner Enquiry MEd.
The MEd focuses on teaching and learning in school settings. It also draws on your day-to-day teaching experience.
Our PGCE graduates gain fast-track entry onto the course. This allows you to complete the Practitioner Enquiry MEd in two years.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Education – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
As part of the Secondary PGCE course, you’ll have access to our:
- resource Centre
- IT service and computer clusters
- library services
You’ll have access to two postgraduate research student study rooms. The largest study toom has recently been upgraded with additional workstations and soft seating area.
We have two on-site clinics:
We also have a well-equipped resource centre.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
Qualifications
A 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent. At least 50% of your degree should be in the subject that you intend to teach. We may accept closely related degree subjects.
GCSEs or O Levels (grades A–C/ 4-9) in English language and mathematics, or equivalent.
Work experience
It is desirable for you to have spent time working and/or observing in a UK secondary classroom before applying. Experience is advantageous as it will inform your application and any later performance in the selection process
Modern language applicants
If you are applying for Spanish you should have at least some elementary French.
Foreign nationals applying for a modern languages PGCE should:
- have spent six months living in the UK
- had employment as a foreign language assistant in a state school in England
Further information
Individual course entry requirements are available on the UK Government website.
Please contact us for advice if you:
- don’t meet our entry requirements
- need further information on related degree subjects
