PGCE Secondary English

If you’re considering studying Teacher Training at The University of Manchester, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more, such as:

• Live virtual events hosted by PGCE academic staff
• Get Into Teaching events
• Guided campus visits
• Please see our virtual event registration form for available dates

The form will be updated regularly throughout the cycle with the event schedule. For more information on guided campus visits, please visit our meet us page.

Apply through the government website

You must apply through  DfE Apply .

Applications or CVs sent directly to the University will not be considered.

You must submit the following with your completed application form:

• contact details for two referees who can provide a written reference supporting your suitability for teaching
• a personal statement which should be between 500-1000 words in length in a good standard of written English. Here are some examples you could write about (they are just a guide, you do not need to write about all of them):
  • skills you have that are relevant to teaching
  • any experience of working with young people
  • for secondary teacher training: your interest in the subject you want to teach
  • your understanding of why teaching is important
  • your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher
  • any activities you’ve done that could be relevant to teaching like first aid courses, sports coaching or volunteering

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able to, once applications open. It is possible that we may need further evidence of qualifications in order to make a decision on your application, so please ensure that all relevant documents are available on request.

Before submitting your DfE application, please make sure that the information you enter regarding your qualifications is correct and accurate. We have the right to cancel your application if we determine (having carried out any necessary checks), or have reasonable belief, that your application contains false information. If you have any reason to believe that the information we hold about you is untrue, incomplete or inaccurate, you must tell us immediately.

Develop the knowledge, skills and classroom experience to teach secondary English.

Our PGCE Secondary English course prepares you to teach English across the 11-16 or 11-18 age range.

The course is designed to help you teach the National Curriculum, including GCSE and A-level. Successful completion leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You will also study drama, media and information and communication technology as part of your PGCE Secondary English course content.

University-based sessions give you space to reflect on teaching methods, develop your teaching style and engage critically with curriculum and classroom practice. We will also support you in developing your own teacher identity.

You will learn with subject-specialist University tutors who have expertise as teachers and examiners, alongside experienced teachers from our partnership schools. Subject mentors will help you develop your subject knowledge and teaching approaches.

This combination of university and school-based training helps you connect subject knowledge, educational theory and practical classroom teaching.

You will:

• develop a critical awareness of lesson and curriculum planning, spending time on each with school-based mentors and University tutors;
• develop skills and knowledge in inclusive English teaching, considering how to include marginalised narratives in the curriculum;
• develop pedagogy and gain an understanding of a range of different teaching strategies in the English classroom, and in activities beyond the classroom;
• develop subject and curriculum knowledge for KS3, KS4 and KS5 English.

• We have links with more than 200 schools, academies, and colleges, and you will benefit from significant school-based teaching experience.
• Our leading experts in education have trained more than 5,000 teachers in the last 15 years.
• Our students come from all over the globe and are from a variety of backgrounds - from recent graduates to mature learners.
• Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education by helping to expand access to high-quality learning and inspire future generations.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. SEED will consider:

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or due to poor conduct, a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged.

The University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Your school and University experiences are formally assessed. Both your mentors and tutors will help you to record your achievements and set targets from week to week and from placement to placement. 

During each placement, a University tutor will observe you teach and discuss your progress with you and your mentor. 

At the end of each school experience, you will receive a progress report from your mentor. The report will provide clear feedback and targets in the following areas: 

• subject and curriculum knowledge;
• planning and teaching;
• assessment;
• wider professional responsibilities.  

These reports, together with your record of achievement and development, facilitate your progression as a teacher. 

The written assignments will allow you to gain a maximum of 60 master's-level credits, and guidance and support to complete these assignments will be available from your University tutors.

Career opportunities

Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a qualified teacher. This course is suited to graduates who want to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). QTS is needed to teach in state-maintained or special schools in England and Wales.

The PGCE also gives you a postgraduate qualification and can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master's degree if you choose to continue your professional development in Education.

Careers support

As a PGCE Secondary English student, you will be supported to prepare for your next steps in teaching and education. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University's dedicated Careers Service .

As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.