About this course
Gain the knowledge and skills to be a fully qualified English teacher on this PGCE Secondary course at the University of Southampton. You’ll divide your time between school placements and the University as you develop the theory and techniques to teach the subject to all secondary school pupils. With this qualification you'll be able to work in academy, state-maintained, independent and special schools in England and Wales.
The English PGCE course is now closed for the 2021/22 academic year. We will open applications for the 2022/23 academic year in October 2021.
This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course will prepare you to teach young people aged 11 to 16 within the UK’s National Curriculum for English framework (Key Stages 3 and 4).
There will also be opportunities to learn about teaching students aged 16 to 19.
You’ll build on your existing knowledge of English language and literature and learn the most effective methods for helping young people to:
- become fluent readers and writers
- improve their vocabulary and use of grammar
- understand and enjoy English literature
- explain, listen and debate
Your training will also teach you essential skills such as:
- managing the classroom
- monitoring and assessing pupils
- teaching inclusively
You'll spend at least 120 days in placement schools in the Southampton area, where you’ll observe lessons and work with small groups of pupils before gradually being introduced to whole-class teaching. You’ll have the support of a school-based mentor throughout your placements.
The rest of your time will be spent at the University, where we'll prepare you for your placements, evaluate your school-based work, and develop subject-specific skills and good practice.
The course has a strong practical focus but we’ll also encourage you to develop your own theoretical and philosophical approach to teaching English.
Course lead
Your course leader is Kate Freeth, Director of Initial Teacher Education within Southampton Education School, and an experienced secondary school teacher. Her areas of interest include literacy and learning, and special educational needs. Read Kate Freeth's staff profile to find out more about her work.
Accreditations
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
