PGCE Physical Education (PGCE)

You’ll need: 

• a 2:2 degree (UK honours degree or equivalent) in a relevant subject
• strong subject knowledge
• GCSEs (minimum grade 4/C) in English language and maths 

If you don't have the required GCSEs we'll ask you at the offer stage to take equivalency tests. You'll need to cover the cost of the tests yourself.

Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. 

Secondary school classroom experience may strengthen your application.

Before applying, make sure you’ve read the National Curriculum for Physical Education and the standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status.

We do not accept IELTS in lieu of the English Language GCSE requirement.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

During our PGCE Secondary Physical Education course, you'll study 4 compulsory modules which are assessed at Masters-level and lead to the award of the PGCE. The course is full-time and your studies will begin in September and run until June. You'll have breaks over the Christmas and Easter holidays.

In September, you'll begin your main placement and you'll have an experienced school-based mentor to provide individual support and help you with your progression.

Throughout the academic year, you'll divide your time between the university and 2 placement schools.

The number of days are usually:

• 120 days training and teaching experience in 2 placement schools
• 20 days intensive training split between the university and key partnership schools
• 20+ days subject-specific training at university
• Additional professional studies training and enrichment opportunities at university

Through working in 2 placement schools you'll develop an understanding of how different schools operate. Towards the end of studying this physical education PGCE course, you'll be able to confidently manage an early-career teacher's timetable.

Your placements will take your living location and options of transport into consideration. At the time placements are chosen, your identified training needs will be factored into the decision. 

We work closely with schools across Southampton and have a long history of working with Salisbury schools in order to secure excellent placements. We also have strong partnerships with schools throughout Hampshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and the Isle of Wight.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Learning

The learning activities for this course include the following: 

• workshops and seminars
• tutorials 
• group activities 
• directed study 
• independent study and research
• conference days
• guest speakers

Assessment

We’ll assess you using: 

• written assignments
• a presentation
• a portfolio 

Academic Support

We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor. 

You’ll have the support of a school-based mentor during your practice placements.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £25,400.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Funding, bursaries and scholarships for teacher training

There is a variety of government funding available for teacher training, including bursaries, scholarships and other financial support.

Find out more and check your eligibility on the Department for Education website.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

You must apply for this course on GOV.UK. You’ll need to create an account in order to submit your application.

Application deadlines

The deadline to apply for this course is early July 2025.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the deadline if places are filled. We allocate places on a continuous basis from October 2024 until the course is full.

Visit GOV.UK for the latest information on PGCE course availability.

Supporting information

GOV.UK processes applications for this course. When you apply, they’ll give you details of any supporting information or documents you’ll need to supply.

Academic and employment history

We require all applicants to provide a full breakdown of their previous employment and academic study, including career breaks, from age 16 (GCSE) up to the point of their DFE application.

Original documents

You'll need to provide copies of your original academic qualifications, for example GCSE, A Level and degree, during the application process.

If you join the course, you will also need to provide your original documents in person during induction. Please allow enough time to order replacement certificates if you no longer have your originals.

We will only accept certificates or a final official Statement of Results from the awarding body. We do not accept Candidate Statement of Provisional results and we are also unable to accept letters from educational establishments/schools or colleges as confirmation of results. For evidence of undergraduate education, we will accept a certificate and/or official transcript.

What happens after you apply

After applying through GOV.UK you’ll hear from us by email. We have 40 days to respond, but most applicants hear back much sooner.

If you get through to the next stage we’ll invite you to an interview with tutors, where we’ll assess your suitability for training and teaching. We’ll also ask you to give a short presentation and carry out a written task.

We’ll then decide whether to offer you a conditional place. The decision will be uploaded to your GOV.UK application within 5 working days.

All offers are conditional on enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and health checks. You will need to pay for these checks.

If you have spent time outside of the UK, you will also need to obtain criminal record checks from the countries you have lived in.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000