The course aims to prepare you for the ever-changing world of school based computing and IT, digital literacy and the use of computing across the curriculum including Technology Enhanced Learning. The course itself focuses upon the role of computing in the classroom, teaching and learning theory, moral and social issues arising from the widespread use of computers and, of course, the teaching of the Computing National Curriculum and examinations at both GCSE and GCE level.
The course aims, in a combined effort by the University and our partnership schools, to develop your subject knowledge through a range of approaches: workshops, seminars, lectures and demonstrations, simulations and micro-teaching activities, independent and group research.
The central focus of the course is on teaching computing in a challenging yet accessible way and understanding how children learn. The university-based sessions often consist of practical workshops, where students can develop their computing skills, knowledge and understanding, as well as learning the pedagogical knowledge needed to teach.
The course aims to ensure trainee teachers have the skills, knowledge and understanding to meet the challenges of a changing curriculum based on developing technologies.
For more information about the programme, please visit PGCE Computer Science and Information Technology blog
Videos
Why computing?
PGCE in Information Technology and Computer Science
View the programme specification document for this course
To Apply
Applications are made centrally online through UCAS Teacher Training (UTT), rather than direct to the University. You can also monitor the progress of your application from this site.
Before applying, you should read the National Curriculum for Computing and the Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status. You should also ensure that you will meet the criteria set out under Entry Requirements.
For those applicants with limited computer science experience there are subject knowledge enhancement courses available.
Accreditation
On successful completion, you will have gained not only your PGCE, but have attained Qualified Teacher Status. This is the accreditation that enables you to teach in state-maintained and special schools in England and Wales
Contacts
For further information on this programme, email the ITE office or telephone: 023 8059 2413. You can find general information on teaching as a career, including the criteria for QTS, on the Department for Education website.
Programme tutor: Dr Cynthia Selby
Key Facts
The Southampton Education School works in partnership with over 100 local schools and colleges across the region.
The Southampton course provides you with a very firm foundation for your teaching career. We have high employment rates from the course and many trainees are actually employed in our partnership schools.
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Book your placeTypical entry requirements
GCSEs:
| Qualification | Grade |
|---|
| GCSE | GCSE in Mathematics and in English Language at grade C/4 or above, or the equivalent qualifications. This is a government requirement, and ‘equivalent qualifications’ are as designated by the PGCE admissions team (IELTS qualifications are not considered equivalent). |
Degree:
The course is open to graduates with a good computer related honours degree or those with substantial industry experience in a computing field. All trainees must start with a good knowledge and understanding of the functions of word processing, spreadsheets, database management systems, presentation software, and web page authoring. In addition, all trainees must be able to program a computer in both a visual language and at least one text-based language. Please note, if you do not yet know how to program or it has been some time since you programmed, then you may be offered a place on the subject knowledge enhancement course to master or refresh these skills prior to joining the PGCE.
Skills test
Teacher trainees starting an initial teacher training (ITT) course are required to pass the Numeracy and Literacy skills tests before starting their course. Further information and details of the registration and booking system is available on the Department for Education website, Professional skills test page.
Selection process
You will be selected for interview based on the following criteria:
- your application shows that you have appropriate subject knowledge
- your application shows that you understand the role of a computing teacher
- your application is well written and persuasive.
You will be more convincing in your interview if you have already observed some teaching and learning in a Computing classroom in a secondary school, and had a discussion with classroom teachers.
At interview, you will be asked to lead an activity that you have planned, before the day, to demonstrate your understanding of a Computing topic and how you might explain it to a secondary pupil.
At interview we will also be looking for:
- good subject knowledge and/or ability to learn further
- good knowledge of educational issues and a strong sense of the associated professional demands
- good interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing
- good awareness of the social, emotional and professional demands of being a teacher
A good academic reference must be provided from your most recent university or college or from an employer (where you have been away from studying for some time).
All places offered will be conditional on enhanced DBS and health checks.
Please note, applicants cannot be registered on any other course from September of the year of entry (this includes PhDs and Masters degrees).
For those applicants with limited computer science experience there are subject knowledge enhancement courses available.
This page contains specific entry requirements for this course. Find out about
equivalent
entry requirements and qualifications for your country.
Typical course content
The full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in ‘Computer Science and Information Technology is an intensive one year course.
Two-thirds of your time will be spent in schools (minimum of 120 days) with the remainder spent at the University with a full programme of lectures, seminars and tutorials. You will spend time in real classrooms during your school experience. You will gradually be introduced into whole class teaching; initially it is likely that you will observe lessons and work with small groups of pupils. The expectation though is that you will quickly develop the skills and confidence to work with whole classes, with the support of your school-based mentor.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the
programme and the learning outcomes that a typical
student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if s/he takes full advantage
of the learning opportunities that are provided.
More detailed information can be found in the programme handbook (or other appropriate guide
or website).
Tuition fees
Fees for postgraduate taught courses vary across the University. All fees are
listed for UK,
EU and international full-time and part-time students alphabetically by course
name.
Scholarships, bursaries, sponsorships or grants may be available to support you through your course. Funding opportunities available to you are linked to your subject area and/or your country of origin. These can be from the University of Southampton or other sources.
Explore funding opportunitiesCosts associated with this course
Students are responsible for meeting the cost of essential textbooks, and of producing such
essays, assignments, laboratory reports and dissertations as are required to fulfil the
academic requirements for each programme of study.
In some cases you'll be able to choose modules (which may have different costs associated
with that module) which will change the overall cost of a programme to you. Please also
ensure you read the section on additional costs in the University’s Fees, Charges and
Expenses Regulations in the University Calendar available at www.calendar.soton.ac.uk.
