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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate taught

Secondary Education Art and Design

PGCE

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
1 Years
Campus
City Campus, Gloucester
Course code
PGSARD16

Course overview

We offer students an exceptional training experience – if you’re looking for a lifelong, challenging and exciting career, teaching may be for you.

During the training year you will engage in Art, Design and Craft education where you will be exposed to a range of pedagogical approaches to enable you to become an outstanding teacher. As a part of our distinctive and ambitious curriculum you will understand and apply your knowledge of:

  • Enquiry based learning
  • Mental Health & Art Practice
  • Artist Teacher
  • Contemporary Art

You will have opportunities to further develop your own subject knowledge across different aspects of the Art and Design National Curriculum such as drawing, printing, photography, painting, textiles, digital technologies and ceramics for example.

The PGCE will provide you the opportunity to gain a deep understanding of key stage 3, 4 and 5 and will prepare you to adopt a range of assessment and behavioural strategies to support pupil progress.

You’ll be supported by a range of experienced professionals, both during school placements and by academic staff at the university. The programme aims to help you become an engaging and effective teacher within the 11–16 age range, and provides the input and opportunities that could enable you to teach post-16.

UoG was founded as a teaching college 175 years ago. In 2022, our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) successfully achieved reaccreditation by the Department of Education.

Our ITT courses have also recently been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with inspectors highlighting their ‘unique’ emphasis on sustainability and the University’s strong partnership with schools.

At the end of the secondary programme, our highly employable trainees will be able to further enhance their professional development and draw upon their essential ECT Toolkit gained during the course.

A brand-new campus

It’s planned that this course will be taught at UoG’s new campus in Gloucester city centre from September 2025.

The vibrant campus will be at the heart of the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. It will bring an iconic building back to life as a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships, through placements, research and outreach activity, and provide cutting-edge facilities for your course.

Study style

The PGCE Secondary course is split into 3 phases which allow trainee teachers to learn and embed knowledge and skills related to their teaching practice.

Developing – From September

Broadening- From January

Enhancing- From April

During the Developing phase of the curriculum, trainees will attend university-based lectures and be introduced to the following Curriculum Key Themes;

  • Behaviour Management and High Expectations
  • Subject Knowledge and Curriculum Design
  • Adaptive Practice and Inclusion
  • Children’s Learning, Classroom Practice
  • Assessment
  • Professional and Ethical Practice.

During the Developing phase trainee teachers experience their first Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) which is focused on Behaviour. Here, from week 3 of the course, trainee teachers gain experience in one of our Lead Partner Schools exploring how classroom routines and use of behaviour policies support effective learning. Trainee teachers get practical experience delivering sessions and receiving feedback in order to feel prepared for their first school Placement in October. During school-based training, trainees will revisit specific Curriculum Key Themes and attend university-based training sessions to support and develop their teaching practice.

During the Broadening phase, trainees will build upon and extend the knowledge and skills gained from school experiences and the university-based taught programme. Trainees will be expected to revisit and broaden their knowledge and practice of the 5 curriculum areas and Curriculum Key Themes introduced at the Developing Phase, and will engage with new Curriculum Key Themes, such as:

  • Curriculum Design
  • Subject Knowledge
  • Sustainability
  • Employability
  • Research Informed Practice

In addition, trainees will take part in their second ITaP with a focus on adaptive practice. All trainees will gain experience in an SEND school and explore how to support and challenge all learners in their subject. During this phase of the curriculum, trainees will be supported to take on wider responsibilities as a part of the role of a trainee teacher and have opportunities to discuss, analyse and observe expert colleagues to support their progression through the Broadening Phase. Trainees will broaden their knowledge and experience of decolonising the curriculum, sustainability for education and other contemporary issues in education.

During the Enhancing phase, trainees will enhance and extend the knowledge, skills and experience gained previously. During the Enhancing Phase, trainees will be expected to revisit and extend their knowledge and practice of all 5 curriculum areas:

  • Behaviour Management
  • Pedagogy
  • Curriculum
  • Assessment
  • Professional Behaviours

During this phase trainees will take part in their final ITaP with a focus on assessment, as well as developing a greater understanding of the KS2 and KS5 curriculum for their subject and taking part in a ‘Learning outside the classroom’ enhancement project.

At the end of the secondary programme, our highly employable trainees will be able to further enhance their professional development and draw upon the skills gained throughout the course to become

Graduate Ambassadors of Education

Leaders of Learning

Outstanding Teachers

Subject Experts

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Entry requirements

    • An honours degree, normally at 2.2 or above (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

      If you do not hold a 2.2 or above, we may be able to consider your application but will require additional information.

      If you do not hold a degree in a relevant subject we will be able to consider your application if you have other qualifications, such as A Levels or postgraduate qualifications in the subject.

    • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent qualification.

      If you don’t have a traditional GCSE, get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • If you are offered a place on the programme you will be required to complete a health declaration, which will be assessed by the University Doctor.

    • The University of Gloucestershire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all our trainees to share this commitment.

      If you are offered a place it will be subject to:

      • Satisfactory Safeguarding checks including the receipt of a ‘satisfactory’ Enhanced DBS return including children’s barred list information
      • Satisfactory completion of suitability form
      • Verification of two references
      • Satisfactory Certificate of Good conduct, where applicable, for those who have lived or worked abroad

Course modules

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Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

A bursary of £10,000 is available for trainees studying this course in 2024 and 2025. To find out more, including other bursaries available, please visit the Gov.uk website.

Students usually support themselves through a postgraduate loan, private savings, family support or sponsorship from an employer. For advice and guidance on your funding options, contact the Money Advice team at [email protected] or call 01242 714535.

UoG graduates receive 15% off postgraduate tuition fees. Terms apply.

Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
Sep 2025 City Campus, Gloucester 3D8B £9,250 £17,425
Sep 2026 City Campus, Gloucester 3D8B TBC TBC

Ready to apply?

UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers

Discover our promises

Careers

Our vision is for all of our students to become graduate ambassadors for education, leaders of learning, outstanding teachers and subject experts.

Employment rates have been consistently high for graduates and we offer you the opportunity to gain Master’s credits which count towards a full Master’s degree. This can be used to take your career in secondary education to the next level at a subsequent time.

All students undertake Master’s level modules in addition to other compulsory modules. If you pass all elements of the course at Master’s level, the award title will carry Master’s credits and QTS.

Choose from eight subject specialisms

You can potentially combine Physical Education with Mathematics, English, History, Geography and a Science (subject to DfE approval) – however a minimum grade C in A Level for the EBacc subjects is required in addition to the general PGCE entry requirements. Although you’ll be equipped to teach the above subjects, the award gained will be in Physical Education. You’ll have weekly subject sessions with your Subject Leader throughout the programme.

teacher holding a laptop and speaking to pupils

Experience teaching in a minimum of two schools

Through our long-established networks, we can offer you a wide variety of placement opportunities. You’ll spend 26 weeks in at least two schools where you’ll receive valuable support from experienced, dedicated teachers.

PGCE student teaching a class

Push your possible with a master’s degree

Increase your pay potential, specialise in a subject you love, or pursue your passion and switch careers.

UoG alumni can benefit from a postgraduate scholarship discount of 15% off tuition fees.

Discover the benefits of studying a master’s degree.

Female student in lab coat looking at lab sample.

Education for sustainability - Green Gown Award nomination

Our ambitious curriculum includes Education for Sustainability – this is an aspect of our curriculum we champion and celebrate.

Our trainers were recently involved in a ChangeMakers Summit that was delivered to 120 young people from the Cheltenham Education Partnership, where they engaged in a range of workshops focusing on sustainability. The project was nominated for a UK Green Gown Award.

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