Secondary

Entry requirements

All applicants will be required to apply through UCAS Undergraduate by completing an online application form. Applications will then be assessed against the entry criteria for the relevant programme and applicants invited to attend an interview on the basis of this information.

All applicants should:

• have a previous education background which provides the necessary foundation for work as a teacher in the relevant phase and subject specialism;
• have the aptitude, capability, and resilience to meet the required QTS outcomes by the end of their ITE programme;
• possess the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to become excellent practitioners;
• read effectively and be able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English and/or Welsh;
• not have a criminal background which might prevent them working with children or vulnerable young people, or as an education practitioner; and have not previously been barred or excluded from teaching or working with learners (student teachers are required to arrange for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS);
• demonstrate at the interview stage as having the appropriate personal functional skills in literacy, numeracy and digital competence applicable in a professional teaching and learning context;
• demonstrate their suitability to become excellent teachers;
• meet the requirements of the Welsh Government's Education Health Standards (2004)*, confirming their health and physical capacity to undertake a teacher's responsibilities.

GCSE Requirements:

GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4 or above in English Language or Welsh Language (First Language), Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy (or a standard equivalent). Grade C/ Grade 4 or above in Science (or a standard equivalent) is required for PGCE PE.

Students studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE grade C or above in Welsh (First language)​.

Please note that Grade C / Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language or Welsh Language, Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy (or equivalent) and Science (Science only required for PGCE PE) should already have been achieved in order to be considered for interview.​

GCSE Equivalents:

Cardiff Met accepts equivalency qualifications for the GCSE requirements from an accredited course via a reputable institution. From Aberystwyth University, we also accept the Mathematics equivalency module (Introduction to Mathematics 1 & 2) and the English equivalency module (English Language Skills).​

Please check Cardiff Met's requirements on C grade GCSE equivalents (or view this document in Welsh).

Initial Degree Requirements:

Whilst it is expected that the content of your degree will contain a significant proportion of the subject in which you wish to train to teach, we do favourably consider applicants whose degrees are in a subject that is closely related. Your application and interview (should you be selected) will be assessed on your potential to meet the QTS level of the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership that relate to subject knowledge, understanding and skills, and the extent to which these can successfully underpin your practice as a teacher of a particular subject, up to and including the teaching of A level and other post-16 curricula.

Subject

Minimum degree classification at entry
(All at Honours)

Art & Design
Design Technology
Drama
​English
Geography
History
ICT and Computing
Maths1
Modern Foreign Languages2
Music
​Physical Education3
Science: Biology
Science: Chemistry
Science: Physics
Religious Education
Welsh

2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2
2:2

1 Applicants for PGCE Maths will also require an A-level in Maths as well as a relevant degree.
2 Limited Spanish only placements are available and also French/Italian.
3 Applicants for PGCE PE are asked to evidence relevant work experience within a secondary school PE department. Applicants should demonstrate this through their UCAS application and personal statement.

Applications may be considered for certain Secondary subjects from those who have achieved below a 2:2 Honours degree, but where higher qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience have been attained, e.g. Masters, PhD​.

Criminal Records/DBS Check:

Entry is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs.

Months of entry

September

Course content

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If you are a graduate with a passion for your specialist subject and a desire to inspire young people, this course is for you! The PGCE Secondary Education degree at Cardiff Met is a one year course that leads to the award of qualified teacher status. The course aims to prepare student teachers to be highly-skilled, confident, critically reflective and innovative practitioners who are committed to life-long professional learning and the education of young people.

The Secondary PGCE is also available to study through the medium of Welsh, TAR Uwchradd.

​

The course provides professional training for graduates who wish to teach the ​following  subject areas:

• Art and Design*

• Biology with Science*

• Chemistry with Science*

• Design & Techn​ology (Product Design, Food and Nutrition, Fashion and Textiles and Engineering Design)*

• Drama

• English

• Geography

• History

• Information Communications Technology & Computing*

• Mathematics*

• Modern Foreign Languages (Specialising in either French, French and Spanish, or French and German. Limited French/Italian placements and also limited Spanish placements are available.)*

• Music

• Physical Education

• Physics with Science*

• Religious Education

• Welsh*

* Subjects applicable to 20% Alumni Discount

To find out more about the individual pathways please visit the UCAS website, or contact the individual pathway leader on the contact details listed under 'Contact us'.

Please note: ITE courses in Wales have recently undergone an accreditation process by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). Cardiff Metropolitan University will provide PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary ITE courses as part of the Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education.

Information for international students

For international applicants, whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 overall with no sub score lower than 7.0 (or equivalent qualification) will be required for admission to the programme. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Fees and funding

As a postgraduate, research or part-time student, the tuition fees you are charged will depend on the course you choose to study. Full information is available on our website.