Entry requirements

Entry requirements (Home)

To join this this PGDE, you will usually have a first degree (or recognised equivalent) in a Computer Science-related discipline with significant content in your chosen subject area. The degree classification should be at 2:2 or above.

Are there any alternative ways to meet the entry requirements?

Don't hold back from applying for teacher training in Computer Science because of your subject knowledge. You may still be able to train to teach Computer Science (and be eligible for the bursaries it attracts) by building up or refreshing your existing knowledge with a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) programme. So, If you want to teach Computer Science but have an insufficient level of the subject in your degree to access the course, you should consider a fully funded subject knowledge enhancement course in Computer Science which could help prepare you to train to teach the subject effectively. Further details can be obtained on the Get into Teaching website

Additional requirements for the programme include:

GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification)

A demonstrable interest in teaching within the curriculum area. You could show this in a number of ways – time spent in schools, knowledge of the chosen curriculum area, relevant practical experience. A minimum of 5 days’ work experience in a UK Secondary school is normally required prior to commencing the programme. We can help to arrange this for successful applicants

Please note: original evidence of GCSE passes (or equivalent) and your degree (if you have already graduated) will be required at interview. For the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 numeracy and literacy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE grade C in Mathematics or English. You are required by the Department for Education to undertake Professional Skills Tests in Literacy and Numeracy prior to entry to this programme. Successful completion of the Professional Skills Tests will form part of the conditions of any offer of a place. Further details can be found here on the Get into Teaching websiteIf you accept a formal offer from LJMU you will be required to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Entry requirements (International)

LJMU welcomes applications from international students. In addition to normal entry requirements, you will be expected to demonstrate a very good level of English language competence, for example an IELTS score of 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in all components or equivalent. Please note: specific courses may require higher levels of English language competence.

If you have applied to study a full-time taught Masters, MRes, MPhil or PhD at LJMU, you should check if you require an Academic Technology Approval Scheme or ATAS certificate. It can take four to six weeks to receive an ATAS certificate, so please make sure you apply as early as possible. You can find out more on the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) website. Alternatively, contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for guidance.

Please note: international students entering on a Tier 4 visa cannot study part time. Students entering the UK on alternate types of visa may be in a position to study part time. Please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team for further details before making your application.

In order to obtain a visa you will also need to show evidence that the money required to cover your tuition fees and living expenses has been in your bank account for at least 28 days prior to submitting your visa application. So please make sure that your finances are in place before applying. For more details, go to our international website.

For advice on any aspect of the application process, please contact LJMU’s International Admissions Team.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Train to become an outstanding teacher of Secondary Computer Science with Liverpool John Moores University. Graduate with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Prepare for a career as an innovative and creative teacher of Computer Science at Secondary level on a course delivered in partnership with schools who are committed to ensuring your success
Study over 10 months full time, with 120 days spent on school placement, predominantly within a “Home School”
Qualify with a Postgraduate Diploma in Education featuring 120 Masters-level credits (ours is one of the few ITT courses to offer this) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for the same cost and length of study as a PGCE
Discover why our courses have high completion and employment rates
Go on to complete your MA in your first year of employment and look forward to excellent career development opportunities
Benefit from a generous subject specific Bursary, depending on your degree classification
Enjoy great employment prospects, with high demand for teachers in this subject area
Gain experience of teaching in the 11-16 age range with enhancement opportunities Post 16

Play a vital role by passing on your knowledge and inspiring generations to come. Develop the skills and knowledge to qualify as a computer science teacher.

University-based study includes: a full time block of three weeks at the start of the course in September; one day per week until January; week-long, full time study blocks between January and June and a number of conference days.

Placements are organised in our Partnership schools in the Greater Merseyside area. For the majority of the training you will gain your teaching experience in a “Home School” with a six week placement in an “alternative” school after Christmas. This innovative model ensures that you genuinely feel part of the staff whilst on school placement and can monitor and gain satisfaction from your impact on your pupils’ progress over time.

You will also be allocated a Teacher Mentor who will organise and supervise your school-based training. Your Mentor will be supported by your LJMU Tutor who will visit your school several times to monitor your progress. Additional professional development sessions are organised in school during placements.

Tutorial support is an important part of the LJMU learning process and you will receive a personalised service that will enable you to set targets and achieve your potential. Your Personal Tutor will support your academic and professional development and will meet with you formally during the year.

You will undertake a significant amount of independent study and preparation to support your course assignments and school-based work and should be prepared to work some evenings and weekends.

Information for international students

International applicants are required to demonstrate equivalent qualifications to the standard requirements for entry when applying for courses at LJMU.

Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example via an IELTS tests or equivalent.

Please note: UK visa restrictions mean that international students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis.

Please contact LJMU’s International Team for more information and advice.

Fees and funding

Please see the course page for more information.

Qualification and course duration

PGDE

full time

10 months

Course contact details

Name: Course Enquiries
Email: courses@ljmu.ac.uk

Phone: 0151 231 5090

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