Secondary Computer Science

Entry requirements

For this course, you need an Honours Degree with a 2:2 classification in Computer Science or a related subject or industrial experience within the sector as well as a GCSE grade C/4 or above in both English Language and Mathematics, we also expect you to be confident in technology.

After you apply, we’ll arrange a selection interview. During the interview process we will assess your subject knowledge and personal qualities, such as communication skills, resilience for teaching, and how easy you’ll find it to relate to secondary age students.

If you accept a formal offer, you’ll need to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and you’ll need clearance to work with children (Enhanced DBS).

Months of entry

September

Course content

From databases and programming to Raspberry Pi and algorithms, you’ll help students understand the world of computer science. On our Secondary Computer Science PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) you'll get hands-on experience teaching on placement and develop your knowledge of the secondary school curriculum on campus.

Children are adept with technology. But you’ll help them understand the code, algorithms and operating systems behind the screen.

We’ve designed this course to help you understand how to support secondary aged children. You’ll develop the skills you need to make sure young people enjoy learning.

Throughout your training, you’ll get hands-on experience on placement. You’ll also join study sessions to explore misconceptions in computer science, programming, lesson planning and more. And after you pass the course, you’ll be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This means you can apply for teaching roles across the country.

From getting the most out of your induction, to tips on teaching your first lesson, your personal tutor will be there to support you every step of your PGCE journey.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PGCE Secondary Computer Science

Work placements

At Staffordshire University, we have close links with partner schools across the region.

We’ll always aim to arrange placements within 40 minutes of where you live.

We have partnership schools in Stoke, Staffordshire, Cheshire, Derbyshire, Shropshire, West Midlands and Birmingham.