PGCE Geography

Entry requirements

English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or equivalent). b. An Honours normally in the specialist subject (Art and Design, English with Drama and Media Studies, Geography, History, Home Economics, Music Education, Physical Education, Technology and Design) in an appropriate NI curriculum subject. In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject. (N.B. The normal minimum offer standard is a 2:2 Honours). c. Applicants for PGCE Physical Education should provide evidence of having worked with children and young people in a school setting for at least one year. d. All applicants need to provide evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age. Applicants for the post-primary pathway also require: a. Two supportive references. b. Medical certificate of satisfactory health. c. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children. d. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and use of English and general quality of presentation. e. Evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age normally in a formal/informal education setting. f. Applicants appearing to fulfil the above requirements will be shortlisted. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, enhanced criteria (e.g. degree classification) will then be applied and candidates fulfilling these criteria will be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the course. g. An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria. h. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will be placed on a waiting list and offered a place if another applicant declines his/her place.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Applications will open on Monday 7th September 2026 and close on Monday 16th November 2026. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the selection panel.

The aim of a PGCE is to prepare the student to become a competent teacher. Throughout the course, a variety of teaching and learning methods are employed as summarised below.

The whole-cohort lecture programme focuses on various aspects of education including, but not exclusively, pedagogy, reflective practice, special educational needs provision, safeguarding and child protection, assessment, and preparation for interview. Preparation for school experience, curriculum projects and/or school based investigations is addressed. This programme is dynamic and responsive.

Subject-specific workshops provide students with opportunities to examine the relationship between theoretical perspectives introduced in lectures and their main subject specialism.

Subject-specific workshops provide a place for students to engage with simulations, role-play, and practical activities in preparation for school experience. As appropriate, there may be opportunities to be involved in geography fieldwork.

Information for international students

English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.

Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.