Taught course

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Physical Education

Institution
University of Birmingham · School of Education
Qualifications
PGCE(QTS)

Entry requirements

We expect candidates for the Secondary PGCE (QTS) to be able to demonstrate the academic quality to teach the subject that they will be training to teach. This will include a strong academic record at A level or equivalent in relevant subjects, along with a strong degree (usually a minimum of 2:2) relevant to the subject taught. In all cases we will be looking at the relevance of your degree, other qualifications and experiences related to your proposed teaching subject in assessing academic suitability. You must also have GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications which will be a condition of any offer, if not already achieved. Equivalency tests will be accepted but only from equivalency testing.

All applicants to the Secondary PGCE (QTS) Physical Education course must hold a degree from a UK Higher Institution or an equivalent qualification. This will normally be a minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent qualification and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded. We will expect your degree to be at least 50% Physical Education or have sport components.

If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact us on ITEadmissions@contacts.bham.ac.uk

You must also:

  • complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place.
  • complete relevant checks to ensure you have the health and physical capacity to teach.
  • agree to abide by the University of Birmingham Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Physical Education) leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our specialist programme, which offers high quality training and support, will prepare you to teach in the 11-18 age range and is run in partnership with schools.

The Physical Education Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education course aims to nurture physical educators who are innovatively responsive to evolving youth cultures, comfortable in challenging both their own and others’ beliefs and practices to make physical education relevant to every young person. Through integrating theory with practical experiences, the course seeks to unpick what meaningful physical education experiences truly entail, shaping teachers that have a sustained impact on personal flourishing through lifelong physical activity habits and enjoyments.

In the first term, learning aims to prepare you directly for the teaching situations that you may face on school placements. You will be equipped with the pedagogical and content knowledge and skills to inspire and nurture young people’s positive relationship with active lifestyle. Developing your sound theoretical understanding on which your practice is based will subsequently develop your professional understanding and aptitudes as a physical education teacher, boosting your effectiveness as a practitioner.

Our supportive partnerships with physical education departments in a variety of diverse schools within the west midlands enhances the relevance of your learning, connecting you with what young people really need to be inspired to pursue a positive relationship with lifelong physical activity. As your learning shifts to within school practice and learning, we foster your curiosity and reflective expertise as you learn to take ownership of and challenge your pedagogical decision making in the quest to prioritize and achieve meaningful experiences in physical education for every child.

On successful completion of your PGCE, you may return to study with us on a part-time basis to complete your Masters in Teaching Studies.

The School of Education at the University of Birmingham has a long tradition of delivering teacher training courses. Its teaching has been graded as 'outstanding' three times by Ofsted inspectors which affirms the University’s status as one of the UK’s leading institutions for excellence in teacher training.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGCE(QTS)
    full time
    9 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details