Postgraduate Diploma Secondary Education (QTS) - Modern Languages (French/Spanish/German)

Entry requirements

Ideally we expect candidates to:

• hold a degree in the language they wish to teach (French/German/Spanish). We prefer at least 50% of the candidate’s degree to be in that language, unless they are a native speaker in which case we accept alternative degree subjects.
• be able to offer a second foreign language (at a lower level than their main language is acceptable) as being able to offer two mainstream languages greatly increases employability.
• have spent a substantial period of time in a country where their main foreign language (French/German/ Spanish) is spoken and be familiar with the English educational system.

Note: We will consider applications on their own merits. If your profile is not quite in line with the above requirements this should not put you off applying, however your application should demonstrate how you will make a good candidate.

All candidates also have to:

• have a GCSE in Maths and English (grade 4 or above) or an equivalent qualification; alternatively you might be advised to take an Equivalency Test. The DfE require us to check the original certificates; you therefore cannot start a PGDipEd(QTS) course unless you already hold these qualifications.
• pass Professional Skills Tests in numeracy and literacy; please see the the Professional Skills Tests section of the Department for Education web site for more information on the core skills required by trainee teachers.
• provide a satisfactory medical form
• complete an enhanced DBS/police check
• complete a Declaration of Suitability to Teach
• adhere to a Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Modern Languages teacher training course is held in very high esteem by all those who work with us: partnership schools, languages teachers, and our students who year after year say that they find the challenge exciting and our support outstanding. We aim to help student teachers develop into well informed, critical and adaptable teachers so that their own teaching personality can blossom. We welcome applications from excellent and committed linguists who wish to train to teach French, German or Spanish and make a positive difference to language learning and children’s lives.

Like a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDipEd) is a teacher training programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) however it has the advantage of offering the equivalent of 120 credits which may be used towards our MA in Teaching Studies. Graded as outstanding by consecutive Ofsted inspections, the Secondary PGDipEd is a unique programme which offers high quality training and support as well as excellent employment prospects.

You may be eligible for bursaries of up to £26,000 (depending on qualifications) in line with the government’s priority to attract more well qualified Modern Language teachers or a scholarships of £28,000 in lieu of a bursary from the British Council. You could also benefit from additional early career payments of up to £6,000.

If you are serious about a career in Modern Languages teaching then the University of Birmingham is the place to train.