PGCE Secondary Art and Design

Entry requirements

You are normally required to have at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in a subject that is related to the subject you intend to teach.

You will need to have achieved Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent qualifications.

As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.

You will also need to demonstrate competence in Fundamental English and mathematics by the end of the course. This is a new DfE requirement which replaces the QTS skills tests in literacy and numeracy.

If you accept an offer with us you will also be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks.

Apply for this course through DfE Apply, entering the correct code for your course as listed in the table.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop your teaching skills, and qualify as a secondary arts and design teacher, with our PGCE Secondary Art and Design course at the Institute of Education.

Choose PGCE Secondary Art and Design at the University of Reading

• This secondary art and design course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.
• Overall, 99% of our graduates who reported their main activity to be full-time employment were in graduate-level work and/or study 15 months after the end of their course (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, based on Postgraduate Initial Teacher Education responders from the Institute of Education).
• 98% of our research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4*, 3* and 2* submissions - Education).

To find out more visit the Institute of Education website.

What you’ll learn

You’ll develop your teaching skills throughout the programme, enabling you to share your love and knowledge of art and design with the children you'll teach.

You'll develop the professional skills to respond flexibly to changing circumstances:

• maintain and enhance educational standards in secondary schools
• continue to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding throughout your professional life.

You'll gain the expertise to:

• plan, deliver and evaluate lessons that meet the National Curriculum and assessment requirements
• monitor students’ achievements
• understand how to help each individual student reach their potential.

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5