PGCE Secondary Business Studies and Economics (with QTS)

Entry requirements

• Bachelors degree with Honours at 2:2 or above, or equivalent level.
• At least Grade C or the new Grade 4 in GCSE English and Mathematics.*

Equivalency Tests

We are able to accept approved third party equivalency tests in place of GCSEs. The current providers that have been approved are as follows, with details of the current discounts that are available. If you are intending to use another equivalency testing company, we recommend you contact our admissions team prior to doing so to ensure that they meet the entry criteria.

Equivalency Testing

• Why choose Equivalency Testing?
• Long standing company
• Excellent student support
• Secure testing
• Good and quick feedback
• Significant discount available for PGCE offer holders, please email cte.admissions@warwick.ac.uk for the code.

A Star Equivalency**

Why chose A Star Equivalency?

• Excellent student support
• A clear outline of required material in each exam

• Rolling programme of live online subject specific support sessions.
• An extensive range of free support material
• Practice papers and marking schemes
• Discounted from £165* to £139 (saving £26). Please contact cte.admissions@warwick.ac.uk for the discount code.

If you are intending to use another equivalency testing company, we recommend you contact our admissions team prior to doing so to ensure that they meet the entry criteria.

*The new grading system for those receiving their results for GCSE Maths and English was adopted in 2017. The grading system is now 9-1, with Grade 9 awarded to those students in the very top tier. Grade 4 is considered equivalent to the old Grade C.

**Special offer for the University of Warwick students. Maths exams are available in Foundation or Higher. English, Science and Biology are untiered

If students require further support, we offer a range of low-cost options.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Empower the Future Through Business and Economics

Are you driven by a fascination with the world of business and economics and inspired by the idea of making a difference in young people’s lives? Imagine guiding students as they explore how global markets, entrepreneurship, and economic policies shape their everyday experiences. If you're excited by the idea of making these powerful subjects meaningful and accessible, then our PGCE Secondary with Business and Economics course could be your perfect next step.

This well-regarded programme offers outstanding training to prepare you as a confident, reflective secondary teacher in business and economics. You'll learn to deliver engaging, inclusive lessons that not only convey knowledge but also develop students’ analytical thinking and real-world understanding. The course places strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion, empowering you to teach in ways that reflect and respect the diverse backgrounds of your students and the global nature of the subjects.

Teach with Purpose and Relevance

Business and economics education isn’t just about theory — it's about preparing students for the real world. On this course, you’ll develop subject expertise while building your ability to connect classroom learning to current events and real business scenarios. You'll discover how to use real-world case studies, news stories, and technology to spark curiosity and discussion, helping students see the relevance of what they’re learning and the impact it can have on their future.

Through your placements, you’ll gain significant classroom experience, supported by experienced mentors and a university team committed to your success. You’ll learn to design lessons that are adaptable, innovative, and responsive to the needs of all learners. From understanding behavioural economics to analysing the strategies of global enterprises, you'll equip students with the skills they need to thrive in higher education, entrepreneurship, or the world of work.

Inspire the Next Generation of Thinkers and Leaders

This course is ideal for graduates from a wide range of disciplines, including Business, Economics, Law, Finance, Politics, Sociology, Marketing, or related fields. If you’re passionate about developing young people’s confidence, critical thinking, and economic literacy, this course will provide you with the skills, experience, and qualifications needed to become a change-making educator.

With successful completion, you'll be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), opening the door to a rewarding career in secondary education. Whether your future lies in the classroom, in school leadership, or beyond, this is your chance to make a lasting impact — teaching subjects that matter, in a world that needs them more than ever.

Bring Business and Economics to Life. Inspire Ambition. Change Futures.

Course overview

Our Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Business Studies & Economics) focuses on the 14-19 age range. The course will develop you into a highly effective teacher, equipped with the values, skills and knowledge to become a successful school leader.

Our courses offer the best of both immersive, school-based training and regular teaching input from experts with subject specialist teaching experience. In addition, you can access the support and learning facilities of a world-class university.

On the course you will develop a secure subject knowledge base, and the ability to plan and teach in your subject so that all pupils learn and make good progress. You will learn how to assess and evaluate learning and develop your teaching to ensure progress for all pupils. You will also learn about the needs of pupils and how to adapt your teaching to strengthen inclusion in your teaching.

In partnership with regional schools, we will ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed to forge a strong personal and professional identity, which you will continue to develop throughout your career. The Warwick Teacher Values, of Social Justice, Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity run through all our programmes.

What is a PGCE?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is usually a one-year teacher training course. It offers a mixture of academic and practical learning, and it's the first step for graduates in the development of a teaching career. At Warwick, our PGCE courses provide a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS – a requirement to teach in the state school system as a Newly Qualified Teacher).