What is a PGCE anyway?
The world of education is often full of acronyms, and the one that you might have most commonly stumbled upon if you’re looking into teacher training is the PGCE. So, what is a PGCE anyway?
If you are wondering what a PGCE is, and how it relates to a career in teaching, then you can find the answers here*.
*Note: This guide refers to a Masters-level Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – not to be confused with the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education, also often referred to as a PGCE. The Professional Certificate does not carry Master level credits and is one level lower on the National Qualifications Framework than a Postgraduate Certificate.
The Breakdown
PGCE stands for Postgraduate Certificate in Education and it’s a course that takes one academic year to complete if studied full time. Although the name makes it sound like any other postgraduate certificate, it’s actually fairly unique.
Firstly, there are several different types PGCE courses to choose from. Each different PGCE course is aimed at different roles within the teaching profession, from Primary to Secondary, subject specialism, and even early years and special educational needs. For this reason, an applicant will need to have an idea of what subject and/or age group they want to work in.
The ultimate goal of the PGCE is to obtain qualified teacher status (QTS), the qualification required in order to become a teacher at schools in the UK.
Not the Only Route into Teaching
Although PGCEs are mentioned a lot in relation to teacher training it isn’t the only route into teaching in the UK. All that’s actually needed is the QTS mentioned above, and there are some teacher training routes such as School Direct that don’t include a PGCE, but instead involve working directly for a school from day one.
Having said this, pursuing a PGCE is the most common and often the most highly recommended option. This is especially true if you are a recent graduate, favour a more academic focus in your learning, or if you prefer the idea of being gradually immersed into practical teaching with plenty of theory to draw upon.
The Course Itself
PGCE courses are roughly split into around two-thirds teaching placements and the rest academic learning, in a similar vein to studying for a degree. This blend is designed to help prospective teachers learn the theory, and then be able to put that theory into practice too. All this is tailored toward meeting the professional teaching standards required to gaining the QTS, so academic progress and teaching ability are closely linked throughout the course.
As already mentioned, there are many different PGCE courses spread over primary education, secondary education and other specialities, so modules will vary from course to course. Fundamentally you will be spending your academic time working across lectures, seminars and workshops on areas such as professional practice, research learning and subject specialist options.
First Step
Although the explanation above should help you to get a better idea of what a PGCE is, and what it’s like studying for one, this is only a brief overview. If you are seriously considering a move into teaching, or just want to learn more about if it’s right for you, then there is more information available on the University of Exeter’s Teacher Training website.
Alternatively, you can get in contact with us directly to discuss the courses in more detail. Who knows, reading this guide could be your first step on the path to teaching…