Study Details: 1 Year Full-time
The PGCE in Modern Languages is a recognised teaching qualification aligned to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences which affords graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS). The course is aligned broadly with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, supporting graduates in teaching Modern Languages across the 11-18+ year age range. The programme aims to develop your competence and confidence in the teaching of Modern Languages and in the general professional role of the teacher.
The PGCE will appeal to you if you wish to move into teaching and if you are a graduate in Modern Languages or about to graduate in Modern Languages.
The programme combines university-based tuition, consisting of taught sessions and directed independent study, with professional placements in schools and is organised around three interdependent strands:
Professional School-based Experience - focuses on developing practical teaching competence particularly through working closely with experienced teachers during periods of school placement.
Subject Studies - focuses on teaching and learning within your subject specialism (and cognate areas).
Education and Professional Studies - focuses on common aspects of teaching and the professional role of the teacher, bringing together relevant theory, policy and practice. This includes issues such as: the Northern Ireland education system, curriculum theory and policy, theories of learning and assessment, social class and educational disadvantage, special educational needs and barriers to learning, pastoral care and child protection/safeguarding, student voice, mental health and wellbeing of students, positive behaviour management, diversity and inclusion and whole school approaches to literacy, numeracy and the social and emotional health of young people. Students are also offered a choice of elective courses designed to enhance the subjects and skills they can offer to schools.
Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.
Applications received after the closing date will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by the closing date have been processed. Normally we do not consider ‘late’ applications before June at the earliest.
All applicants must possess the following:
- At least 2.2 Honours degree (single or joint honours) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, in French and/or Irish and/or Spanish. German alone is not considered but is welcomed in combination with French and/or Spanish. In all Honours degrees, modules in Modern Languages must make up at least 50% of the qualification.
- At the time of application, GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent qualification. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this professional course as the professional accrediting authority, the GTCNI, does not recognise them as equivalent. University Access courses must meet DE Circular 2010/03; this means that modules taken must be in the field of English language and/or mathematics as appropriate, and content must be comparable in breadth and depth to GCSE).
In addition to the above requirements, native speakers of languages other than English or Irish must have a qualification in a curricular language in addition to their mother tongue, at Level B2 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, to be invited for interview.
We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria if the course is over-subscribed.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.
See our website for fees
This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS).
Qualified teachers have found employment in secondary schools, progressing through either a subject specialist or pastoral route into middle and senior management. Others have gone on to successfully complete further postgraduate study.
See our website for modules
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