The 14-19 PGCE in Psychology is an innovative and intensive one-year programme preparing graduates for the demands of teaching the 14-19 age range in the Secondary and Further Education sectors. Candidates will be awarded a PGCE and recommended for Qualified Teacher Status, enabling them to teach in schools. The programme is also designed to provide a strong foundation for working in the Lifelong Learning sector, especially FE.

The course is organised in partnership with Schools and Further Education colleges where student teachers spend 24 out of the 36 weeks teaching. Supporting the student teacher in two placements are specially trained school mentors as well as University tutors.

School and FE College Experience

Teaching experiences include opportunities to teach GCSE, A-level and National Diploma Programmes, and may include Key Stage 3 in a second subject.

Students will teach concurrently in a secondary school and FE college.

The aim of both teaching experiences is that they should be progressive, giving student teachers scope for reflection and time to develop a range of appropriate teaching styles and strategies. Teaching experience is interwoven with the University-based part of the course, and theory and practice are fully integrated, offering student teachers opportunities to develop their own understandings, skills and knowledge. The subject mentor, working with student teachers, is crucial to the development of reflective practitioners, providing them with opportunities to try out particular skills in a safe environment, planning lessons and evaluating performance.

There will be opportunities for students to undertake research and teaching in a range of settings, which may include settings other than schools and colleges related to the field.

University-Based Teaching

The sessions in the University focus on two areas: subject studies and professional studies.

Professional Studies

Professional studies sessions aim to inform student teachers about aspects of professional practice which are central to their work, whatever their subject, including pastoral care, behaviour management, meeting the needs of individual learners and groups, and pupil assessment.

Subject Studies in Psychology

These involve work in two related strands: practical concept-based workshops and lecture/seminars, which together enable student teachers to develop a clear personal rationale, and practical strategies for teaching Psychology in the Secondary and Further Education sectors. In the practical workshops, student teachers examine and explore key concepts that underpin the various curricula and syllabi for Psychology.

These sessions enable student teachers to relate their experience and expertise to the needs of students in the 14-19 age range by inquiring into and challenging their own assumptions and patterns of thinking and working.

The lecture and seminar programme seeks to develop student teachers’ knowledge and understanding of major contemporary issues in Pyschology education.

Additional subject teaching – in order to meet the requirements for coverage of age phases in education, and to teach the required number of hours to pass the programme, candidates will be given the opportunity to teach a second subject or diploma line. These could include PSHE and Citizenship at Key Stage 4, and Health and Social Care in F.E. settings.

What qualifications do I need?

You must possess a degree by the time the programme starts. The degree should be in a subject related to Psychology or in some exceptional cases an unrelated degree if you have worked in employment related to Psychology. We welcome candidates with experience in business and industry, particularly where this work has enhanced your knowledge, skills and understanding in Psychology.
 

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