University of Sunderland

PGCE Design and Technology - Secondary Education

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

This programme will enable you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), equipping you with the skills you'll need to be an effective and efficient teacher of your subject at secondary level.

One strand of the programme, based in the university, gives you a grounding in theory and practical issues.

A second strand, approximately two thirds of the programme, involves active participation in school and college placements. The focus is on the professional application of the teaching and learning process in the 11-18 age range. Your teaching experience will be organised by the Faculty.

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Course Content

Year 1
The Professional Year

The programme comprises academic modules and work-based learning with the option of doing up to 60 credits at Masters level as an integrated part of the programme.

This programme is in the process of re-approval but the format is likely to be:

September - January
One academic module covering generic teaching/learning issues and subject application. Two days in university, three days in school, seven weeks in total.
One teaching practice in a secondary school or college of approximately six weeks full-time.
One elective Masters level module.

January - June
One academic module building upon work done earlier and generic teaching/learning and subject application, two days a week.
One teaching practice of approximately 10 weeks - full-time placement.
One option module which can be at Masters level.

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Entry Requirements

Degree

Applicants should have a minimum of a first degree with a 2:2 award in a technology related degree with appropriate experience in one of the fields of study (e.g. graphics, electronics, engineering, 3D design, food or textiles).

Applicants will also be required to pass the Teaching Agency skills tests in literacy and numeracy before they start their course.

For applicants with a degree, or whose degree does not provide them with the breadth of design and technology subject knowledge required there may be an option of completing a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course prior to commencement of the PGCE. For further information on the SKE please click here.

Entry to Teacher Training

Entry to Teacher Training programmes is governed by the following regulations:

All students must have passes at grade C or above in GCSE Mathematics and English or a recognised equivalent qualification. For Primary Education, applicants are also required to have Science at grade C or above.

Students may in certain circumstances be allowed to sit a special test for one or both of Mathematics and English for secondary teacher training programmes. Access to this test is only available after a satisfactory interview.

Students who intend to follow a programme of Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) after graduation are reminded that entry to all such programmes is also governed by these regulations.

The latest requirements for initial teacher training include the requirements for a CRB check.

Provisions for medical assessments are based upon the DFEE Circular 8/92 and apply to all Education Programmes.

How to Apply

Applications for PGCE programmes should be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). Please apply online at GTTR.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

Work-based learning and teaching placements form the core of the programme, supported by seminars and tutorials, lectures, project and group work.

Assessment is based on written work and assessment of teaching practice.

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Work Experience

The main part of the programme is spent in at least two partner schools or colleges. All PGCE students will spend a minimum of 120 days in secondary school or colleges.

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Career Opportunities

As a holder of Qualified Teacher Status, you will be able to undertake secondary teaching posts throughout the United Kingdom and beyond.

There are excellent career prospects for graduates.

A successful induction period of one year or equivalent employment in a recognised school in England is a requirement of the scheme.

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Facilities

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/

For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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Related Courses

• PGCE Business Education - Secondary Education
• PGCE Information Technology Secondary Education
• PGCE Mathematics Secondary Education
• Design and Technology
• PGCE Post Compulsory Education and Training (PCET)
• PGCE Geography Education - 1 Year

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