University of Sunderland

PGCE Geography Education - 1 Year

* 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 School Placement Officer.

All applicants to the course are required to have undergone the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) Disclosure process prior to commencement of study on their chosen programme.

Applicants are also required to complete a medical pro forma.

The provisions of DES Circular 9/93 concerning the disclosure of criminal convictions to those with access to children apply to all Education programmes.

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Course Content

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 ten weeks - full-time placement.
• One option module which can be at Masters level.

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Entry Requirements

Applications are welcome from holders of a degree (2:2 or above), at least half of which is in Geography. We will also consider other recognised equivalent qualifications. All applicants must have GCSE at Grade C or above (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics.

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

Applicants who do not possess GCSE English or Mathematics, or an equivalent qualification, may be given the opportunity to take a University Entrance Test in these subjects. Access to this test is only available after a satisfactory interview.

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 evidence profiles as well as 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 a secondary school or college.

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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. Trainees can find employment in a variety of schools, including 9-13 middle schools, 11-16 and 11-18 secondary schools.

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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 for further information.

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

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