Subject Knowledge Enhancement

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Enhance your knowledge within a specific subject specialism (SKE). Explore a wide range of SKE programmes here at the University. Get supported from a subject tutor specific to your chosen course.

Overview

The SKE programmes have been developed for individuals applying for a postgraduate PGCE secondary education programme; specifically for applicants who have received a recommendation to complete a SKE as a condition of their offer. Applicants from any university or other ITT provider can enrol on a SKE programme with the University of Sunderland.

Our SKE programmes have been designed to be delivered as a 8-week (short) or 12-week (medium) refresher/booster programme in the subject in which you intend to study your PGCE.

Usually the SKE would be completed before you commence your PGCE, and in any event must be fully completed before qualified teacher status can be recommended and awarded. Your individual circumstances will be discussed and considered at your PGCE application stage.

Our SKE programmes are suited for applicants who may need more specific subject knowledge to begin their ITT if they have:

a degree that’s related to the subject rather than an exact match for it
studied the subject at A level, but not degree level
an unrelated degree but relevant professional knowledge in the subject
studied for a languages degree, but need a second language at an acceptable level for teaching in schools
a degree in the subject but have not used their degree knowledge for many years

You will be allocated a subject tutor specific to your SKE programme who will support you through your course.

Choose from a range of subject areas available here at the University: Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Computing, Languages (French/Spanish).

More information about subject knowledge specialism courses can be found on the gov.uk website.

Why us?

We parallel the on-campus PGCE provision through leading teaching and learning principles in both theory and practice
The University of Sunderland offer a range of subject specific 8 and 12 week routes

The SKE courses offer the opportunity to have guidance from expert tutors who have many years of experience as both teachers and academics

Course structure

The SKE programmes can be delivered in either a 8-week (short) or 12-week (medium) duration, depending on the recommendations from your PGCE provider.

There are 25 learning hours per week allocated to a SKE programme, which will include your own self-directed learning and online sessions.

We use a wide variety of teaching methods with tasks including required reading, directed activities and self-assessments. You won't need to undertake any essays or exams as part of your SKE.

Final asessments will vary for each SKE subject.

Upon successful completion, both you and your teacher training provider will receive a report on your development throughout the course along with a certificate of completion.

SKE programmes are available in:

Maths
Physics
Chemistry
Biology
Computing
MFL French
MFL Spanish

Entry requirements

We don’t currently display entry requirements for United States. Please contact the Student Admin team on studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk or 0191 515 3154.

The SKE courses are aimed at applicants who have been offered a place on a Postgraduate Initial Teacher Training programme (PGCE) from any training provider and as a condition of their offer are required to complete a subject knowledge enhancement course (SKE). The courses are designed to refresh your subject knowledge in the subject in which you intend to study your PGCE.

In applying for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, you will already hold a degree.

More information about subject knowledge enhancement courses can be found on the gov.uk website.

Fees and finance

Our SKE courses are funded by the Department for Education (DfE) and you may also be eligible for bursary funding of £175 per week.

Find out more information about SKE funding.

Please only apply for your DfE funding once you are in a position to commence your course.

Contact our CaPE team to discuss your options: cape@sunderland.ac.uk / 0191 515 3361.

This information was correct at the time of publication.

Related courses

Contact

For more information on studying this course, contact:

Corporate and Professional Education Team
0191 515 3361
cape@sunderland.ac.uk

Page last updated: 15 March 2023

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