About the course

The Keele PGCE is part of a new approach to initial teacher education. It is unique nationally, offering the scholarship aspect of the PGCE as a free-standing award. It is an academic postgraduate qualification offering up to 60 credits at Master’s level, giving opportunity to progress to a full MA in Education. It complements and adds value to the QTS professional qualification in England and Wales, or to the CDI in France.

The programme is aimed at enabling course participants to achieve the academic award at the University at the same time as they follow a school-based programme, e.g. for Qualified TeacherStatus (QTS). The programme is delivered either at Keele or in a training provider’s setting by a team of tutors with a track record as expert practitioners in schools and with established names in education scholarship. It is normally run between October and May in each academic year.

Whether following the PGCE at Keele or in a school setting, you will benefit from all the University’s facilities, such as online individual tutorials, off-site internet library access, and discounts on local shopping!

Course structure

The PGCE has been designed to deepen pedagogical skills and understanding gained from practical work in teaching experience. It complements and builds on the subject knowledge and practical elements of school placements, supporting you to become effective teachers of your specialist subject. It does this by helping you to develop:

• Knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of teaching and learning (pedagogy)
• The capacity to apply that knowledge and understanding to classroom practice
• The ability to think, talk and write fluently about the processes underlying pedagogy
• Master’s-level thinking, reading and writing skills
• Critical insight into the educational system in order to thrive in the culture of schools
• A robust professional identity which will equip you to be critical, collaborative, creative and a caring teacher with a developing career profile

Our PGCE provides a strong community of like-minded students and tutors who provide mutual support for current and future professional development.

How the course is taught

Module 1:  Learners and  Learning (15 Credits)

This module provides an opportunity for you to develop your understanding of the diverse experiences of schooling which young people have and the issues which need to be considered in developing approaches which can support their learning. You will consider learners in terms of different social groups and what is known about provision and outcomes for those groups. The module helps you to develop your position with regards to key concerns for educators in meeting the needs of learners such as: approaches to equal opportunity, diversity and differentiation; teaching by ability; the significance of school context for learner outcomes; and approaches to behaviour management. 

Module 2: Learning and Assessment (15 Credits)

The module examines the relationship between learning theories and classroom practice. You will consider questions such as: What do we know about how students learn? How do these ideas affect our practice as educators? What factors affect student learning? How might we take those factors into account when deciding what we want students to know, understand and be able to do? How has the concept of multiple intelligences affected classroom practice? Why do we assess students? Who decides what to assess? How fit for purpose are the assessment instruments that we use?

Module 3:  Subject Identity and Pedagogy (15 credits)   

This module explores

• The nature of subject knowledge
• How it is conceptualised within schools and by different stake holders

It supports you to develop insight into the following questions:

• What knowledge, skills, attributes and understanding are learners expected to acquire in your subject specialism?
• Who determines the intended learning outcomes in that subject?
• How are these intentions conveyed through National Curriculum, other appropriate exam specifications, and associated assessment tools?
• What alternative views are there of effectiveness in relation to subject knowledge? 

Module 4:  Effective and Outstanding Practice (15 credits)

This module explores what different educators mean by ‘outstanding practice’ in asking:

• What different views of ‘outstanding’ can be found in literature and amongst my colleagues?
• What criteria are used to underpin such definitions?
• What elements of outstanding practice can I identify in my placement school?
• What are the practical implications of these in relation to my own developing practice?
• What do I judge to be an outstanding lesson?
• What are the roles of reflection, creativity and happiness in the pursuit of outstanding practice? 

The modules are delivered in such a way that programme participants relate theory to practice, including:

• Developing the skills of the reflective and creative practitioner
• Supporting you in meeting the requirements for Qualified Teacher Status 
• Complementing the subject knowledge and pedagogy elements of your school placement to become effective teachers of your specialist subject 
• Developing a research-based approach to professional practice and development
• Developing an understanding of issues relating to teaching and learning and building a framework within which you can analyse and interpret your experience

How you'll be assessed

The PGCE Programme makes use of lectures, seminars, group activities, individual and group tutorials and practical workshops.

Each module is formally assessed through written assignments where you have the opportunity to examine aspects of your own practice in the light of theory and vice versa.

Entry Requirements

Entry to the Keele PGCE is conditional on acceptance onto a school-based Initial Teacher Training programme with which Keele is already operating in partnership. The programme is also open to individuals who have secured an offer from external school-based training institutions.

If you wish to consider an application for the scholarship aspect of the PGCE on a free-standing basis, then please get in touch directly with the School to further discuss opportunities.

Fees and scholarships

Fees (2021/22 academic year)

UK students £2,845 per year

Additional costs for textbooks, inter-library loans, photocopying, printing, and potential overdue library fines.
No other additional costs for this postgraduate programmes are anticipated.

Living costs

Keele University is located on a beautiful campus and has all the facilities of a small town. Student accommodation, shops, restaurants and cafes are all within walking distance of the teaching buildings. This is a very cost effective way to live and to reduce your living costs.

Scholarships and Funding

The University is committed to rewarding excellence and potential. Each year we offer a range of prestigious scholarships;

UK/EU students - more information on scholarships and funding.

Student insight

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