• Toll free: 1800 258 5772

Ulster University

Londonderry , Northern Ireland ,United Kingdom

PGCE History - Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE)

The course offers graduates wishing to progress into post-primary education the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills to become an effective teacher of history. You are introduced to the most recent research-informed developments in history curriculum and pedagogy, relevant to teaching the Northern Ireland Curriculum. History's place in the curriculum is established along with its links to other subject areas. Throughout the course history teaching is related to wider educational themes including learning theory, the improvement of literacy and numeracy, classroom and behaviour management, assessment and to developing students' skills in Information and Communication Technology.

The PGCE is both an academic and a professional qualification. On successful completion of initial teacher education student teachers will be able to evidence their competence and be awarded the Post Graduate Certificate in Education allowing them to register with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland. They will also accrue 60 CATS points towards a Master’s degree in Education. In total the PGCE is worth 120 points (60 at Master’s Level 7 and 60 at Post graduate Level 6).

While the initial motivation for wishing to enter this course may be to teach a specialist subject, it is important to recognise that there is much which is covered that is generic to teaching and learning in all subjects. In addition to academic achievement, teachers are prepared for contributing to young people's development as individuals, and as contributors to society, the economy and the environment.

In Northern Ireland history teaching has an important role in helping young people understand past conflict so that they can better contribute to a more just and peaceful society. The PGCE programme is committed to education contributing to the vision of Northern Irish society as a shared society. Those enrolling can expect to be challenged to reflect on the impact education can have on a society emerging from conflict.

Campus Information

Coleraine Campus

Intakes

  • Jan
  • May
  • Sep

Application Processing Time in Days: 30

Minimum English Language Requirements

English Level Description IELTS (1.0 -9.0) TOEFL IBT (0-120) TOEFL CBT (0-300) PTE (10-90)
Expert 9 120 297-300 86-90
Very Good 8.5 115-119 280-293 83-86
Very Good 8 110-114 270-280 79-83
Good 7.5 102-109 253-267 73-79
Good 7 94-101 240-253 65-73
Competent 6.5 79-93 213-233 58-65
Competent 6 60-78 170-210 50-58
Modest 5.5 46-59 133-210 43-50
Modest 5 35-45 107-133 36-43
Limited 4 32-34 97-103 30-36
Extremely Limited < 4 < 31 < 93 < 30

Job Opportunity Potential

The PGCE course prepares you to teach History in a Post Primary school or college. Successful completion of this course qualifies you to seek registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland.

On the post-primary strand of the programme the focus is on preparing you to teach 11 to 18 year olds in the formal education sector. However, there may also be opportunities to work in education related fields, including as an education officer in a non -government organisation or a museum.

Work placement / study abroad
Twenty four weeks of the programme are school based. This includes one week in a primary school and two 11-12 week placements in post-primary schools.

PSW Opportunity

  • 2 Years PSW is applicable after completing a minimum duration of 9 months course (like- Undergraduate, Postgraduate Level)
  • 3 Years PSW is applicable after completing PhD level courses.

Admission Requirement / Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible to apply for a postgraduate degree course, you must provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English (GCSE grades A-C or equivalent); AND hold an Honours degree (2:2 or above) from a UK or Republic of Ireland or from the Council for National Academic Awards, the National Council for Educational Awards, the Higher Education and Training Awards Council, or from another institution which has been recognised by the Senate for this purpose.

Usually the minimum English language entry requirement is IELTS (academic) of 6.5 (with no band score of less than 6.0).

  • Course Type: Full Time
  • Course Level: Post Graduate Diploma or Certificate
  • Duration: 01 Year  
  • Total Tuition Fee: 16320 GBP
    Average Cost of Living: 13632 GBP /year
    Application Fee: N/A
Represented Indirectly Through Associated Partners
Disclaimer: PSA updates the information on this page from time to time; however, there may have been more recent updates. Please refer to the university website for the latest information.