Fees and key information

Course type
Postgraduate
Course code
Z223
Entry requirements
This course is subject to validation
On this page

Why study this course?

This secondary English course leads to Qualified Teacher Status and to the academic PGCE qualification. You’ll learn all the skills you need to start teaching English in secondary schools, with expert guidance from our tutor team and with diverse school placements to give you the experience to develop your expertise.

You will learn how to communicate your passion for English through effective and inspiring teaching. The course will equip you to understand the fundamental principles of pedagogy as well as the subject specific requirements for the skilful teaching of English as a curriculum subject. You will learn how to facilitate learning which impacts on and shapes the lives of young people, how they see themselves and how they make sense of the world around them.

Within curriculum subject sessions we study the teaching of texts and contexts, language and grammar, the development of reading, writing and oracy as well as how to bring texts to life through drama and media literacy. We also examine effective lesson design, medium term planning as well as understanding principles behind assessment both formative and summative.

Whilst in university, you will be supported to deconstruct exemplary practice and then plan and deliver ‘microteach’ sessions. These sessions will allow you the opportunity to take your developing practice ‘live’ in a supportive environment and will build in complexity and duration over the course. These deliberate rehearsals, in conjunction with the spaced development of subject knowledge enhancement, will allow you to deepen your understanding and build your proficiency, confidence and skills set in preparation for teaching placements in schools.

This PGCE course will broaden your understanding of teaching in multicultural and diverse urban environments. The course will also allow you to explore wider resources to support the dynamic teaching of English and will maximise the opportunities afforded by the university’s London location.

At all stages of your training you will receive highly personalised support to ensure that your journey into teaching is successful and enjoyable. This level of support and guidance is unique to London Metropolitan. It lies at the heart of our desire to grow the creativity and ambition of those who come into the teaching profession to allow them to see themselves as school leaders of the future, to celebrate and recognise the value in their diversity.

The course prepares you to teach 11 to 16-year-olds, and where possible, we give you the chance to gain experience in the 11-to-18 age range.

Boost your career prospects

Gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on this course as well as a Master’s Level PGCE qualification

Take advantage of our London location

Learn to teach in diverse and multicultural schools, giving you good experience to take into your professional career as a teacher

Train in two different school placements

Immerse yourself in 25 weeks of placements and build your expertise and confidence as a teacher

Join our Holloway Open Evening on Tuesday 19 August at 4.30pm

Book your place

Course details

Your degree will normally be in English or a related subject, however your subject knowledge is more important than the qualification. If you are not certain whether your education history will qualify you to train to teach English, please contact the course team.

Your acceptance on this Secondary English PGCE course is also dependent on a successful interview, health check and criminal record declaration. You’ll be asked to complete a subject specific task at your interview.

Accreditation of Prior Learning

Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).

English language requirements

To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa (previously Tier 4) you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.

If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.

Formative progress assessments at key points throughout the course will enable you to see how well you are doing and what you need to do next. You will also receive constant feedback and guidance from your university tutor and when on placement, from your school mentor.

Your assessment will consist of four elements:

School Experience A, where you will learn the elements of teaching. This is assessed formatively

School Experience B, where your teaching ability will be assessed in relation to the Teachers’ Standards for QTS

Curriculum Studies, a Professional Portfolio that is compiled across the year, detailing personal experiences and reflections on your development as a teacher.

Professional Inclusive Practice, the Educational Research Project, which allows you to explore an educational issue of personal interest. There are no examinations.

At the end of this Secondary English PGCE course, you'll be assessed for accreditation with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is the essential professional accreditation for all teachers. QTS confers considerable rights and responsibilities, as befits your professional standing as a qualified teacher.

As a London Metropolitan University-trained teacher, you'll be highly employable. Teachers who have trained with London Met go on to work in London and beyond, developing further specialisms and finding long-term employment in a range of specialist roles. 

Many of our teaching graduates regularly find their first job in one of the placement schools they worked with during their course.

If you've already studied your undergraduate degree with us, as a graduate of London Met, you'll be entitled to a 20% discount on any further study with us.
* exclusions apply

How to apply

Use the apply button to begin your application.

If you require a Student visa and wish to study a postgraduate course on a part-time basis, please read our how to apply information for international students to ensure you have all the details you need about the application process.

When to apply

Please apply as early as possible to maximise your chances of securing a place. The application window opens in early October for courses starting the following September.

Do not wait until you’ve met all the criteria before applying.

If you’re not sure whether you meet the criteria, please do one of the following:

  • Contact us to enquire about the eligibility of your qualifications and experience. We’ll be able to let you know whether the Level 2 Maths certificate that you have is accepted for teacher training, or whether your degree is considered relevant to the secondary course you’re applying for.
  • Apply early and make it clear in your personal statement what steps you propose to take to get the relevant qualifications or experience.

Places are offered on a first come, first served basis. We also operate waiting lists for these courses. This PGCE course will operate different term dates from the standard university dates, following closely to the pattern of the English school year. It will normally start in early September and run until early July.

As this is a full-time (5 days per week) course, you will need to ensure that you are available for this time period.

Are you from outside the UK? Find out how to apply from your home country

Find out more