PGCE Secondary - Mathematics

The Durham PGCE Secondary is a full-time programme with a strong practical focus. You will spend a significant part of the year (a minimum of 140 days) based in schools through the Durham University Schools Partnership.

School-based activities support your development to meet the Government's Teachers' Standards and the recommendation for QTS.

The course comprises four modules that enable you to explore ideas in the field of education. Learning methods include a combination of readings and preparation for teaching in school, teaching in schools, teaching time in lectures and workshops, professional studies days, independent study, and assignments.

Assessment

Assessment of the PGCE takes the form of three 2,500-word assignments, and evidence portfolios of 1,500 words.

For all your assignments, you will be supported by the module convenor, your tutor, and the academic services within the University.

• The equivalent of a UK 2:2 honours degree and one of the following applies: the degree is approximately 50% comprised of Maths or a similar subject oryou have an A Level in Mathematics. If your degree is from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from NARIC

• GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or equivalent) which must be achieved by the time of application. If your equivalent qualifications are from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from NARIC (ecctis.co.uk/naric/). 

Your interpersonal qualities and your potential to achieve professional skills relating to the Teachers' Standards will be considered when making an admissions decision. Candidates who meet the criteria, will be invited to an interview. The interview process will involve an individual interview with a pre-prepared presentation element and a series of tasks designed to illustrate your potential to meet the Teachers' Standards by the end of the course.

Successful candidates will receive an offer conditional upon successful medical and criminal record checks. The latter is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service and full instructions on how to apply for a DBS Disclosure will be provided.

If you have a criminal record of any kind, you may contact the School of Education DBS Manager, Caroline Emery, for further advice and information. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.

We strongly encourage you to register for the DBS Update Service, which lets you take your certificate from one employer to another without having to apply for a new check. 

Please note, all DBS Enhanced Disclosures for our students must be processed by Durham University unless you have applied to the Update Service.

English language requirements

The tuition fees for 2024/25 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

The consistently high ranking of the Department gives us a worldwide reputation for the quality of not only our teaching but the skills and knowledge of our postgraduate community. The delivery of the subject by the relevant experts on our academic team brings together world class research, innovative teaching and exceptional support.

Your time as a member of the Department’s student community places you in the strong position to pursue a successful career in a range of different sectors. Career opportunities in education are numerous and rewarding and include classroom teaching, educational leadership and management, administration and policy development.

Most of our PGCE graduates go directly into teaching. In keeping with career ambitions, MA graduates progress into a wide range of roles including educational research, publishing, education administration, policy making and management as well as jobs in the commercial or public sector.

For further information on career options please view our department pages. 

The Department of Education offers a mix of teacher training and education research, set within a vibrant and engaged learning community of around fifty academic staff and 650 postgraduates. We are a leading educational research centre with strong international ties and numerous partner relationships with schools and colleges.

Our postgraduate courses are flexible and allow you to follow a particular interest. They include MAs in Education, Educational Leadership and Change, Intercultural Communication and Education and Research Methods. We also offer a range of PGCE qualifications at primary and secondary levels and in specific school subjects.

We provide the opportunity for learning from academic staff who are leading research and teaching experts in their fields. They underpin our Department’s commitment to conducting research that contributes to shaping educational practice and policy, develops educational research and methodologies, informs school improvements and supports the professional development of teachers around the world.

Our portfolio of research projects attracts interest and financial support from important bodies who have a key role in developing education in the UK. They include the Economic and Social Research Council, the Nuffield Foundation, the Sutton Trust, and the Education Endowment Foundation, as well as a range of other organisations and charities.

For more information see our department pages.

Rankings

• Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2023
• 5th in The Complete University Guide 2024
• Top 10 in The Times and Sunday Times University Guide 2024

Staff

For a current list of staff, please see the School of Education pages

Research Excellence Framework

• Ranked joint 1st nationally for Research Impact and 1st nationally for outputs (REF 2021)

Facilities

The Department of Education is characterised by its diversity and vibrancy and the enthusiasm and commitment of its postgraduate community to improving the provision of education in the UK and across the globe.

The Department is located at Lower Mountjoy on the main University campus and is not far from the centre of Durham with its UNESCO World Heritage status and the beautiful cathedral.

Our facilities are modern and comprehensive and include a well-resourced library, study areas and the state-of-the-art Confluence Building which plays host to events such as seminars and lectures by guest speakers.

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