PGCE Secondary - Physical Education
PGCE
1 year full-time
Durham City
X7KS14
Course details
PE has many benefits beyond physical health, from teamwork to self-confidence and leadership skills to communication. Our young people deserve PE teachers who can inspire and motivate them to improve their activity levels and social skills, discover their sporting strengths and equip them with the tools to lead a healthy lifestyle, and that’s what we aim to achieve in our graduates.
The PGCE Secondary – Physical Education is an active and practical course devised by University tutors and PE specialists in local schools to prepare you to teach the subject across the full secondary age in ways that include learners of all abilities. There will be a particular focus on national curriculum PE activity areas (games, gymnastic activities, dance, athletic activities, swimming, and outdoor and adventurous activities).
Successful completion of the PGCE leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education awarded by Durham University and the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. The QTS element is accredited by Newcastle University and awarded by the Department of Education.
We pride ourselves on offering a well-planned blend of research and experience in the classroom to start you on your successful career as an Early Career Teacher. We emphasise your entitlement to the Core Content Framework throughout our PGCE course to fully prepare you for the Early Career Framework, which will support you during your first two years of teaching as an Early Career Teacher.
The University-based sessions focus on a weekly specific pedagogical theme, integrated with sessions devoted to your subject specialism, delivered by subject specialists in the University and the school partnership.
The Professional Studies sessions explore your understanding of critical concepts and classroom practice, allowing you to reflect on your teacher identity and progress as a developing teacher.
Please note that the course does not run to standard University terms. It is delivered full-time, starting in early September and continues over 10 months.
Course structure
Four modules make up the PGCE programme:
New Generation of Learners introduces PGCE students to various fundamental educational theories. It starts the journey of addressing the gap between research and practice.
Pedagogy Practice Inquiry creates a critical link between PGCE students’ understanding of school-based practice, context and theory, and research and policy related to pedagogy (for example, through the lens of lesson planning).
Curriculum Development in Practice offers an opportunity for students to reflect on professional practice in their chosen subject from the perspective of the curriculum.
The predominantly classroom-based Professional Studies and School-Based Practice fosters a critical understanding of issues related to developing professional competence as a teacher. Areas covered include effective teaching strategies, managing the teaching and learning environment, enhancing professional development, and creative dimensions of teaching and learning.
Learning
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 120 days) based in schools through the Durham University Schools Partnership. In addition, there are 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice sessions that will strengthen the link between evidence and classroom practice.
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.
Entry requirements
- The equivalent of a UK 2:2 honours degree of which approximately 50% is comprised of sports or a similar subject.
- School, town, county, regional or national high level sports performance, preferably in more than one sport
- GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or equivalent). We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSE’s. We’ll consider candidates who need to take an equivalency test in English and/or Maths.
- If your qualifications are from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from ENIC
- For International Applicants for whom English is not their first language, a minimum IELT|S score of 7.0 is required with no individual component less than 6.5.
Please note that you MUST also:
- Be able to swim 400 METRES
- Be able to participate and understand the rules governing track and field athletics
- Be physically fit enough to participate in all subject knowledge and developmental activities sessions e.g. trampolining training.
You MUST include confirmation of the above on your application, personal statement and reference, or you will not be invited for interview.
We welcome applicants who have been pro-active in developing their subject knowledge in:
Games |
Invasion, net/wall and striking & fielding for KS3 and KS4 |
Gymnastics |
Floor, apparatus work, Trampolining |
Dance |
Contemporary, educational |
OAA |
Team Building Activities Orienteering Problem Solving |
Athletics |
Track & field |
Please note that if you have played a sport to a high level you are advised not to concentrate on that sport in gaining National Governing Body or Initial Teacher Training qualifications.
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 which will be held online consisting of a range of questions and a series of tasks designed to illustrate your potential to meet the Teachers' Standards by the end of the course.
It is highly recommended that any foreign nationals applying "have spent six months living in the UK", have had employment or volunteered as a teaching assistant in a state school in England or in an International school following the English national curriculum, have some knowledge of, or experience in working with, the English National Curriculum
Successful candidates will receive an offer conditional upon successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and medical assessment. This is for “fitness to teach” before starting the course
Fees and funding
The tuition fees for 2025/26 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.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and BursariesCareer opportunities
Education, School of
Department information
Education, School of
Apply
Find out more:
Apply for a postgraduate course (including PGCE International) via our online portal.
Visit Us
The best way to find out what Durham is really like is to come and see for yourself!
Similar courses
-
Education - MA
Program Code: X9K907Start: September 2025 -
Education (Primary) - PGCE
Program Code: X6KB14Start: September 2025 -
Educational Leadership and Change - MA
Program Code: X9KK07Start: September 2025 -
Intercultural Communication and Education - MA
Program Code: X3K807Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - Biology - PGCE
Program Code: X7KB14Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - Chemistry - PGCE
Program Code: X7KC14Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - English - PGCE
Program Code: X7KE14Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - Geography - PGCE
Program Code: X7KG14Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - History - PGCE
Program Code: X7KH14Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - Mathematics - PGCE
Program Code: X7KM14Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - MFL - PGCE
Program Code: X7KL14Start: September 2025 -
PGCE Secondary - Physics - PGCE
Program Code: X7KP14Start: September 2025 - See more courses