PGCE Secondary School Direct (English)

University of Manchester
Postgraduate PGCE Full-time 10 Months English literature and creative writingEnglish language

About this course

PGCE Secondary School Direct (English) provides you with the practical training and theoretical knowledge required to become an outstanding English teacher.

Compared with non-School Direct teacher trainees, you will benefit from additional time in school before the PGCE starts and follow a modified version of the course. Throughout, you will focus on the 11-16 age range in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), learning to teach the National Curriculum and related national strategies surrounding GCSE, AS and A2-level study.

The majority of the course focuses upon practical training in teaching and learning-related skills. You will enjoy extended periods of school experience, which will provide opportunities to work in a primary setting and to teach in at least two different secondary schools. In total, 25 weeks of your PGCE will be spent experiencing and working in different types of school.

This practical training is underpinned by the development of your knowledge and understanding of educational theories, ideas and concepts, including current issues and developments.

We work with numerous schools in Greater Manchester to offer the School Direct route into teaching.

School Direct allows schools to recruit and select their own trainees, with the expectation that they will go on to work within the school, or group of schools, in which they were trained (although there is no guarantee of employment).

School Direct follows a PGCE course structure but on a modified timetable including increased contact with the School Direct school.

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

3412 Authors, writers and translators
4135 Library clerks and assistants
2471 Librarians
2492 Newspaper and periodical broadcast journalists and reporters
2491 Newspaper, periodical and broadcast editors
2115 Social and humanities scientists

Course Details

Qualification
Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
10 Months
Start Date
2025
Academic Year
2025
Campus / Location
Manchester
Scheme
Postgraduate
Subjects
English literature and creative writing, English language