PGCE Secondary Religious Education with QTS* (Taught)

You’ll explore all aspects of religious education (RE) including different faiths, philosophy and ethics. It is a requirement that all schools teach RE however this can vary widely between schools.   
  
You’ll explore different curriculum models and how to approach the wide variety of topics with a range of learners. During sessions, you’ll explore a range of faiths and often make use of peer teaching where everyone can share their own knowledge and experiences.   
  
Throughout the course, you’ll develop your subject knowledge and consider how to approach teaching topics in the classroom. In addition to specific religions, you’ll consider broader issues such as human rights and peace and conflict.  
  
Approaching controversial topics in a classroom is a potential challenge so you’ll explore pedagogic approaches such as debating or philosophy for children. You’ll also look at cognitive theories and how you can support your pupils to develop examination techniques to be able to write about complex issues as part of assessments.    
  
The university is well placed for you to explore religious education in its broadest sense. There are opportunities to visit a variety of local places of worship and speak to members of the local multi-faith community.  You’ll also consider how you can arrange such visits for your own classes to allow the curriculum to come alive. We also have guest speakers. In previous years they have come from educational organisations including exam boards.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Employability - You will have the knowledge, skills and experience to teach religious education at Key Stage 3, GCSE and potentially A/AS-level.

• Teaching experience - You will spend at least the minimum Department for Education (DfE) required time in schools (approximately 120 days) on placements in schools, gaining experience in secondary schools.

• Postgraduate credits - When you graduate, you’ll achieve 60 masters’ level credits (this is one-third of a masters degree). You can put these towards a masters degree to help you develop your new career.

• Partnerships - We have partnerships with over 500 schools, colleges and educational organisations, meaning we are able to provide students with a range of school experiences.

• Research-led teaching - Our research centre, the Education and Social Research Institute (ESRI), ranks in the UK’s top 10 for research power in education (Research Excellence Framework, 2021).

• Student support - You’ll receive guidance throughout your journey, including academic support from subject tutors and professional mentoring while on placements, helping you develop the skills and knowledge to meet Teachers’ Standards.