Computing with Secondary Education (QTS)

Secondary education covers a crucial period in pupils’ development. They learn about themselves and the world around them, gaining knowledge and skills that set them up for their adult lives. The role of a secondary teacher is to develop specialised subject knowledge, and to support the intellectual and personal development of their pupils. With a significant demand for new secondary teachers, you can be certain that you’ll make a positive impact on society.

This three-year course will deepen your knowledge of computing and how to teach the subject, fast-tracking you to beginning your career as a secondary teacher. Studying at NTU, you’ll develop your own knowledge of computing and a holistic and inclusive approach to teaching. You’ll be taught by computing experts and by former secondary teachers with an enthusiasm for their subject. Plus, you’ll spend plenty of time in the classroom, putting what you’ve learned into practice. Throughout the course, you’ll develop your passion for computing and for professional teaching practice.

You’ll graduate ready to start your career as a confident and effective teacher with the skills, knowledge and experience required in the modern classroom. You’ll be committed to shaping the lives of all our young people – sharing your passion for computing and inspiring theirs.

Why study Computing with Secondary Education at NTU?

• Our three-year degree programme fast-tracks you to a career in teaching with recommendation to the Department for Education for Qualified Teacher Status.

• Placement opportunities are in a variety of educational settings through our extensive partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations.

• You’ll be taught by former secondary teachers with a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching.

• You’ll develop your subject knowledge and understanding of computing.

Course accreditation

We are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then complete your induction period.

In Year One, you will study the following Computing modules: Foundations of Computing Technology & Programming; Essential Skills; Web-based programming; Internet Technology; Systems Analysis and Design; and Professional Development for Industry.

In Year Two, you will study a number of Computing modules, as well as a year long education module which includes a work-based placement. The modules include: Digital 3D; Internet Application Development; Information Systems Development; Interaction Design; Information and Database Engineering; and Learning Computing: Pedagogy, Progression and Practice.

In the final year of your study, you focus on developing an in-depth knowledge of the pedagogical skills, assessment requirements and self-reflection required to be a successful Early Career Teacher: Learning to be a teacher; Learning to teach; Learning to teach a subject 1; and Learning to teach a subject 2.

Assessment methods for computing modules includes coursework and formal examinations, while modules with an educational focus will be assessed through assignments, presentations and a portfolio.

Assessment of practical teaching is based on your performance while on placement. You will receive regular feedback from your school mentor and visiting university tutors and are also encouraged to self-assess regularly in relation to the Teachers’ Standards.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Secondary