PGCE Secondary Drama with QTS* (Taught)

*with a recommendation for QTS

Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach the secondary school drama curriculum for the 11-16 age range.

You’ll learn about the theories and practical methods that form the basis of drama education. You’ll look at developments in drama education over the past hundred years. You’ll research the work of key practitioners and explore key issues such as the role of drama in school, drama and culture, drama and democracy, the making of theatre through devising, and script work.

We teach most of our sessions through practical demonstration and you’ll study mainly with your PGCE drama group, however, because drama relies on collaboration there will be opportunities to work with colleagues in other subject areas as well.

You’ll experiment with ways in which drama is used as a teaching tool across the whole school curriculum to support literacy and numeracy or to bring history to life.

You’ll also consider how to plan lessons, reflect on your planning, explore mechanisms for assessment in Drama and learn how research can develop your teaching practice. You will also look at ways to develop your own teacher persona and consider the role of a professional educator.

Features and benefits

• Employability - You’ll have the skills and experience to teach drama 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 (approximately 120 days) on placement, gaining experience in mainstream 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 - Many of our staff are active researchers in education and their research influences our programmes. The School of Education at Manchester Met ranks in the UK’s top 10 research power in education (Research Excellence Framework, 2021) and the Institute of Children’s Futures launched in November 2024 which brings together academics, policy makers and practitioners to improve the lives of young people.

• 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.

Application process - You can apply directly to Manchester Met or through one of our lead partner schools. Applications are made via the Department for Education (DfE) Apply for Teacher Training service - https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training.