Teacher Training
Train to teach English with a Secondary PGCE at the University of Exeter. Gain qualified teacher status and 60 Masters-level credits through expert-led training. You will be part of a cohort of trainees all learning to teach English and working with a dedicated team of English teaching experts. Our English teacher training is informed by the latest research in the Centre for Language and Literacies, giving you first-hand access to the latest research on classroom practice in English.
The course DfE Apply code is 2BT6. The University of Exeter's institution code is E84.
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Alongside our general entry requirements for all Secondary PGCE applicants, there are subject-specific entry requirements for English specialism applicants.
We are looking for applicants with a 2:2 Honours degree or above in English (Literature or Language), or a 'strongly related' subject. We consider degrees strongly related to English, such as Linguistics, Drama, Cultural/Media Studies, Film or Journalism, Classical Studies & Creative Writing.
An A-level in English isn’t essential if you have a 2:1 or above in English, or strongly-related subject.
We will also consider degrees 'related' to English, such as Humanities, Social Sciences, Languages/Language Studies, and Law. For 'related' degrees, at any classification, we also require a grade B in A-level English (or equivalent).
If you have a 2:2 honours degree in English, or in a related or strongly related subject, you will also need a grade B in A-level English (Literature or Language) or equivalent .
Combined-honours degrees will also be considered: here we are looking for the English-related element to be at least 50% of the degree along with a grade B in A-level English (or equivalent). The A-level isn’t essential if you have a 2:1 or above combined-honours degree.
A practical and interactive course, you will focus on a range of teaching styles and educational methods distinct to teaching English and learn how to motivate and engage your students in the classroom. You’ll also develop the fundamentals of teaching such as behaviour management, assessment, lesson planning, inclusive teaching, and working with the school community and parents. We’ll support you to become a reflective and confident teacher who is able to assess your own achievements and professional development requirements.
Our unique course structure based on the Exeter Model of Initial Teacher Education is praised by Ofsted and used across our subject areas. You will study a specialist Secondary English Subject Knowledge, Pedagogy, Research, and Practice module alongside this. The principal aim of the module is to equip you with a comprehensive understanding of the background issues and practice of the current teaching of English in secondary schools. In addition, the module seeks to nurture you as a reflective and autonomous professional practitioner, able to identify strengths and areas for development in your subject knowledge and pedagogy, through evaluating current professional practice in relationship to developments in research and curriculum theory.
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