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PGCE in Secondary Education History
Why choose Herts?
- 1st for Teacher Training (Daily Mail University Guide, 2025, subject level ranking)
- 5th for Teacher Training (National Student Survey, 2024)
- 10th for Education and Teaching in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024)
- "Good" rating (Ofsted, 2023). "The University of Hertfordshire ITT programme is thoroughly planned and carefully sequenced. This ensures that the curriculum is ambitious and provides trainees with the knowledge and skills to teach effectively"
Professional Accreditations
Qualified Teacher Status.
About the course
This Masters level professional training programme introduces you to the requirements for teaching History to the 11-16 age range and leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. Where appropriate, opportunities to experience post 16 provision will be available.
You will be introduced to the principles and theories of secondary teaching through both subject studies and a developing professional practice course. Training is undertaken in partnership with local secondary schools.
We are looking to select trainees who:
- have the passion, commitment and enthusiasm to teach in secondary schools
- are resilient and able to work under pressure
- have good subject knowledge to train to teach in the area they are interested in
The PGCE in Secondary Education at the University of Hertfordshire offers both full-time and part-time pathways, providing flexibility to suit different lifestyles and commitments. The part-time route spans four terms and allows trainees to gradually build their teaching skills, starting with one day at university and two days in school, increasing to three school days from term three onwards. This structure supports a smooth transition into teaching while accommodating work or personal responsibilities.
The full-time pathway, completed over one academic year, offers a more intensive experience for those able to commit full-time. Both options combine academic study with practical classroom experience, ensuring trainees are well-prepared for a successful teaching career.
Why choose this course?
What makes us unique?
Our teacher training programme is distinguished by its strong emphasis on subject-specific expertise. We understand that learning to teach your subject specialism requires a unique skillset that goes beyond general teaching principles. That’s why, rather than relying solely on generic teacher training lectures, we provide over 70 hours of specialised subject training, led by experts in your field. This dedicated focus ensures that you develop the nuanced skills needed to teach your subject effectively and make a distinctive impact in the classroom. Our high standards and consistently positive Ofsted inspections ensure that local schools and employers recognise the quality of our training, translating to exceptionally high employability for our graduates.
Support and collaboration for your success
The strength of our PGCE secondary programme lies in its supportive, collaborative environment. Our high levels of pastoral care and strong school partnerships are essential to ensuring that our trainees succeed. Through these partnerships, you’ll gain practical experience, enhance your subject knowledge, and deepen your conceptual understanding of effective teaching practices.
Pathway to a Master's degree
Our PGCE programme also provides a valuable academic advantage, awarding 60 Master’s-level credits (equivalent to one-third of a Master’s degree). After completing your PGCE, you have the option to continue part-time toward a Master’s degree in Education.
Begin your teaching career with the University of Hertfordshire and join a community dedicated to your growth and excellence as an educator.
Flexibility
The PGCE in Secondary Education at the University of Hertfordshire offers both full-time and part-time pathways, with a strong focus on flexibility to support trainees balancing other commitments. The part-time course provides a structured entry into teaching, starting with one day at university and two days in school, gradually increasing to three school days by term three. This approach helps trainees build confidence, develop subject expertise, and refine teaching skills at a manageable pace.
With access to over 300 secondary schools for placements, students gain valuable practical experience alongside academic study. Whether full-time or part-time, this flexible programme equips graduates with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and the skills needed to succeed in secondary education.
What will I study?
A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used. Tutor led sessions will include lectures, seminars and workshops, where active participation is encouraged. Twenty-four weeks of the programme are spent in local partnerships schools. This enables you to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of a team of practising teachers who lead key sessions as well as support you in your school-based training where you develop your classroom expertise.
Further course information
| Course fact sheets | |
|---|---|
| PGCE Secondary (History) (Revised 2024) | Download |
| PGCE Secondary Education | Download |
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| PGCE in Secondary Education History - Full Time, Sem A | Download |
| PGCE in Education (Secondary) | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
No |