PGCE Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Physical Education
University of Birmingham
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Qualification

PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

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Location

University of Birmingham

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

36 Weeks

Course info

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Qualification

PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

36 Weeks

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Course info

Course overviewStart your teaching journey with our specialist programme. Receive expert education and support to inspire young minds in the 11-18 age range, through close partnerships with schools.Our PGCE Physical Education (QTS) programme is designed to challenge you to make informed and justified decisions about your teaching approach, laying the foundation for ongoing professional development. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to return for ...Read more

Course overview
Start your teaching journey with our specialist programme. Receive expert education and support to inspire young minds in the 11-18 age range, through close partnerships with schools.

Our PGCE Physical Education (QTS) programme is designed to challenge you to make informed and justified decisions about your teaching approach, laying the foundation for ongoing professional development. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Masters in Teaching Studies with us.

The Physical Education Postgraduate Certificate in Secondary Education course aims to nurture physical educators who are innovatively responsive to evolving youth cultures, comfortable in challenging both their own and others beliefs and practices to make physical education relevant to every young person. Through integrating theory with practical experiences, the course seeks to unpick what meaningful physical education experiences truly entail, shaping you into teachers with a sustained impact on personal flourishing through lifelong physical activity habits and enjoyments.

Our supportive partnerships with physical education departments in a variety of diverse schools within the West Midlands enhances the relevance of your learning. As your learning shifts to within school practice and learning, we foster your curiosity and reflective expertise as you learn to take ownership of and challenge your pedagogical decision making in the quest to and achieve meaningful experiences in physical education for every child.

Course highlights
We excel in teacher education by combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience in our PGCE Physical Education programme, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This course offers 80 credits towards further study, allowing graduates to pursue a Master's degree such as the MA in Teaching Studies. The integration of academic rigour and hands-on practice, along with the opportunity for advanced qualifications, makes us a leader in teacher education.

Integrated Theoretical and Practical Training: Combines the learning of cutting-edge educational theory in world class sporting facilities with hands-on classroom experience
Unlock Your Teaching Career: Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), opening doors to exciting opportunities in secondary education
Learn from the Best: Be inspired by renowned educators and researchers at the forefront of their fields
Diverse Placement Opportunities: Explore a wide range of placements through our extensive network of partner schools
Career Support: Comprehensive career services and support for graduates entering the teaching profession
Ofsted (2024) said in their recent report 'Trainees are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences. Many trainees commented on how their personal tutors get to know them as individuals and genuinely care about their well-being'

Career opportunities
Our Physical Education Secondary Teacher Training course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

We are proud of our strong track record of student employment following course completion, with many of our alumni progressing to roles such as classroom teachers, Heads of Departments, Senior Leaders, and SENDCos. Our comprehensive career services and support equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the teaching profession and beyond.

We provide comprehensive career services and support for our students, preparing them to excel in the teaching profession. Many of our alumni gain employment in our partner schools and return to the programme as subject mentors on the PGCE.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
44/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
What students say
M
Myla
09 Nov 22
Z
Zoe
09 Nov 22

Lovely campus and friendly..Read more

Entry requirements

A strong academic record at A level or equivalent in relevant subjects is required, along with a strong degree (usually a minimum of 2:2 and at least 50% of degree must have PE or sport components) relevant to the subject taught. In all cases we will be looking at the relevance of your degree, other qualifications and experiences related to your proposed teaching subject in assessing academic suitability.

You must also have:

GCSE Mathematics and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications, which will be a condition of any offer if not already achieved (equivalency tests will be accepted but only from Equivalency Testing)
completed an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place
completed relevant checks to ensure you have the health and physical capacity to teach
agree to abide by the University of Birmingham Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£265 week

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£756 week

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£756 week

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

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How Physical Education students rated:

Student rating
( 4.6) 7 reviews
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58%
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How all students rated:

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( 4.3) 1,089 reviews
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Uni info

University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham , Birmingham

The University of Birmingham - part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities in the UK – has been helping to develop the...

Student rating
( 4.3) View reviews
CUG ranking
13th
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom
Nearest train station: University   0.2 miles away
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