Our PGCE History course combines understanding of the place of history in society and the school curriculum, with pedagogy on all aspects of history teaching

The university has partnerships with local schools for trainees to engage in history specific pedagogical and training sessions

Links with history organisations at local and national level such as Hampton Court Palace, The National Archives and the Holocaust Educational Trust including workshops led by an education officer

Students will be supported by an experienced course tutor with twenty years of teaching experience who is actively involved in the Historical Association

Former trainees return to university to deliver seminars in which they share their experiences of their training, their ECT phase or on specific areas of history pedagogy.

The History course aims to prepare you with the skills needed to teach this dynamic and exciting subject. In addition, the course explores current debates and research in history education to support you in your school placements. Links are made between history and literacy, history and citizenship and history and media.

Wide use is made of local history and the historic surroundings in South West London, including Strawberry Hill House, which is found on our campus. You are assessed on your ability to teach pupils in the 11-16 age range, but opportunities for A Level teaching are also included in the programme as appropriate.

Why St Mary's

The programme covers all aspects of history teaching and learning, with an emphasis on an active approach using practical activities and strategies for use in the classroom. Key features include a focus on the use of primary sources and effective planning for the whole ability range to ensure that all pupils are able to make progress.

Our experienced history tutor works in close partnership with you, the PGCE Secondary team and the placement schools.

If you wish to study for the Catholic Certificate of Religious Studies you will be able to complete several of the modules during your PGCE year. This certificate is often a requirement for teaching in a Catholic school.

Assessment methods

Trainees are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status by successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards (DfE). Continuous assessment throughout the programme will determine success.

Master's level assignments complement the work in schools and assist in meeting the Teachers’ Standards. These assignments aim to encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective, but also reinforce the evidence-based nature of the course assessment.

Self-assessment is also recognised as a valuable perspective in the evaluation of both school and university-based work.

Career opportunities

The quality of the provision at St Mary’s is valued by our trainees and schools, resulting in high levels of ECT employment in our partnership schools. Employment rates following the PGCE course are frequently over 90% in teaching roles.

On the programme you will study two Master's' modules leading to 60 credits at postgraduate level. You will have the opportunity to further your postgraduate studies in your career as these credits are transferable.

At the end of the PGCE course, you will have the opportunity to complete a three-week placement in a special education setting. This is highly valued by trainee teachers to broaden their understanding of specific learning needs for some learners.