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PGCE in Secondary Education Physical Education

Key information

  • Entry requirements

    The University of Hertfordshire is committed to welcoming students with a wide range of qualifications and levels of experience. The entry requirements listed on the course pages provide a guide to the minimum level of qualifications needed to study each course. However, we have a flexible approach to admissions and each application will be considered on an individual basis.

    • Honours degree (2.2 or higher), awarded by a UK university or an overseas award recognised as equivalent by UK ENIC.
    • We require the degree to have a minimum 50% content of the subject in which the applicant is applying.
    • GCSE (or IGCSE) English language and mathematics at grade 4 or above (grade C or above under the previous grading structure and at ‘O’ Level). GCSE equivalency tests will be considered.
    • Applicants from non-majority English speaking countries require proof of English language proficiency, equivalent to an overall IELTS Academic score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band. This must be no more than two years old at the point of application.

    Suitability to train to teach is assessed at interview.

    International qualifications

    GCSE equivalent qualifications achieved overseas must be recognised as comparable to grades 4/C or above by UK ENIC. First degrees awarded overseas must also be recognised as equivalent to British honours degree by UK ENIC. This is known as a Statement of Comparability. Depending on the outcome, the ITE admissions team may require an applicant to produce an academic transcript listing full modules/subjects studied in order to make an admissions decision about comparability in relation to Standard and Honours degree classification.

    We may require certified translations of certificates/documents issued in any language other than English. Please note this is likely to be an additional cost to the applicant.

    If the qualifications have been taken abroad then you will need a Statement of Comparability from ENIC before applying for the programme. Visit ENIC for more information.

    Suitability checks

    The University of Hertfordshire ensures that suitability checks have been completed prior to the commencement of the programme, in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (September 2021) and ITT criteria and supporting advice (section C1).

    The following checks are:

    • proof of identity
    • proof of academic qualifications
    • suitability and safer recruitment self-declaration, in this declaration the applicant is informed of their duty to disclose relevant information under childcare disqualification arrangements and any cautions or convictions
    • an enhanced DBS (with children’s barred list check)
    • a prohibition from teaching check
    • for applicants who have lived abroad for three months or more in the past 10 years, an overseas criminal record check
    • health and physical fitness to teach assessment.
  • Professional accreditations

    Upon completion of the course, you'll be awarded Qualified Teacher Status.

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.

What's the course about?

This Masters level professional training programme will introduce you to the requirements for teaching physical education to the 11-16 age range and leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. Where appropriate, you'll also have opportunities to experience then post 16 provision will be available.

You'll 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.

What will I study?

A wide range of teaching and learning methods are used, including on-campus teaching and hands on experience in a school environment.

On-campus tutor led sessions will include lectures, seminars and workshops, where active participation is encouraged. You'll also spend twenty-four weeks of the programme in local partnerships schools. This gives you the opportunity 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.

The programme includes opportunities to visit different educational contexts, including a primary school and a special needs school.

  • Level 6
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    School-based training 130 CreditsCompulsory
    School-based training 230 CreditsCompulsory
    Professional learning and development30 CreditsOptional
    Subject and curriculum knowledge30 CreditsOptional
  • Level 7
    ModuleCreditsCompulsory/optional
    Professional learning and development30 CreditsCompulsory
    Physical education subject and curriculum knowledge30 CreditsCompulsory
  • Work placement

    School experience is at the heart of the programme and during the thirty-six week programme you'll spend twenty-four weeks in a school. The rest of the time you'll be on campus. The school experience is made up of a number of serial day placements, including visits to a primary school and a special school and two block placements in partner secondary schools.