Course Summary
The post primary PGCE is a one year, full-time programme that prepares students for a career in teaching.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
a. English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or qualification that is equivalent in breadth and depth to a GCSE, eg. Irish Leaving Certificate Higher Level Grade H6 or above or Ordinary Level O4 or above. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this course). Students wishing to take Religious Education (RE) as an optional level 6 module must have a GCSE grade C or above in RE.
b. At least a 2:2 Honours degree (or above) in physical education, sports science or sports studies (or another sports related degree that is at least 50% vocationally relevant to physical education). In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject.
c. Two acceptable references must be supplied - one academic and one character.
d. Medical certificate of satisfactory health.
e. Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI procedures to ensure that they do not have a criminal record and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children.
f. Evidence of good quality presentation and basic literacy skills are required throughout the application process. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and grammar skills. Applicants will also be expected to complete a set piece of formal writing as part of the selection process. This is a timed piece.
g. Applicants should comply with the DE circular requirements as outlined in the hyperlink below
https://www.education-ni.gov.uk/sites/default/files/publications/de/2010-03-initial-teacher-education-approval-of-programmes.pdf
h. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, the following additional criteria will be applied: evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people for at least 16 weeks. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will be placed on a waiting list.
Eligibility
PGCE Programmes at Ulster are only available to applicants from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, and who meet all the requirements to be deemed a home fee payer. This means that if you are not a UK or Irish citizen (or have settled in the UK status), you will not be eligible to study this course.
English Language Requirements
For admission to any initial teacher education course, applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in English language and mathematics. In addition, all new entrants to primary level courses must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in a science subject or subjects. An acceptable level of competence is defined as a GCSE level pass at Grade C or higher, or an equivalent qualification. Enquiries regarding equivalent qualifications should be made to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements
• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/countr
Exemptions and transferability
There are no exemptions recognised for entry to this course and it is not possible to transfer from other courses. Access to the PGCE is by the successful completion of the application and interview process.
Application Details
The closing date for applications for entry is normally 31st May and interviews are held in June. Applications received after that date may be considered if all places are not filled. If all places are filled then late applications will be considered the following year.
Start Date: September 2026.
Fees
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Realist
Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.
Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.
Career Progression
The PGCE is an internationally recognised programme for Initial Teacher Education leading directly to a career in teaching. The post primary PGCE is for those who wish to teach the 11-19 age range.
Duration
Attendance
This is a programme of professional training of teachers for the teaching profession. Attendance therefore is compulsory for all activities, modules and components of the course. Students are required to attend all classes and course activities including placement in school.