Course Summary
The aim of a PGCE is to prepare the student to become a competent teacher. This is achieved through a variety of teaching and learning methods.
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
English and Mathematics (GCSE grade C or equivalent).
An Honours degree, in Music. In the case of a combined Honours degree at least 50% shall be in the specialist subject. (N.B. The normal minimum offer standard is a 2:2 Honours).
All applicants normally need to provide evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age in a formal/informal education setting.
Applicants for the post-primary pathway also require:
Two supportive references.
Medical certificate of satisfactory health.
Applicants will be scrutinised by Access NI and must also satisfy the University and the Department of Education that nothing would prohibit them from working with children.
The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and use of English and general quality of presentation.
Applicants appearing to fulfil the above requirements will be shortlisted. In the event that the programme is oversubscribed, enhanced criteria (e.g. degree classification) will then be applied and candidates fulfilling these criteria will be interviewed to ascertain their suitability for the course.
An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria. Applicants who are deemed suitable but for whom an immediate place is not available will be placed on a waiting list and offered a place if another applicant declines his/her place.
English Language Requirements
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Jurisdiction
The PGCE is a recognized teaching qualification in the UK. For those applicants wishing to teach in other jurisdictions we recommend that you contact the relevant authorities there to discuss their requirements for recognised teacher status.
Application Details
The closing date for applications is 8 January 2025. Applications received after the closing date may be considered at the discretion of the selection panel.
Start Date: September 2025
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.
Creative
Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.
Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.
Career Progression
The course prepares the student to teach their chosen subject in a post-primary school or college. Successful completion of this course qualifies the graduate to seek registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland.
Duration
PGCE Music is a full time course. It is 37 weeks in length. Monday to Friday 9.30 to 17.00.