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
Applicants must satisfy the University's general entry requirements as set out in the prospectus. The initial offer standard may vary from year to year. Specific minimum requirements are detailed below:
a. GCSE passes at Grade C or above in English and Mathematics (or equivalent qualification). (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this professional course as GTCNI, does not recognise them as equivalent).
b. At least a 2:2 Honours (or above) degree directly related to the Art and Design. Alternatively, applicants may possess a Master's degree that is linked to Art and Design. In the case of a combined Honours degree, at least 50% of the degree 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 regulations.
f. 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 and is required as part of the interview/selection process.
g. Applicants should comply with the DE Circular requirements as outlined in Initial Teacher Education: Approval of Programmes document.
h. Demonstrate evidence of knowledge and interest in working with young people of post primary age. This must be evidenced in the application form. An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria. Applicants who are deemed suitable may be placed on a waiting list and offered a place if another applicant declines his/her place.
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/country
Exemptions and transferability
The PGCE is a complete programme and the student cannot be exempted from any part of the programme. Given the unique structure of the PGCE course in the University of Ulster it is not possible to transfer with exemption from another course or institution.
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.
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
The PGCE is a full time course. It is 36 weeks in length and includes a six week workshop practice in Belfast.
Monday to Friday 9.30 to 17.00. Induction for the PGCE takes the form of a two day residential programme at Bushmills Education Centre during the last week in August.