Course Summary
The post primary PGCE is a one year, full-time programme that prepares students for a career in teaching English, Drama and Media Studies.
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 a qualification that is equivalent in breadth and depth to a GCSE e.g. Irish Leaving Certificate. Please note that Essential/Key Skills is not accepted).
b. An Honours degree normally in the specialist subject (Art and Design, English with Drama and Media Studies, Geography, History, Home Economics, Music Education, Physical Education, Technology and Design) in an appropriate NI curriculum subject. 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).
c. All applicants need to provide evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age.
Applicants for the post-primary pathway also require:
1. Two supportive references.
2. Medical certificate of satisfactory health.
3. 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.
4. The application form will be examined for spelling, punctuation and use of English and general quality of presentation.
5. Evidence of knowledge, interest and experience in working with young people of post-primary age normally in a formal/informal education setting.
6. 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.
7. An offer of a place will be conditional upon satisfying the Selection Committee on all of the above criteria.
8. 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.
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.
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.