Expand+How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Please note the closing date for 2022 entry to this programme is Monday 1st November 2021 at 4pm.
...

Hide-How to Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Please note the closing date for 2022 entry to this programme is Monday 1st November 2021 at 4pm.

Applications received after the closing date will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by the closing date have been processed. Normally we do not consider ‘late’ applications before June at the earliest.

Expand+Graduate

All applicants must possess the following:

- At least a 2:2 Honours degree (and/or higher degree) in Computer Science, Computing & IT or Software Systems Development.

Degrees in cognate areas (for example*, Interactive Multimedia De...

Hide-Graduate

All applicants must possess the following:

- At least a 2:2 Honours degree (and/or higher degree) in Computer Science, Computing & IT or Software Systems Development.

Degrees in cognate areas (for example*, Interactive Multimedia Design, Web Design, Cloud Technologies, Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence, Mobile Technology Systems) may be considered if 50% or more of the modules studied are deemed currently relevant to teaching Computer Science, Digital Technology and/or Software Systems Development to A level, with at least 50% of final year ICT/Computing modules fulfilling the relevance criterion.

Other acceptable combinations include:
• A Joint Honours degree (2:2 or above) in ICT/Computing with a school subject (for example*, Business Studies/Mathematics) HOWEVER at least 50% of all the modules passed need to be currently relevant to teaching Computer Science, Digital Technology
and/or Software Systems Development to A level.

• An Honours degree (2:2 or above) in a school subject (for example*, Business studies) PLUS a Masters degree in Computer Science/Software Systems Development which has been awarded prior to applying for the PGCE course.

• A Joint Honours degree (2:2 or above) with Information Systems (for example*, Management Information Systems or Business Information Systems) must have at least 50% of modules passed in the Information Systems area that are currently relevant to
teaching Computer Science, Digital Technology and/or Software Systems Development to A level with at least 50% of final year ICT/Computing modules fulfilling the relevance criterion.

*These are examples only and are not a definitive list.

At the time of application, GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent qualification. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this professional course as the professional accrediting authority, the GTCNI, does not recognise them as equivalent)

We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria if the course is over-subscribed.

Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.

Further information is available at https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/Study/PostgraduateTaught/PGCE/

International Students
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.

English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level

Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

Expand+Overview
The PGCE in Information Technology and Computing is a recognised teaching qualification aligned to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences which affords graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in...

Hide-Overview
The PGCE in Information Technology and Computing is a recognised teaching qualification aligned to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences which affords graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS). The course is aligned broadly with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, supporting graduates in teaching Information Technology and Computing across the 11-18+ year age range. The programme aims to develop your competence and confidence in the teaching of Information Technology and Computing and in the general professional role of the teacher.

Our PGCE will appeal to you if you wish to move into teaching and if you are an Honours graduate in Computing & Information Technology/Computer Science or about to graduate in Computing & Information Technology/Computer Science or a related discipline.

Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.

Further information including an Applicant Guide can be found at https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/study/postgraduate-taught/pgce/

Watch a recording of the PGCE Information Session for 2022/23 entry here: https://youtu.be/DTz0sy0EpcY

Learning and Teaching
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Morning / Afternoon / Evening

Typically Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day.

Indicative Number of Modules per Semester
1.5 modules per Semester (30 CATS points)

Contact Teaching Hours per Week
20 hours (minimum)

Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester
80% lectures, 20% private study.

Expand+Course Structure
After enrolment and induction week in early September, you will normally complete a short placement in a primary school. This experience may change at short notice depending on the government requirements for Covid-19 and may be rep...

Hide-Course Structure
After enrolment and induction week in early September, you will normally complete a short placement in a primary school. This experience may change at short notice depending on the government requirements for Covid-19 and may be replaced by taught sessions or an acceptable relevant alternative activity.

The next six week block of the course is devoted to university-based tuition (subject-specific taught sessions and directed independent study) before you commence your first eleven week period of professional placement based in a school.

At the beginning of February, you return to Queen’s for four weeks of university-based tuition in preparation for your second professional period in a school (12 weeks). A final week of university-based tuition completes the course at the end of May.

Successful completion of the PGCE depends on achieving satisfactory standards in both practical teaching and in coursework.

The extended placements, which we arrange, are normally in two different school types. This ensures a varied experience of teaching in different post-primary schools and working with pupils from the whole ability range.

In the two post-primary schools you will work closely with members of each school’s staff. Your subject lecturer from Queen’s will also maintain close co-operative links with these teachers during your school placements.

Course Details
The programme combines university-based tuition, consisting of taught sessions and directed independent study, with professional placements in schools and is organised around three interdependent strands:

Professional School-based Experience - focuses on developing practical teaching competence particularly through working closely with experienced teachers during periods of school placement.

Subject Studies - focuses on teaching and learning within your subject specialism (and cognate areas).

Education and Professional Studies - focuses on common aspects of teaching and the professional role of the teacher, bringing together relevant theory, policy and practice. This includes issues such as: the Northern Ireland education system, curriculum theory and policy, theories of learning and assessment, social class and educational disadvantage, special educational needs and barriers to learning, pastoral care and child protection/safeguarding, student voice, mental health and wellbeing of students, positive behaviour management, diversity and inclusion, effective use of technologies and whole school approaches to literacy, numeracy the social and emotional health of young people. Students are also offered a choice of elective course designed to enhance the subjects and skills they can offer to schools.

Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.