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Summary 2010/11

• Study with the largest provider of high quality secondary teacher training in the UK;
• Excellent quality teaching and learning opportunities with tutors at the cutting edge of national developments in Psychology secondary education;
• Preparation for the increasing opportunities that are emerging in schools to teach psychology at Key Stage 3, 4 and 5 as part of the science curriculum;
• Fees which don’t have to be paid up front and bursary support make this programme highly affordable;
• Individually-tailored support.

Please note, this programme is now closed for applications for entry in September 2010.

Edge Hill University is one of only five providers in the country offering a PGCE in Psychology. The programme recognises the growing numbers of pupils studying the subject in schools and the need for appropriately qualified teachers.

The Psychology PGCE aims to develop reflective and analytical skills, as well as equipping you with sufficient subject knowledge to teach across the 14-19 age range in schools. We will equip you with a range of academic, professional and vocational knowledge, understanding, skills and values necessary to become a high-quality, skilled teacher of Psychology.

2010 Entry Requirements

To join this PGCE you should have:

• A first degree, or equivalent qualification, from a UK higher education institution, with a degree classification usually at 2:2 or above;
• GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or above (or equivalent qualification);
• Satisfactory levels of Information and Communications Technology competence;
• A demonstrable interest in teaching within the curriculum area. You could show this in a number of ways – time spent in schools, knowledge of the chosen curriculum area, relevant practical experience, etc.

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 numeracy and literacy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE grade C in mathematics or English.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Children, Schools and Families standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. You will also be provisionally registered with the General Teaching Council for England (GTC). Further details, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire, Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure application form and GTC suitability assessment questionnaire will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer. You will be registered with the Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) in line with University policy.

Details

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Who is this course for?

This programme is for you if:

• You have a degree in or featuring Psychology;
• You want to help pupils aged 14 to 19 develop a variety of skills and excite their curiosity in explaining behaviour;
• You wish to learn the latest professional methods to become a confident and capable teacher.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will be one of the first ever qualified teachers of Psychology specifically trained to teach this popular subject. You will gain professional training, delivered to the highest of standards, to help you take up your first teaching post with confidence, having experienced the very latest teaching and learning pedagogies.

How we will support you

Individually tailored support from your subject tutor at Edge Hill, and from two mentors during each of your placements: a professional mentor, who oversees all trainees, and a curriculum mentor, who will provide specific support in your subject area.

What will I study?

You’ll start with a subject knowledge and understanding audit to identify your main strengths and weaknesses and enable your tutor to focus on your individual development needs. During 12 weeks of study on campus, you’ll develop:

• Knowledge of essential educational theory;
• Awareness of appropriate and innovative teaching and assessment methods, including investigative work, group discussions, role play, project work, presentations and examinations;
• Understanding of the curriculum;
• Ability to plan lessons effectively;
• Excellent working knowledge of the latest ICT tools and software used in schools;
• Greater subject knowledge and professional and academic skills;
• Wider awareness of your role within the teaching profession through the study of professional values;
• An understanding of how psychology can be applied to teaching and learning.

How will I study?

A combination of academic study, group discussion, reflection, and practical work-based learning in the classroom, will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to become a creative and innovative teacher. The programme also aims to develop a reflective and critically analytical approach to education.

You will develop your subject knowledge by participating in numerous activities. These include visits to places of interest and guest speakers on various topics, for example, assessment in psychology, enrichment activities, applying psychology in the classroom and creative teaching strategies.

Placement

You’ll spend 24 weeks on placement in schools, colleges and settings, putting your training into practice through assisting in, and taking responsibility for, classes. During your placements, you’ll work alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. Your teaching timetable will increase as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom.

Who will be teaching me?

The course has been designed by a programme leader with many years of experience leading the subject in highly successful schools. Modules will be delivered by the course leader and other highly experienced members of the secondary PGCE team. Lecturers from the Department of Social and Psychological Sciences and Faculty of Health will also have some input into the programme according to their fields of expertise along with occasional visiting lecturers who will deliver specialised workshops.

How will I be assessed?

A variety of assessment methods will be used, including presentations, evidence from work-based experience planning and preparation of teaching materials, literature review, research, student evaluations and reflections upon your work and critical analysis of research and theories.

What are my career prospects?

There is a huge demand for, and shortage of, qualified psychology teachers. You will be one of a small number of teachers specifically qualified to teach psychology with a qualification from a highly respected provider of teacher training.

Teaching is a rewarding job and there are many ways in which you could progress in your career, either in the classroom or in a leadership role. For more information, see www.tda.gov.uk.

Professional Accreditation

The Programme is compliant with the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA)/ Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) Requirements for Initial Teacher Training (ITT) allowing applicants to demonstrate the Professional Standards for the Award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Successful completion of the programme leads to a Recommendation for QTS.

Further study at Edge Hill University

As a teacher, you will be keen to build your skills as your career progresses. Edge Hill University is the largest provider of Professional Development for teachers in the country. You could gain further qualifications through your work in schools and colleges, or through further in-depth study such as our MA pathways.

During your PGCE programme, we will carefully prepare you for your Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) year by helping to identify your continuing training needs. Edge Hill’s Professional Development team will continue to support you through your NQT year and be available throughout your teaching career.

Related Programmes

• Secondary PGCE Psychology (Age Phase 14-19) - Assessment Only

How do I apply?

Apply online through GTTR. Visit www.gttr.ac.uk.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

The Edge Hill tuition fee for full-time PGCE students is £3,290 for academic year 2010/11. However, there is no compulsory up-front contribution to fees and you can take out loans through the Student Loans Company to cover tuition fees and maintenance for living expenses. Your repayments won't start until you are earning £15,000pa.

All full-time PGCE trainees in Secondary Psychology can expect to receive a training bursary of £4,000 for programmes starting in academic year 2010/11. Information for UK and EU students only.

For more information about grants, loans, bursaries and scholarships, see our Fees and Finance pages.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you would like pre-entry advice and guidance about your qualifications, please complete the advice and guidance online enquiry form.

If you do not have the GCSEs required for the Psychology PGCE, Edge Hill University offers equivalency tests. You must have the required GCSEs or equivalent before you can start the PGCE.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus, or be kept updated about forthcoming events, then complete our course enquiry form or contact the Course Enquiries Unit on freephone 0800 195 5063.

You can also register to attend one of the open days and evenings we run throughout the year. These are held at our main campus and at other venues across the region. You’ll also find University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If this website does not give you all the information you need, please contact:

• Julie Bostock, Course Leader
• Tel: 01695 650986
• Email: bostockj@edghill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.

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