Home

Languages PGCE

London, Bloomsbury

The Languages PGCE explores languages teaching and learning by combining theory and practice to promote innovative, inspiring and effective pedagogy. You develop the professional knowledge and skills you need to teach all pupils in the 11-16 range. You are also supported to develop your knowledge and understanding of teaching Languages at A Level. We are committed to creative and interactive approaches to teaching to promote engagement and learning.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£27,500
Duration
1 academic year
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
All applicants: 08 Oct 2024 – Closing date to be confirmed

Applications not yet open

Early application is advised as programmes may close as soon as places are filled. Applicants should check the government website for the latest vacancy information.

Skills


This course will give you everything you need to face the classroom, both the pedagogical theory and the practical skills to be an inspiring teacher.

Support


Our gradual immersion approach will introduce you to the classroom progressively, from one pupil to the whole class.
A unique gradual approach to teaching

Experience


Placement in very diverse, carefully chosen schools will allow you to learn from different contexts and be prepared to teach in any school.
Read our placement guide

Start teaching


With a PGCE you can start teaching as soon as you complete the course and are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

IOE, ÂÒÂ×Ðã's Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject since 2014.

Entry requirements

UK qualifications Equivalent qualifications

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in the main language (French/German/Spanish/Mandarin) to be taught. The degree must contain at least 50% of the language if it is a combined degree. If a candidate does not have a degree in that language, then they should be a native speaker and have a degree in a related subject. For Mandarin, HSK level 6 may be acceptable along with a degree in a related subject. Italian (whether degree or native speaker) may only be offered in conjunction with main French. Italian with main Spanish may be possible if the candidate also has some French.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) tests

A Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course in Languages may be recommended as a condition of being offered a place on the course. This happens if we think you would benefit from developing your subject-specialist knowledge further before joining the PGCE. This SKE would be funded by the Department for Education for applicants starting the SKE between October 2024 and March 2025. We have not yet had confirmation whether SKEs will be funded beyond this date, and therefore recommend that if you are given an offer with this as your condition, that you register for the SKE with immediate effect.

A levels

All candidates for the European languages of main Spanish and German should normally have French A level at grade C or the equivalent as a minimum. However, we are sometimes able to consider applications for combinations of languages not including French but places are extremely limited and early application is necessary.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via or and achieving at least a grade 4. For Mathematics, equivalency tests in Mathematics Foundation or Mathematics Higher with grade 4 are accepted. BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications are not accepted in place of GCSEs.

School experience

We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.

Skills tests

Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.

Relevant experience and background

Applicants whose degree qualifications are below a lower second-class standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background at Master's level and above and/or significant postgraduate experience in the relevant field.

Country-specific information, including details of when ÂÒÂ×Ðã representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.

DBS and occupational health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The Occupational Health Check is £90, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of £15.00 if you can submit your DBS Enhanced Disclosure check via a UK Post Office. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.

If you have lived, worked, studied or travelled in any single country outside of the UK for six continuous months or more, in the last five years, you will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from the relevant country/countries. The cost of this check varies by country and is payable by the student. More information on how to obtain these can be found on gov.uk.

For more information about the DBS application process, please contact the ÂÒÂ×Ðã ITE Admissions team.

About this course


This course enables student teachers to engage critically with a number of approaches and issues relating to second languages education, such as the teaching of grammar, the incorporation of literature and film into lessons, target language use, and the monitoring and assessment of pupils' learning. It incorporates a range of approaches to ensure effective, inclusive teaching and learning, and develops a student teacher's professionalism and critical awareness to a high level.

We offer an EAL (English as an Additional Language) enhancement to our Mandarin Chinese Student Teachers who may not offer a second mainstream language (usually French, German or Spanish) and to those on the European language pathways who have experience and/or a particular interest in the area. The EAL teaching group size is limited, so those without a second language are given priority.

The Languages PGCE will feature four Intensive Teaching and Practice (ITAP) sequences designed to establish and develop your languages teaching through the year. Closely linking theory and practice, and enabling you to critically observe, deconstruct, plan, practise and progress in specific areas of teaching, these will focus on:

  1. Establishing positive learning environments.
  2. Developing principled approaches to language input and practice.
  3. Creating meanings that matter through the use of target language.
  4. Creative, cultural collaboration for motivation and inspiration.

Who this course is for

The course is suited to those wishing to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teaching in a UK maintained (state-funded) school and who have fulfilled the appropriate entry requirements.

Read more about the requirements for teacher training

What this course will give you

The Languages PGCE is informed by research. It places a strong emphasis on cultural knowledge, the use of literature and film in the Languages classroom, pupil use of target language and broader aspects of second language learning. We promote inclusive practice and consider ways in which teachers can meet the needs of all learners, including those with SEND. We also look at how languages teachers can capitalise upon the skills of bilingual and multilingual learners and those with EAL in their teaching. We promote creative and innovative practice and include sessions that focus on the effective use of digital technology and multimedia.

IOE, ÂÒÂ×Ðã's Faculty of Education and Society, has well-established partnerships with cultural and educational institutions across London, as well as European and Chinese universities and teacher training institutions. Our partnership with over 300 secondary schools and colleges in Greater London and beyond enables our students to become skilled and confident teachers in their chosen subject specialism.

Read more about teacher training at the IOE

The teacher you want to be

Graduates of the Languages PGCE are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the course. Our graduates also have great career prospects in the long term. Many become Head of Department or Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers and later becoming senior leaders and indeed headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers.

The Languages PGCE aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader. The course is designed to help our graduates lead meaningful professional lives grounded in the contribution they make to young people's understanding of the world and their place in it.

The tools of a great educator

  • Understanding of theory and subject or phase pedagogy
  • Creating a successful climate for learning, including behaviour management
  • Planning and teaching classes that engage pupils
  • Using assessment to inform planning
  • Working with the wider school community, including parents

Employability

Graduates of this course are currently working across a broad range of areas. Many are pursuing teaching careers as languages teachers and heads of department in schools, in the UK and abroad, while others have jobs using the transferable skills they have developed on the course. Many of our graduates build on their early career success to become senior leaders in schools.

Accreditation

When you successfully complete this course, ÂÒÂ×Ðã will recommend you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). QTS is awarded by the Teaching Regulation Agency in England.

Structure

The course is taught through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, (including keynote lectures and debates, presentations, discussions, and classroom group tasks), and a practical teaching element based in two schools. You are required to read widely and to carry out written assignments in your own time.

You will also take part in activities that provide the opportunity to focus on developing specific, pivotal areas of teaching through our ITAP sequences. These opportunities (totalling 20 days, 4 of which are school-based) will strengthen the link between theory and practice and provide you with specific feedback to support your progress in these pivotal areas.

During the 124 days of school experience, you will work closely with subject-specialist mentors to build on the knowledge and understanding you have gained from University sessions and readings, putting this into practice with a range of learners and classes. You will be expected to maintain high levels of commitment , working as part of busy Languages departments and across the school community.

Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.

The PGCE is a full-time course, designed so you learn to teach in schools for approximately two-thirds of the course (124 days) and through IOE-based learning in the other third.

When you are not undertaking teaching and learning activities at IOE or in other forms outside of schools, you will spend at least 124 days of study and practice in a range of school settings – including two longer placements in IOE partnership schools. Because actual placement dates are determined by partner school term dates, the exact number of days spent in school for any given student may vary slightly.

Contact hours vary throughout the year depending on whether you are on placement or attending IOE.

University sessions typically run from 9.00am (earliest) to 5.30pm (latest). During school placements, you will be expected to attend according to the school’s policy. This will typically involve attending at least 30 minutes before the start of the school day and leaving at least 30 minutes after the school day ends (with additional time expected if there are particular departmental or other meetings you need to attend). You will have readings and additional self-directed study to complete in addition to these contact hours.

During University taught periods, you are expected to be present Monday-Wednesday all day, and Thursdays and Fridays for directed study, some of which will include visits and other activities arranged by tutors.

It is fantastic to be surrounded by people who have the same goal as you and come from all over the world. You will definitely come out stronger and learn so much in such a short space of time.

Emma Costard, PGCE student

Emma Costard

Languages PGCE

Q&A with Emma Costard

Modules

You will undertake two modules at level 7 (Master’s level) of 30 credits each and one Professional Practice module at level 6. The level 7 credits can be carried forward onto some full Master’s courses at IOE, ÂÒÂ×Ðã's Faculty of Education and Society (check individual course requirements). You will be awarded a PGCE when you successfully complete all three modules.

Throughout the year, you will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. Our ITAP sequences (totalling 20 days with at least 4 of these days in school) will help you to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that your progress is supported in these pivotal areas.

Compulsory modules





Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Languages.

School placements

You will spend most of your time in schools, working with subject specialist mentors who support you through your two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools with whom we work, with many outstanding mentors and strong Languages departments.

The Professional Practice module is assessed through these placements, associated tasks and a portfolio built up throughout the year.  

During placement periods, you will need to travel to and from each school placement. Please be aware that not all schools have parking and that there is variation in how accessible schools are. However, if you let us know of any particular accessibility needs you have, we will endeavour to accommodate them.

We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:

  • A dedicated team who will identify the best schools for your placements
  • Support and guidance from your university tutor and your school-based mentor
  • School experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
  • Reasonable travel times from your home to your school

Making the most of your placement

Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about school placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and school-based mentor will help you navigate your school experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of ÂÒÂ×Ðã buildings can be obtained from . Further information can also be obtained from the ÂÒÂ×Ðã Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Where you'll study

Department of Culture, Communication and Media

The Department of Culture, Communication and Media is committed to excellence in research and teaching in the areas of Art, Design and Museology, Academic writing, English education, Applied Linguistics, Music Education, Learning with Digital Technologies and teacher professional development.

Find out more about the department

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: PGCE Secondary Teacher Training

Are you interested in a career in teaching? Join our virtual events to find out more about Teacher Training at ÂÒÂ×Ðã, including admissions and student funding information.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,250
Tuition fees (2025/26) £27,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the ÂÒÂ×Ðã Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

You are responsible for covering the costs of travel to and from placements (these are typically located within the M25) and travel costs for visits organised by the course.

The cost per day, as of July 2024, if you are using Oyster pay as you go varies between £8.50 (zones 1 and 2 only) and £22.30 (zones 1 to 9) based on current prices. Costs can be reduced by purchasing a weekly or monthly travelcard as well as applying for an Oyster Student photocard which allows up to 30% off travel when purchasing a travelcard.

You also require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check plus an Occupational Health check prior to beginning the course. Information about costs is available on our entry requirements page for teacher training courses.

The Financial Assistance Funds provide support to ÂÒÂ×Ðã students who are in unexpected financial need.

ÂÒÂ×Ðã’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (ÂÒÂ×Ðã East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at ÂÒÂ×Ðã's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible to receive a training bursary for living costs. For Secondary, this depends on your PGCE subject (not all attract a bursary) and your degree classification or highest relevant academic qualification. Scholarships are available in some subjects.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at ÂÒÂ×Ðã, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the ÂÒÂ×Ðã Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Application and next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

Got questions? Get in touch

Culture, Communication and Media
Culture, Communication and Media

ioe.mflpgce@ucl.ac.uk

ÂÒÂ×Ðã is regulated by the .