Mathematics PGCE

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Mathematics PGCE

London, Bloomsbury

This is the programme information for 2025 entry

If you require details of the previous year's programme, Mathematics PGCE (2024), click here

Well-qualified mathematics teachers are in high demand in London, the UK and across the world. The Mathematics PGCE at IOE is rigorously informed by research, including developments internationally. You will learn how to make mathematics meaningful and engaging, and learn how to analyse your own and your pupils' development across the full secondary age range.

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

Entry requirements

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor鈥檚 degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in Mathematics, or mathematical content of 50% or more.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) tests

A Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course in Mathematics 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.

A levels

Mathematics at grade B required if the first degree subject is not Mathematics.

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 乱伦秀 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 拢90, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of 拢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鈥檚 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 乱伦秀 ITE Admissions team.

About this course

The Mathematics PGCE aims to develop critical understanding of the nature of mathematics and its position in the school curriculum. You will engage with research evidence and theories of learning in order to make sense of the practice you observe in schools. You will explore how teaching approaches can help learners develop mathematical reasoning and problem-solving skills and cultivate enjoyment of mathematics.

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

Establishing positive learning environments.
Developing exposition in mathematics.
Developing responsive teaching in mathematics.
Developing intellectual curiosity in mathematics.

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

We maintain a strong focus throughout the course on the teaching and learning of mathematics. Through the careful planning and evaluation of lessons, you are supported in developing your own classroom practice and becoming research-informed, reflective practitioners.

The Mathematics PGCE tutors are skilled classroom practitioners with extensive experience of teaching and leadership in secondary schools. They are also currently engaged in research in mathematics education. The course draws regularly on the wider range of expertise in mathematics education available within IOE, 乱伦秀's Faculty of Education and Society.

The school-based experience provides an opportunity to try out new ideas and develop successful classroom practice, supported by experienced mentors in schools. You will benefit from the mutual support provided by others in the cohort with whom you are able to share experiences and ideas through regular group discussion.

Read more about teacher training at the IOE

The teacher you want to be

IOE's excellent reputation helps ensure that graduates of the Mathematics PGCE are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and further afield. Almost all student teachers secure their first teaching post by the time they complete the course.鈥疢any Mathematics PGCE graduates become a head of department or head of year within 2-5 years, frequently progressing to senior leadership in schools. Several are now headteachers. Others have developed their careers by becoming lead teachers in the classroom, engaging in further study and research or by writing, blogging and advising other teachers.

The Mathematics PGCE aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader. The course is designed with a view to helping our alumni 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

Most graduates of this course go on to work as mathematics teachers in schools across London and further afield. Graduates of the course commonly go on to become curriculum leaders, pastoral leaders or senior leaders in schools. Others become advisers, consultants, providers of continuing professional development, researchers or teacher educators in universities.

Accreditation

When you successfully complete this course, 乱伦秀 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.鈥�

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 鈥� 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鈥檚 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.

In the Autumn term, subject studies sessions at IOE take place weekly. They are then interspersed through the Spring and Summer term, so theory and research are used to develop the practice of you.

As the teachers at IOE are some of the best in the world, I feel very confident that I am going to hit the ground running when I start my teaching career.

Parsa Hassan-Yazdi

Mathematics PGCE

Q&A with Parsa Hassan-Yazdi

Modules

You will undertake two modules at level 7 (Master鈥檚 level) of 30 credits each and one Professional Practice module at level 6.鈥疶he level 7 credits can be carried forward onto some full Master鈥檚 courses at IOE, 乱伦秀's Faculty of Education and Society鈥�(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

Secondary - Professional Practice

Subject Studies - Mathematics

Wider Educational Studies - Mathematics

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 Mathematics.

School placements

You undertake placements at two partnership schools. During each placement the development of your teaching practice is supported closely by a school-based mentor and other colleagues within the mathematics department. The school also provides a programme of Professional Studies which is co-ordinated by a senior teacher at the school.

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 乱伦秀 buildings can be obtained from . Further information can also be obtained from the 乱伦秀 Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

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 乱伦秀, 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 乱伦秀 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 拢8.50 (zones 1 and 2 only) and 拢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 乱伦秀 students who are in unexpected financial need.

乱伦秀鈥檚 main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (乱伦秀 East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is 拢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 乱伦秀'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 乱伦秀, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the 乱伦秀 Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

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