Entry requirements
- GCSE grade C (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics
- An honours degree (2:2 or above) or equivalent from a recognised university in geography or a closely related subject
Suitability for the PGCE Secondary programme is judged on a range of factors including academic qualifications, ability to work with other people and a real interest in learning. When selecting applicants for interview the admissions tutor will consider all parts of the application including personal statement and references. You may find the
personal statement and
reference sections on the GTTR website useful. We will require a second reference from where you completed your School Experience (see below) and it would be helpful if the Head Teacher or a relevant contact from that school is given as your Second Referee.
Applicants with overseas qualifications can check their compatibility with the UK equivalent through NARIC, who provide an advisory service.
English language requirement
If your first language is not English then evidence of English proficiency is required. The level of proficiency that is required can vary with the type of programme for which you are applying. For further advice on the appropriateness of overseas qualification and proficiency in the use of English, please contact our International Office.
School Experience
A minimum of 10 days recent observation experience in a government funded UK school is required. This experience will need to have been completed within 12 months prior to your application. Applicants are expected to arrange visits to local schools, and to be able to discuss their observations of pupils and classrooms at interview. You will need to give details of your experience within your application.
PST (QTS) Tests
All applicants will now need to gain their PST (QTS) tests prior to Interview. Full details about these tests can be found at the previous link.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure
All offers made for this course are subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.
- Once you have accepted your place you will receive a form to complete and return to the University;
- You will need to complete a DBS form with us even if you have recently completed one with another organisation;
- For those situations where a disclosure is reported via the Enhanced DBS check the case will be discussed by a DBS panel within the Faculty. Each case us discussed confidentially and a decision made as to whether the application can continue.
We also ask all applicants to complete a self disclosure form so that the University can consider suitability for programmes that involve contact with children and vulnerable adults. This form offers the opportunity to declare any criminal convictions prior to completing a DBS application.
Please note that the requirements for working with children and vulnerable adults are changing. Applicants may be required to register with the Independent Safeguarding Authority. Information will be posted on the
Plymouth University website as it becomes available.
Fitness to Teach health screening
- A confidential process which will assess each case individually;
- The assessment is an online questionnaire; you will receive instructions on how to complete the questionnaire once you have accepted your place;
- From your questionnaire you will either be declared as fit to teach or further information will be requested.
If you do not pass both of these areas satisfactorily, you will not be able to start a course with us.
All appropriately qualified candidates will be given equal consideration during the selection process. The University does not tolerate discrimination on the grounds of gender, ethnicity, colour, disability, religion, nationality, age, sexual orientation or any other irrelevant distinction.