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Course options

  • Qualification

    PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

  • Location

    St Mary's University, Twickenham

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    SEP-24

  • Duration

    1 year

Course summary

This Geography PGCE course combines the development of professional skills needed to teach the subject together with knowledge of contemporary issues in geographical education

Strong links with both Geographical Association (GA) and Royal Geographical Society (RGS)

Varied and dynamic fieldwork opportunities including both residential and local visits organised in association with the Field Studies Council

Strong 'Geography Community' developed with local partnership schools, as identified by external examiner in latest subject report

Our Geography PGCE course aims to prepare you with the practical skills needed to help foster the 'geographical imagination' of young people. This is achieved by teaching this vibrant and exciting subject in an innovative way to support pupil learning. In addition, it explores current debates and research to help understand the purpose of teaching geography and support trainees in their school placements.

Through critical reflection the programme makes links with literacy, citizenship and sustainability, highlighting the importance of geography in helping young people to become more informed global citizens. Geography PGCE trainees are assessed on their ability to teach pupils in the 11-16 age range, but opportunities for A Level teaching is also included in the programme as appropriate.

Why St Mary's

The Geography PGCE programme covers all aspects of geography teaching with an emphasis on developing an enquiry approach to learning using fieldwork and GIS (Geographical Information Systems) to support practical activities and strategies for use in the contemporary classroom. Trainees will be encouraged to use a range of techniques and approaches creatively to teach a wide variety of geographical topics.

Key features include an emphasis on developing the professional skills needed to teach geography in the classroom. The programme covers the theoretical knowledge needed as well as the more practical understanding of contemporary issues in geography education to support curriculum planning to ensure effective learning for all students in the 11–16 age range.

The course focuses on a range of pedagogical content knowledge including the development of fieldwork skills which is undertaken in both London and Somerset. The experienced geography tutor works in close partnership with trainees, the PGCE secondary team and the placement schools, with former St Mary's trainees often becoming School Mentors themselves.

Assessment methods

Trainees are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status by successfully meeting the Teachers’ Standards (DfE). Continuous assessment throughout the programme will determine success.

Master's level assignments complement the work in schools and assist in meeting the Teachers’ Standards. These assignments aim to encourage you to be thoughtful and reflective, but also reinforce the evidence-based nature of the course assessment.

Self-assessment is also recognised as a valuable perspective in the evaluation of both school and university-based work.

Career opportunities

The quality of the provision at St Mary’s is valued by our trainees and schools, resulting in high levels of ECT employment in our partnership schools. Employment rates following the PGCE course are frequently over 90% in teaching roles.

On the programme you will study two Master's' modules leading to 60 credits at postgraduate level. You will have the opportunity to further your postgraduate studies in your career as these credits are transferable.

At the end of the PGCE course, you will have the opportunity to complete a three-week placement in a special education setting. This is highly valued by trainee teachers to broaden their understanding of specific learning needs for some learners.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 16,500per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

St Mary's University, Twickenham

  • University League Table

    86th

  • Campus address

    St Mary's University, Twickenham, St Mary's University, Waldegrave Road, Twickenham, Hounslow, TW1 4SX, England

Best of both worlds. A stunning green campus in a town setting, just a short train journey from central London – one of the greatest cities in the world.
Alongside historic buildings are modern facilities that include sports science labs, TV studio, acting studios and Olympic-standard sports facilities.
Scholarships are available for international students.

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    41st out of 89 1

  • Entry standards

    / Max 199
    119 53%

    72nd

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    83.0 83%

    16th

    1
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 5
    4.34 87%

    4th

    3

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