Frequently asked questions
Am I able to do my school placements in a school of my choice?
Normally you would be placed in a school or college chosen by the University Tutors in order to ensure that you are given the appropriate support from trained mentors.
Can I apply directly to the University?
No, applications or CVs sent directly to the University will not be considered. You must apply online through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry: www.gttr.ac.uk
Is there a deadline for applications for the PGCE Secondary course at the University of Manchester?
No. We tend to interview through the year (November - August) and there is no set deadline for application. Applicants will undertake the same set of tasks and activities whenever they are interviewed, and standards for admission remain the same throughout the year. We would, however, recommend that you apply as soon as possible as all our courses are very popular and can fill up quickly.
We would normally expect you to have some school experience prior to an interview. This could be visiting a school to observe lessons or work in a non-teaching assistant role. It is likely that you would be asked at interview about the experiences that you have in schools and colleges.
General entry requirements
You must have an honours degree (2ii or above or equivalent*) from a University recognised by the School of Education. Normally, we would expect you to have a minimum of 50% of the subject that you wish to teach in your degree. Specific enquiries with regard to your degree should be made to Subject Leaders direct (see subject pages). We also require that you have the equivalent* of GCSE Grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics. (* Please consult UK NARIC www.naric.org.uk if you are unsure whether your qualifications are equivalent.)
You must successfully complete an application for enhanced disclosure to the Criminal Records Bureau. If your permanent address is not it the UK, you must also gain a police check from your local police authority.
It is also a Government requirement that you are deemed physically and mentally fit before embarking on a course which leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status, therefore you are asked to complete a self-disclosure questionnaire. You may be required to have a formal medical examination by the University.
All applicants are expected to have recent and relevant school experience before applying for the PGCE.
School Experience
To arrange school experience call the Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500 for more info or visit http://www.education.gov.uk/teachsep
Alternatively write to, or telephone your local school to ask if you can observe any lessons, preferably in the area or subject you wish to teach. If you have any friends or family who are currently teaching, maybe approach them and ask whether you could observe a lesson at their school.
Finally look for opportunities for tutoring or mentoring pupils in schools. The University of Manchester particularly welcomes applications from those who have participated in such schemes such as The Tutor Trust
What about fees and funding?
For information about fees and funding, see the tuition fees, bursaries and financial support section of our website.