Frequently asked questions
Before applying do I need to have some school experience?
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.
What are the entry requirements for the course?
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.)
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.
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 station.
What are the course fees?
All new entrants to PGCE courses from September 2006 will be liable for the new variable fees. The 2008 FT onsite fee is £3,145 for home/EU students and £12,100 for international students. All PGCE students may, however, be eligible for a £1,200 non-means tested grant in addition to the TDA bursaries plus a further means-tested £1,535 grant from the Local Authorities.
Am I eligible for the training salary?
This is also known as a training bursary. You are eligible for this if you are a 'home' student (living in the UK) or you are part of the EU and have been resident for a designated period. You are not eligible for this if you are an overseas student outside of the EU. For further information see www.tda.gov.uk
How much is the training salary?
Trainees currently receive a £6,000 training salary (for Business Education and English trainees) and £9,000 for shortage subjects (Design and Technology, Mathematics, Modern Languages and Science). As a full-time trainee on a one-year course, you will be paid in monthly instalments.
Will I qualify for a 'Golden Hello'?
Currently you will qualify for a 'Golden Hello' if you have trained to teach in Design and Technology, Mathematics, Modern Languages and Science i.e. that you have successfully completed a PGCE course in these subject areas. The 'Golden Hello' payment (between £2,500 and £5,000) will be paid once you have successfully completed your induction year in a maintained school, a maintained or non-maintained special school or an academy in England. For further details please see www.tda.gov.uk
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.