English
Frequently asked questions
What is the policy regarding applicants with degrees that do not contain a specifically English component, such as Law, Psychology, Philosophy, Sociology, Marketing, Criminology, Modern Languages?
All applications for PGCE English are scrutinised carefully, but we do require applicants to have at least 50% of their degree content in English (Literature, Language or English-related Linguistics). In some cases, decisions are based on careful scrutiny of degree content to determine whether applicants fulfil the criteria set out in the admissions policy.
Is Linguistics an acceptable degree for admission to the course?
Yes. We welcome applications from people who have expertise in language, particularly as it relates to English.
Is there a degree of flexibility in the timing of interviews, such as for applicants who are working abroad?
Yes. We recognise the difficulties faced by people who are contributing to the education of young people in different parts of the world, and we are normally prepared to negotiate an interview date that is reasonably convenient for applicants. However, applicants should be aware that we operate on a series of fixed interview dates throughout the academic year, and applicants in this position are expected to accept one of these dates.
Is there a deadline for applications for the PGCE English course at the University of Manchester?
No. We tend to interview throughout the academic year, 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.
Can experience in a school be considered to compensate for an applicant who has not achieved the minimum academic requirements for admission, such as not having 280 UCAS points or not having a Grade A or B for English at A level, or equivalent?
No. The context of applications for this course is that we receive a very large number of applications, mainly from highly qualified, and in many cases experienced, applicants. We therefore have a range of requirements for interview, including attainment of 280 UCAS points or an equivalent level of qualification at 16+. In the interests of fairness and equity this criterion is applied to all applicants regardless of other considerations.
Does work with young people outside school, for example in sporting or leisure contexts, count as evidence of commitment to secondary English teaching?
No. However, work with young people can strengthen an application if it is supported by work in a learning context, such as spending two or three days in the English department of a secondary school observing classes and discussing teaching and learning issues with colleagues.
If an applicant already has a place on a PGCE course at another university, is it possible to transfer to the University of Manchester?
No. There is no system for transfer onto the PGCE English course at the University of Manchester, and we cannot interview an applicant who already holds a place on another PGCE course. In this situation, applicants must withdraw from the course on which they hold a place and apply through GTTR to the University of Manchester course in the normal way.
Where can I get more information about the PGCE English course at the University of Manchester?
Admissions requirements, together with other relevant information, are on our website: http://www.education.manchester.ac.uk/postgraduate/taught/courses/pgcesecondary/subject/english/
Recent Ofsted reports on the course can be found at the following website:
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports/pdf/?inspectionNumber=297587&providerCategoryID=16777216&fileName=\\school\\70\\7024_70046_20060805.htm