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PGDip Secondary Education (QTS) – Physical Education

The Secondary Education (QTS) – Physical Education programme from University of Birmingham leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and offers 120 credits towards our MA Teaching Studies. Our specialist programme, which offers high quality training and support, will prepare you to teach in the 11-18 age range and is run in partnership with schools.

Quick Facts

  
Full-Time Duration: 36 weeks
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,150 per full
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

The Secondary Education (QTS) – Physical Education programme from University of Birmingham aims to nurture physical educators who are innovatively responsive to evolving youth cultures, comfortable in challenging both their own and others’ beliefs and practices to make physical education relevant to every young person. Through integrating theory with practical experiences, the course seeks to unpick what meaningful physical education experiences truly entail, shaping teachers that have a sustained impact on personal flourishing through lifelong physical activity habits and enjoyments.

In the first term, learning aims to prepare you directly for the teaching situations that you may face on school placements. You will be equipped with the pedagogical and content knowledge and skills to inspire and nurture young people’s positive relationship with active lifestyle. Developing your sound theoretical understanding on which your practice is based will subsequently develop your professional understanding and aptitudes as a physical education teacher, boosting your effectiveness as a practitioner.

Our supportive partnerships with physical education departments in a variety of diverse schools within the west midlands enhances the relevance of your learning, connecting you with what young people really need to be inspired to pursue a positive relationship with lifelong physical activity. As your learning shifts to within school practice and learning, we foster your curiosity and reflective expertise as you learn to take ownership of and challenge your pedagogical decision making in the quest to prioritize and achieve meaningful experiences in physical education for every child.

Programme Structure:

  • The programme will include the study of subject-based teaching methods as well as the study of broader whole school issues. A variety of teaching styles and approaches to learning will be used in the presentation of the themes.
  • These include University-based lectures, small group seminars and workshops, school-based work with pupils and teachers, and work undertaken individually or with other groups of students.
  • You will benefit from a specialist programme, working with a subject tutor and peers, developing a professional network which will sustain you into your career.
  • Our Professional Enquiry course provides breadth and depth of insight across key themes such as learning theories, assessment, equalities, inclusion and teacher health and wellbeing. An additional PSHE award is also available to all students.

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

Many local schools have a high regard for Birmingham Physical Education PGDipEd (QTS) trainees and we have an excellent record of trainees gaining jobs upon completion of the course. Many of our ex-students are now Directors of Sport, Heads of Departments or SSCO’s in our partnership schools and beyond.

Requirements

  • All applicants to the Secondary PGDipEd(QTS) Physical Education course must hold a degree from a UK Higher Institution Institution. This will normally be a minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent qualification and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded.
  • We will expect your degree to be at least 50% Physical Education or have sport components. You should hold at least three further qualifications relevant to teaching Physical Education.
  • GCSE in Mathematics and English (Grade 4 or above*) or equivalent qualifications must be attained before making your application.

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