Secondary with QTS: Art and Design - University of Cumbria

Why study with us?

If you want to embark on a fulfilling career as a secondary art and design teacher, then this is the course for you.

This comprehensive programme is delivered by committed, experienced and supportive staff and offers clear opportunities to develop your subject knowledge. You will learn all the skills you need to teach art and design effectively, from the basics of structuring and planning lessons through to developing personal skills and confidence. It includes extensive training in schools, so you are really well prepared for a career in art and design teaching. You have the chance to develop your skills, including ICT, and to learn from other students and their great variety of art and design backgrounds.

What can this course lead to?

This course can lead to a successful career as a secondary school Art and Design teacher.

Course Summary

You learn all the skills you need to teach art and design effectively, from the basics of structuring and planning lessons through to developing personal skills and confidence. The course covers many other aspects of teaching, not only in university but also while you are on school placement.

In university we use lectures, group and paired work, peer teaching, seminars, workshops and tutorials. The school-based programme is delivered through dedicated sessions with trainees and school mentors, and you learn from working alongside experienced school colleagues. You learn how to use ICT in art and design, a skill you can then apply positively in teaching.

The workshops we run include:

Ceramics
Printmaking
Textiles
Drawing and Painting
Sculpture
Brushes and Books
ICT workshops (animation, video/film, photoshop, Publisher, etc)
Using the Locality
Student-led workshops making use of different specialisms
Working with sixth form students from local schools.

Modules

Course modules include:

Meeting Young People’s Needs Within and Beyond the Curriculum
Professional Skills, Knowledge and Practice
Curriculum Development
Classroom Research for Beginning Teachers

The modules are assessed in various ways—on the quality of your planning, teaching and evaluation, through written assignments on art and design education, by passing the TDA skill tests—but assessment is always rooted in what you do in the classroom.

Case Studies

'This course breaks the traditional and stagnant view of teaching art; giving new teachers the confidence to deliver contemporary schemes of work. The support from staff, course content and delivery is all you could ever ask for in a PGCE course.' - Emma

‘I like how the tutors challenge education in schools today and get us to evaluate art education and give us confidence to challenge it and not just follow the crowd but make a difference!' - Charlotte

'A fantastic opportunity to learn new skills, to relight your passion for art and apply this enthusiasm in the classroom.' - Liz

‘Tutors are fully supportive, helped boost my confidence and realistically prepared me for a career in teaching. Excellent role models, enthusiastic, organised and dedicated.’ - Gemma

Resources and facilities

The university-based element of the course is delivered in purpose built accommodation on the Lancaster campus. It provides an enriching and enjoyable workspace, encouraging productivity.

There is access to ICT facilities and a resource area within the teaching classroom providing students with journals, books, publications, past assignments and resources to support their learning.

At the end of the year, we have an exhibition of student and pupil work in our gallery space.

Find out more about our PGCE Art and Design facilities.

Entry requirements

See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Selection criteria

You are welcome to apply if you have any Art and Design degree, for instance, fine art, graphic design, fashion and textiles, product design, 3D design, new media, ceramics or history of art (with 50% practical content).

A 2:1 honours degree is preferred. However, applicants with a 2:2 honours degree will be considered and a decision made based on the overall strength of their application in competition with other applicants.
GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics or equivalent qualifications.
A strong personal statement is required, conveying an enthusiasm and passion for the subject, working with young people and teaching and learning.
A satisfactory academic (university) reference OR a satisfactory professional reference if more than three years since academic study
You will be required to deliver a 5-10 minute presentation at interview. We are looking at how candidates prepare resources to promote effective learning; how they have decided to present to their audience; potential development of a strong classroom presence and ability to reflect on their lesson.
In addition you will be required to bring a portfolio of work to show level and range of subject knowledge and skills.
We strongly recommend that you obtain a minimum of 2-3 days secondary school experience in a mainstream UK secondary school observing a class in your chosen teaching specialism before applying. This experience is essential if you are selected for interview as you will be expected to reflect on it during the process.
All candidates must demonstrate professional suitability through interview and must obtain medical and enhanced CRB clearance according to established university procedures.