Secondary with QTS: Music - University of Cumbria

Why study with us?

Nurturing and developing a young person’s creative skills can make a huge impact on their life, changing the way they view themselves and giving them new-found confidence. Music can bring young people together and give them a sense of purpose as well as pleasure. Sharing your skills and passion for music can be fulfilling and rewarding for you, but it can also make a difference by inspiring young people. You can foster the same appreciation of music and arouse their interest in really listening, and perhaps in performing and composing too.

In this pioneering course, you will work with your university tutor largely in a school setting, bringing the theories of the classroom into a live context from the outset. You will be immersed rapidly into the role of a teacher and member of staff at an outstanding comprehensive school with a diverse intake. Neurological understanding of musical learning will enhance your teaching and you will have the opportunity to undertake many aspects of running a music department that are not available on traditional PGCE courses. You will also be able to observe and analyse the teaching of your tutor and your peers.

What can this course lead to?

University of Cumbria PGCE Music graduates have a good success rate in gaining teaching posts. With qualified teacher status (QTS) built into the course, you will be able to apply for a position as a secondary school music teacher immediately after qualifying.

Masters credits for the M level modules count towards the credits required to achieve Masters level qualifications.

If, at the end of the course, you decide not to teach, it is important to know that employers value candidates who have followed a professional course of study. The successful completion of a professional degree requires dedication, commitment, good interpersonal and organisational skills and the ability to maintain a positive attitude, all of which are qualities highly sought after in the employment market.

Course Summary

Developing and making use of your music skills, you explore teaching methods in all areas across Key Stages 3 and 4, which span ages 11 to 18. You secure the skills you require for the classroom, from the development of learning and teaching programmes to promoting musicianship and performance in schools. While on placement, you have the chance to work with an instrumental teaching service and a community music-making organisation.

We share good practice and professional values with you and we teach you how to nurture diverse musical talents, abilities and cultures. Your professional development includes sessions in school and university, including lectures, demonstrations, exploring specific knowledge, practical work based on guided exploration, problem-solving, music projects, performance with instrumental and vocal ensembles, group work as part of the learning experience, independent learning involving information collection and drafting ideas for subsequent presentation, exploring innovative styles of learning and teaching, and the integration and implementation of electronic technologies.

Modules

Meeting the Needs of Young People (generic module for all PGCE subjects)
Music and the Curriculum and Personalisation Agenda
Small Scale Research for the Beginning Music Teacher
School placement
Enrichment activities: deploying your skills in different contexts

Resources and facilities

There is a designated music area on the Lancaster campus, with two large teaching spaces, a small meeting room and a music technology area. There, you will have access to a range of equipment, including tuned and untuned percussion from around the world, several pianos, guitars, and PC and Mac computers. The school resources boast a professional recording studio and access to versatile performance areas.

Entry requirements

See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Selection criteria

Normally a 2:2 honours degree in music (or a degree with at least 50% music within it). Practical skills in vocal and/or instrumental music are essential. You also need basic ability as a keyboard player since you will be expected to teach and accompany using this instrument by the time you complete the course. Please note that 2:1 honours degrees may be favoured in competition.
Applicants should possess or be near to completion of a first degree that is at least 50% music based, in addition to being able to demonstrate a range of musical skills and interests.
You should be able to demonstrate recent experience of working with young people, ideally though not exclusively in a musical context. This might include observing or assisting in a secondary school music department, working with youth music groups or other groups for young people.
You should have an active interest in a wide range of music and be able to articulate what young people can gain from engagement with music in particular and the arts in general.
You should be able to display some understanding of the qualities of good teaching, including preparation and planning, resources, understanding the needs of young people and assessing progress.
You should be able to demonstrate performing skills and general musicianship skills such as simple harmonisation and transposition. At least a basic ability at the piano keyboard is required.
You should also be interested in pursuing an aspect of music in education as a masters level research project as part of the course.
These attributes will be assessed through a masters level writing exercise, a 10 minute teaching exercise undertaken with the course tutor and fellow candidates as your class, a performing audition and a face to face interview, which will all be conducted on the same day.
GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics or equivalent qualifications.
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.
A satisfactory academic (university) reference OR a satisfactory professional reference if more than three years since academic study.
All candidates must demonstrate professional suitability through interview and must obtain medical and enhanced CRB clearance according to established university procedures.