PGCE Secondary Computer Science and ICT with QTS (11-16)

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements

Please see the selection criteria section below.

Selection criteria

You are welcome to apply if you have an honours degree in any ICT or computing subject at 2:2 or above, for example, networking, games design, multimedia, business and ICT. Your degree must contain evidence of a substantial and appropriate level of subject knowledge. 

If you don't have an undergraduate degree but do have a Masters or other higher qualification, your application will be considered by our academic tutors on a one-to-one basis.

GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language and mathematics or recognised equivalent qualifications. 

A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check prior to starting the course.

Satisfactory Occupational Health medical check prior to starting the course

Evidence of a satisfactory level of literacy on the application form and a satisfactory personal statement.

Evidence of motivation and appropriate professional values. A strong personal statement conveying an enthusiasm for the subject, for working with young people and for teaching and learning.

A satisfactory academic (University) or a satisfactory professional reference if it is more than 5 years since academic work.

Evidence of the potential to work at Masters level.

At interview, all candidates undertake a range of tasks including a micro-teaching task; group discussions; individual interview; subject knowledge tests; and other written tasks as appropriate, including testing of literacy levels and the ability to think and write at Masters level.

There are currently no AP(E)L opportunities for entry to this programme.

Application information

Making your application

DfE Find postgraduate teacher training https://www.gov.uk/find-postgraduate-teacher-training-courses and DfE Apply https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training provide all the information you need about applying for postgraduate teacher training courses in England. You will find information on universities, courses, locations, entry requirements and financial support. You are allowed to select up to 3-course choices initially in Apply and may continue to select one course at a time in Apply Again if you are not successful in your initial choices, or wish to change them. You need to select the correct campus and course codes as not all courses are offered at every campus.

Institution code name: UoC

Institution code: C99

Campus location:

• A Ambleside
• B Brampton Road, Carlisle
• E University of Cumbria at Energus, Workington
• F Fusehill Street, Carlisle
• L Lancaster
• T University of Cumbria in London
• Y University of Cumbria at Furness College, Barrow-in-Furness

What makes a good application?

We consider all aspects of your application, not simply your qualifications and grades. We look at your academic background and performance, relevant experience (particularly for professional courses where some voluntary or paid experience is required) and your reference. Above all, we look for motivation, commitment and potential-evidence that you can benefit from study at higher education level.

Make sure you include:

• Relevant qualifications/evidence of ability: check our website for the specific entry requirements required for each course. Tell us your previous academic results and your projected grades.
• A supportive reference, from an employer or your school or college.
• A good personal statement.
• Explain clearly what attracts you to the course and tell us about your wider interests and experience. If you are applying for a course that incorporates professional training and placements, you should include any relevant experience or visits you have made in the workplace. Highlight your individual strengths and qualities, personal skills, capacity for teamwork, contribution to the community and your enterprise, originality and determination. Select some activities which bring out these qualities.

What next?

When we receive your application, we will send you an acknowledgement and if you are successful at this stage you will get either an offer (with an invitation to visit the campus to which you have applied), or an invitation to interview on a particular date. If we are not able to offer you a place on your chosen course we will usually try to offer you a place on a similar course and will contact you to discuss this. Alternatively, if we think you are suitable, but cannot offer you a place on your preferred campus because of the level of competition, we will offer you a place at another campus if one is available.

And if I accept?

The admissions team will contact you and send further information from February onwards about accommodation, and from May/June onwards about preparing to join the university. If you have any other queries, please telephone the admissions offices for information and advice on 0845 6061144.

Deferred entry

We welcome applications for deferred entry on some courses. If you have specific plans during your year out, indicate these on your personal statement as they may be relevant to your course and could enhance your application.

International students

Applications for full-time undergraduate study are made through UCAS. Please see the international pages of our website for full details of our entry requirements (including English-language skills) as well as contacts for advice and support.

From 2009 the UK Border Agency introduced a Points-Based Immigration System (PBS) for students coming to the UK from outside the European Economic Area (EEA). Students entering higher education will need to obtain a Confirmation of Acceptance (CAS) plus finance confirmation to obtain a Tier 4 student visa. UK education providers are licensed by the UK Border Agency. When students apply for their visa (or entry clearance) they will need a valid Certificate of Acceptance of Studies from the university. Please note that a CAS is not a guarantee that a visa will be issued.

See the following websites for further details: www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/studyingintheuk