Secondary Education PGCE with QTS
Train to Teach in Secondary Education
If you're passionate about shaping young minds and pursuing a career in secondary education, our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) courses offer the ideal pathway. Choose from 12 subject specialisms and gain the skills, confidence, and qualifications to thrive as a secondary school teacher.
This course not only deepens your expertise in your chosen subject but also provides invaluable hands-on classroom experience, preparing you to make a real impact in the classroom from day one.
What you'll gain from our Secondary Education courses
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) - gain an academic qualification that provides an in-depth understanding of teaching practices, theory, and research.
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - graduate with the professional qualification required to teach in UK schools.
- Real Classroom Experience - gain hands-on teaching experience through placements in two contrasting school settings.
- Subject Specialism Development - deepen your expertise in your chosen subject and learn how to teach it effectively.
- Practical Teaching Skills - gain insight into how students learn, plan effective lessons, and explore behaviour management and inclusive teaching.
- Supportive Professional Network - work closely with experienced mentors, tutors, and fellow trainees throughout your journey.
- Strong Career Prospects - enter a high-demand profession with excellent employment opportunities - many trainees secure roles before completing the course.
Explore our Secondary Education PGCE courses and funding options
Subject-specific teaching weeks are a key part of your PGCE journey
Subject-specific weeks give you the chance to deepen your curriculum knowledge, explore teaching approaches tailored to your subject, and reflect on your placement experiences in a supportive environment.
- Each week is designed to help you connect theory to practice. Whether you're planning science experiments, exploring creative strategies in English, or tackling tricky concepts in maths, you'll build confidence, refine your teaching skills, and prepare to make a real impact in the classroom.
- What makes our approach unique is that these sessions are delivered by in-house subject specialists - experienced educators who teach and support you throughout the year. This means your training is consistent, subject-specific, and rooted in real classroom practice from day one.
You’ll also collaborate with peers and experienced teachers, sharing insights and learning from different perspectives. These weeks help shape you into a reflective, inclusive, and skilled practitioner ready to inspire the next generation.
Why Study a Secondary Education PGCE course at the University of Huddersfield
Sarah Ahmed, School Director of Partnerships at the University of Huddersfield, explores the Secondary Education PGCE as a pathway into teaching.
She explores the course structure, the extensive support available to trainees, and the financial assistance on offer - including bursaries and scholarships of up to £31,000.
We're Ofsted graded GOOD
2024 rankings
The Teacher Education provision within the School of Business, Education and Law at the University of Huddersfield has been graded as GOOD across all phases: Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Lifelong Learning.
Hear from our graduates
Amrita Murukesh
Becoming a teacher has always been my dream, and the PGCE provided the perfect path to making that a reality in just 12 months.
Jessica Landy
I found the mentors on my placement really useful and experienced. They gave me advice and feedback of how I can improve my practice and what I'd done well.
Meet our Secondary Education Team
Our Secondary Education team consists of experienced academics who have worked in the sector themselves, ensuring you’re taught by professionals with real-world insight and practical expertise.
Carly Woodhead
Course Leader for PGCE Secondary Education
Carly joined the University of Huddersfield in January 2024, following over a decade in secondary education. Since 2010, she has taught History and Politics and held senior leadership roles, including Assistant Headteacher for Teaching and Learning.
Alex Smith
Senior University Practitioner (History)
Alex joined the University of Huddersfield in 2024 as History PGCE lead. With 20+ years in education, she’s taught History ages 11–18 and held roles like Literacy Coordinator and Assistant Head. She’s now Director of History at Together Learning Trust.
Julian White
Senior Lecturer in Education
Julian joined the University in 2024. Before that, he worked in other HE institutions as a teacher trainer, specialising in secondary education. He spent 20 years in secondary schools, including two deputy headships, and authored a book on teacher training.
Find out more information
Why study Teaching at Huddersfield?
Our Teacher Training subject page discusses the benefits of training at Huddersfield and answers some common queries about our courses.
Fees and finance
Read more about our fees and finance options, including undergraduate and postgraduate advice to help you prepare for your Teacher Training course.
Explore our postgraduate events
We hold events throughout the year which give you an opportunity to view our campus, speak to academics and find out more about student life.