Mathematics is integral to many careers and critical in the UK economy. Train to teach this in-demand subject and set the next generation on the road to success.
Why does a minus multiplied by a minus make a plus? What is the Fibonacci sequence, and why is it essential in the field of encryption and the study of codes? The PGCE Secondary – Mathematics is an ideal choice if you love maths and want to provide young learners of all abilities with a solid grounding in numbers that will help prepare them for a wide range of careers.
Offering a combination of academic and practical learning, the course introduces you to the range and scope of mathematics across the 11-16 curriculum. Developed around the latest research and curriculum developments, the PGCE aims to develop your subject knowledge and pedagogical skills as you examine the techniques to make mathematics accessible and stimulating in a classroom environment. By learning more about the reasons behind mathematical rules, you will be more able to offer your pupils the targeted support they need.
Successful completion of the PGCE leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education awarded by Durham University and the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. The QTS element is accredited by Newcastle University and awarded by the Department of Education.
We pride ourselves on offering a well-planned blend of research and experience in the classroom to start you on your successful career as an Early Career Teacher. We emphasise your entitlement to the Core Content Framework throughout our PGCE course to fully prepare you for the Early Career Framework, which will support you during your first two years of teaching as an Early Career Teacher.
The University-based sessions focus on a weekly specific pedagogical theme, integrated with sessions devoted to your subject specialism, delivered by subject specialists in the University and the school partnership. The Professional Studies sessions explore your understanding of critical concepts and classroom practice, allowing you to reflect on your teacher identity and progress as a developing teacher.
Please note that the course does not run to standard University terms. It is delivered full-time, starting in early September and continues over 10 months.
Course structure
Four modules make up the PGCE programme:
New Generation of Learners introduces PGCE students to various fundamental educational theories. It starts the journey of addressing the gap between research and practice.
Pedagogy Practice Inquiry creates a critical link between PGCE students’ understanding of school-based practice, context and theory, and research and policy related to pedagogy (for example, through the lens of lesson planning).
Curriculum Development in Practice offers an opportunity for students to reflect on professional practice in their chosen subject from the perspective of the curriculum.
The predominantly classroom-based Professional Studies and School-Based Practice fosters a critical understanding of issues related to developing professional competence as a teacher. Areas covered include effective teaching strategies, managing the teaching and learning environment, enhancing professional development, and creative dimensions of teaching and learning.
The Durham PGCE Secondary is a full-time programme with a strong practical focus. You will spend a significant part of the year (a minimum of 140 days) based in schools through the Durham University Schools Partnership.
School-based activities support your development to meet the Government's Teachers' Standards and the recommendation for QTS.
The course comprises four modules that enable you to explore ideas in the field of education. Learning methods include a combination of readings and preparation for teaching in school, teaching in schools, teaching time in lectures and workshops, professional studies days, independent study, and assignments.
Assessment
Assessment of the PGCE takes the form of three 2,500-word assignments, and evidence portfolios of 1,500 words.
For all your assignments, you will be supported by the module convenor, your tutor, and the academic services within the University.
Entry requirements
The equivalent of a UK 2:2 honours degree and one of the following applies: the degree is approximately 50% comprised of Maths or a similar subject oryou have an A Level in Mathematics. If your degree is from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from NARIC
GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or equivalent) which must be achieved by the time of application. If your equivalent qualifications are from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from NARIC (ecctis.co.uk/naric/).
Your interpersonal qualities and your potential to achieve professional skills relating to the Teachers' Standards will be considered when making an admissions decision. Candidates who meet the criteria, will be invited to aninterview. Theinterview process will involve an individual interview with a pre-prepared presentation element and aseries of tasks designed to illustrate yourpotential tomeetthe Teachers' Standards by the end of the course.
Successful candidates will receive an offer conditional upon successful medical and criminal record checks. The latter is carried out by the Disclosure and Barring Service and full instructions on how to apply for a DBS Disclosure will be provided.
If you have a criminal record of any kind, you may contact the School of Education DBS Manager, Caroline Emery, for further advice and information. All enquiries will be treated in confidence.
We strongly encourage you to register for the DBS Update Service, which lets you take your certificate from one employer to another without having to apply for a new check.
Please note, all DBS Enhanced Disclosures for our students must be processed by Durham University unless you have applied to the Update Service.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Postgraduate-Prospectus.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Postgraduate-Scholarships.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Postgraduate-Meet-Students.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Book-an-Open-Day.png)
