StudyQA — Diploma: Geography — University College London

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Description Contents Requirements

The Geography PGCE programme will develop the professional skills students need to teach geography, as well as developing their knowledge of contemporary issues in geography education, and an understanding of how to support effective learning for all pupils in the 11–16 age range.

Students follow a programme of study that introduces them to the philosophy of education, epistemology, curriculum theory, pedagogical methods including fieldwork, cognitive psychology and child development, assessment, pedagogical content knowledge for the geography curriculum and contemporary education issues.
This theoretical study is combined with teaching practice, which consists of one placement in the autumn and one in the spring/summer. Fieldwork is undertaken in both London and the Lake District.

Students undertake two level 7 (Master’s-level) modules of 30 credits each, totaling 60 credits. These can be carried forward onto full Master’s programmes at the IOE.

The Secondary PGCE consists of three core modules: two Master’s-level (level 7) modules, which are assessed through written assignments, and the Professional Practice module, which is assessed by the observation of practical teaching in placement schools.

Completion of the Professional Practice module and the two level 7 (Master’s level) modules (60 credits) will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Completion of the Professional Practice module and one or two level 6 (undergraduate/Bachelor’s level) modules, will lead to the Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE).

Core modules

Secondary Geography: Developing Teaching and Learning (30 Master's-level credits)
Secondary Geography: Learning in a Wider Context (30 Master's-level credits)
Professional Practice

Placement

Students will spend most of their time (120 days) in schools, working with geography mentors who provide support during two school placements. We are fortunate to have a good choice of schools with whom we work, with many outstanding mentors and strong geography departments.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered via keynote lectures, subject lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials and directed study days at the IOE, as well as time spent in placements. Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.
Students will also record their progress in a Career Entry and Development Profile statement. This will form part of an ongoing portfolio charting the student's continuing professional development.

First degree

Normally a minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in Geography, or a Geography-related degree. Successful applicants with a degree closely-related to geography are frequently required to attend a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course in the summer preceding the start of the PGCE. These are usually 8-12 week courses designed to help non-geographers develop a better understanding of the discipline and subject knowledge of the curriculum. For students starting in September 2017 we are currently recommending the courses offered by University of Sussex, University of West of England or Manchester Met University.

A levels

Geography at grade C required if the first degree subject is not Geography.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C.

School experience

Prospective students must complete a minimum of five days of school experience before they can be enrolled on the Secondary PGCE. This may involve observations, work experience (e.g. as a teaching assistant or cover supervisor), or voluntary work. Applicants must have a minimum of one day's school experience before interview; some subjects will be looking for significantly more than this. Applicants must ensure that their school experience is relevant in helping them to prepare for the Secondary PGCE, during which Student Teachers are placed in a wide range of schools across London and the South East.

DBS and Occupational Health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The total cost of these checks is £125. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults.