StudyQA — Diploma: Psychology — University College London

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Description Contents Requirements

The Psychology PGCE programme has been designed to enable all students to demonstrate that they have met the Teachers' Standards across Key Stages 4 and 5 (14–19 age range). This programme prepares students to teach psychology in a flexible and exciting way.

We draw on current research at the IOE and elsewhere to inform a student's psychology and social science teaching, encouraging them to engage with recent debates, literature and policy in the field. Our underlying aim is to develop students as reflective and highly skilled teachers. As a 14-19 programme, there is an explicit focus on teaching examination classes in an interactive way.

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

Curriculum and Pedagogy: A critical evaluation of a scheme of work (30 Master's-level credits)
Wider Educational Context: Assessing Psychology in the Wider Educational Context (30 Master's-level credits)
Professional Practice

Placement

You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with mentors who support you through your two school placements. In our partner schools and colleges, students teach psychology at AS and possibly A level. At GCSE, most student teachers teach psychology and/or sociology. In some placements there are opportunities to contribute to relevant vocational qualifications and Key Stage 3 humanities. Your responsibilities will be equivalent to a practicing teacher but on a reduced timetable.

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 placement schools or colleges. 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 with at least 50% Psychology content.

A levels

Preferably Psychology at grade C, plus an additional social science or humanities subject.

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. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.