Social Science

The Social Science PGCE prepares students to teach the social sciences across the 14–19 age range in a flexible and exciting way. Tutors are committed to promoting interactive teaching and learning in their sessions; a collaborative ethos is encouraged so that PGCE students share materials, resources and ideas.

We draw on current research at the IOE and elsewhere to inform a student's 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.

Successful completion of the Professional Practice module and successful completion of the two modules (60 credits) at level 7 will result in the award of a Postgraduate Certificate of Education (PGCE). Where less than 60 credits are achieved at level 7 but are successfully passed at level 6 a Professional Graduate Certificate of Education (PgCE) will be awarded.

Core modules

• Subject Studies - Social Science (30 Master's-level credits)
• Wider Educational Studies - Social Science (30 Master's-level credits)
• Professional Practice

Placement

You will spend most of your time (120 days) in schools, working with religious education mentors who support you through your two school placements. Social Science Student Teachers will teach their main social science subject (usually sociology and/or psychology) at AS and possibly A level. At GCSE, most student teachers teach sociology and some teach psychology. In some placements there are opportunities to contribute to relevant vocational qualifications and Key Stage 3 humanities.

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 with at least 50% Sociology or Psychology content.

A levels

Preferably an A level in main teaching subject, 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.

Skills tests

All applicants must successfully complete professional skills tests in literacy and numeracy before they can enrol. 

Financing for the Social Science program at University College London is available through a variety of sources aimed at supporting both domestic and international students. Students can access government-funded scholarships and grants, which are awarded based on merit, financial need, or specific criteria such as country of origin or field of study. For UK students, the UK government offers student loans covering tuition fees and living expenses, which are repayable after graduation once the student exceeds a certain income threshold. International students may seek scholarships provided directly by UCL, including prestigious scholarships such as the UCL Global Scholarship Programme, or external funding from their home countries or private organizations. UCL also offers bursaries and hardship funds to assist students facing financial difficulties during their studies.

In addition, students are encouraged to explore part-time work opportunities both on and off campus, which can help offset living costs and provide valuable experience. The university’s career services offer guidance on employment options, CV writing, and interview preparation. Many students also secure research or teaching assistantships, which provide stipends and/or tuition fee reductions in exchange for academic support.

Graduate students pursuing advanced degrees in social sciences might also consider research council funding, which supports postgraduate research projects with competitive grants. These are often awarded based on the research proposal's quality and relevance to national policy or societal challenges. Furthermore, some programs have their own specific funding opportunities, which are advertised on the official program webpage and through departmental communication channels.

Overall, financing a Social Science program at UCL involves a combination of scholarships, government loans, personal savings, part-time employment, and sometimes external funding. prospective students are advised to carefully review all available options early in the application process to ensure adequate financial planning and maximize their funding opportunities.

Social Science at University College London offers a comprehensive exploration of the mechanisms that govern societies and human behavior. The programme integrates various disciplines including sociology, political science, anthropology, and economics to provide students with a multidisciplinary understanding of social phenomena. Students gain critical analytical skills, enabling them to examine social issues such as inequality, governance, development, and cultural dynamics. The curriculum is designed to foster a deep understanding of contemporary social challenges through a combination of theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods. The programme emphasizes the development of research skills, encouraging students to undertake independent investigations using qualitative and quantitative techniques. UCL’s distinguished faculty members bring a wealth of expertise, engaging students through lectures, seminars, and research projects that reflect current debates and issues in social sciences. The university’s facilities provide access to extensive academic resources, including libraries, databases, and collaborative research centers. Students benefit from UCL’s vibrant academic environment, with opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and participation in conferences that connect classroom learning with real-world applications. The programme prepares graduates for diverse careers in government, non-profit organizations, international agencies, think tanks, and academia. It also offers pathways for postgraduate study, including master's and doctoral programmes in various social science disciplines. Throughout the course, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking, effective communication, and an understanding of ethical research practices. The interdisciplinary approach ensures that graduates are well-equipped to analyze complex social issues and contribute to policymaking or societal development initiatives. Overall, the Social Science programme at UCL aims to produce insightful, socially responsible graduates capable of addressing global and local challenges through evidence-based solutions and innovative thinking.