PGCE Secondary Art & Design with QTS

Postgraduate

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Secondary drama students performing a group exercise in a classroom setting at Birmingham Newman University.

PGCE Secondary Art & Design with QTS

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Birmingham Newman University’s Secondary PGCE programme provides a comprehensive and supportive pathway into teaching.

You’ll receive tailored guidance and placements that match your aspirations, with a focus on inclusion and diverse learning environments. Our experienced tutors and expert networks ensure you gain the knowledge and confidence to excel in the classroom. From early induction to career-focused school placements, we help you develop into a skilled teacher capable of making a real difference in the lives of students. From a thorough induction to career-focused placements, the programme is designed to help you grow into a reflective and impactful educator.

Community-focused mentorship is embedded in our approach, with many of our PGCE graduates becoming mentors themselves, supporting the next generation of teachers and giving back to local communities. This commitment to community and professional development is a hallmark of the programme’s success and the lasting impact of its students.

How will I be assessed?
Assessment on this course is designed to reflect the practical and professional demands of teaching, while supporting your development as an inclusive and adaptable educator. There are no exams on this programme. Instead, you will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written assignments, lesson planning tasks, presentations, portfolios and school-based observations. These approaches allow you to demonstrate your understanding, apply your learning in real-world contexts and receive constructive feedback to help you grow. The focus is on developing your confidence, critical thinking and professional judgement, ensuring you are well prepared to meet the Teachers’ Standards and succeed in your teaching career.

Birmingham Newman University’s Secondary PGCE programme offers a dynamic, hands-on approach to teacher training. With personalised support, we ensure that each trainee receives the guidance they need to succeed. Our unique placement system connects you with schools that match your career aspirations, including specialist placements in areas like social, emotional, and mental health.

You’ll be trained in inclusive teaching strategies, with a particular emphasis on SEND adaptation, allowing you to cater to diverse student needs effectively. Our strong Ofsted report reflects the quality of the programme, ensuring you’re equipped to make a lasting impact on your students.

The course also offers early online induction, ensuring you feel supported and engaged from the start. With a broad network of subject experts, school partners, and professional organisations, you’ll have opportunities to build meaningful connections within the education sector.

By the end of the programme, you’ll be ready to step confidently into the classroom, having received the knowledge, skills, and practical experience to transform education for future generations.

The Art & Design PGCE gives Art graduates and professionals the opportunity to hone their creative skills while developing their understanding of how to teach within this subject area. Trainees have access to a broad curriculum base, both at university and with expert school partners. Trainees are encouraged to explore the broad possibilities of an art & design curriculum and we welcome applications from a wide range of artistic backgrounds.

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Entry requirements

We welcome students from all backgrounds and accept a wide range of qualifications. If yours aren’t listed, don’t worry – our Admissions Team can help you explore your options. See full entry requirements.

We welcome students from all backgrounds and accept a wide range of qualifications. If yours aren’t listed, don’t worry – our Admissions Team can help you explore your options. See full entry requirements.

A relevant honours degree, 2:2 or above of which 50% content must be related to the named subject, and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded.

If English is not your first language, you must have an IELTS score of 6.5, with no element below 6.0. (Other English language qualifications are also accepted. Please contact admissions for further information).

Consideration will be given to applicants with lower grade in qualifications (e.g. a 3rd class degree or non-honours degree) who have a relevant range of post study professional experience. Professional experience will be considered by the programme leader in conjunction with the quality office on an individual basis.

Non-Academic Requirements:

Success at Interview. The Admissions team will use the course entry requirements, as well as your personal statement, reference and any work experience information, to shortlist and invite successful candidates for interview. Candidates will be assessed at interview on their motivation and understanding of the role of a teacher.

DBS Clearance. Candidates must receive a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring System check prior to commencing the course.

Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.

Please contact Admissions if you have any questions.

Apply Now

Course fees & funding

Fees

All fees are shown in GBP (£).

The tuition fee for the 2026/27 academic year is: £4,895.

Fees for the 2027/28 academic year can be found on our Student Finance pages and choosing your degree type.

Please note: If this course includes a Foundation Year, the fees shown above apply to the Foundation Year only. Fees for subsequent years will be charged at the standard undergraduate full-time fee.

Funding

Find out what funding and support might be available to you through Student Finance and Student Success.

Additional costs

The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).

Find out about extra costs, timetable details, and how course modules may change through additional course information.

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A Critical Analysis of Adaptive Practice in Subject
30 Credits (Compulsory)

This is one of two academic modules to be completed alongside school experience during the PGCE training year. This module is designed to align with university taught content and school-based placement. The Module is assessed by successful completion of a 4,000-word equivalent presentation and viva.

This module provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to develop your ability to reflect on your practice in school understanding how the taught content, underpinned by research, has informed and influenced your practice in school. Education is an ever-changing environment and the desire for improvement is strong from all stakeholders. This module helps you to understand that engaging in professional development can positively impact the learning experience of your pupils. Implicit in this will be the development of your understanding of your personal teacher identity and the impact on pupil outcomes. You will also have the opportunity to develop an understanding of how children learn and how this is organised, within your subject area. This module is informed by classroom-based evidence, the use of subject research literature and underpinned by pedagogy.

At Birmingham Newman University, you’ll enjoy the best of both worlds: a peaceful, green campus that creates the ideal setting for focused study and personal reflection, yet remains just eight miles from the vibrant city centre.

As the UK’s second-largest city, Birmingham is also one of the youngest and most diverse in Europe, offering a dynamic blend of culture, innovation and opportunity. From world-renowned museums and music venues to a thriving food scene alongside a growing business and tech sector, it’s a place where creativity and ambition naturally thrive.

Experience Birmingham: A City Full of Possibilities

Whether you're discovering the Midlands for the first time or already know the area well, Birmingham provides a lively and inclusive environment for students. As one of the most energetic and multicultural cities in the UK, it’s a place where you can grow academically while developing personally. Its rich cultural heritage, creative energy and broad range of opportunities make it an inspiring backdrop for your university journey.

A City That Loves Great Food

Birmingham is a brilliant place to explore diverse culinary experiences. You might wander through the famous Balti Triangle, sample global street food at Digbeth Dining Club or enjoy a relaxed meal by the canals in Brindleyplace. The city is also home to independent cafés, vegan-friendly eateries and countless hidden gems. Whether you're grabbing a quick bite between lectures or planning an evening out, there’s always something new to discover.

Arts, Culture and Entertainment

The city pulses with creativity. You could catch live music at the O2 Academy, experience a world-class performance at the Birmingham Hippodrome or browse exhibitions at the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. Creative spaces like the Custard Factory showcase local talent while hosting events that celebrate innovation. With festivals, sporting fixtures and cultural celebrations taking place year-round, there’s never a shortage of things to enjoy.

Simple & Convenient Travel

Getting around Birmingham is straightforward thanks to its well-connected public transport system. Buses, trams and trains make it easy to reach campus, explore the city or travel further afield. Whether you're commuting daily or heading off for a weekend adventure, transport is both accessible and affordable.

Life Beyond the Lecture Hall

Your time at Birmingham Newman University extends far beyond academic study. You’ll have the chance to join student societies, contribute to community projects or try something entirely new. The university’s supportive atmosphere encourages you to build confidence, develop practical skills and feel genuinely at home throughout your studies.

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