• University of Warwick

Preparing for a PGCE

Introduce yourself to the PGCE programme and learn what the rewarding life of a teacher looks like.

7,308 enrolled on this course

Image of a teacher teaching in a classroom
  • Duration

    4 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours

Get a headstart in the world of teaching with this introductory course

The PGCE is a Postgraduate Certificate in Education that proves your credentials as a teacher in England, and can also allow you to teach abroad.

As a potentially important qualification to gain, preparing yourself to study for it is important. On this course, you’ll examine the academic literature around what teaching and learning in schools look like.

Based upon the University of Warwick’s successful PGCE programme, you’ll learn observational teaching skills – along with key legal knowledge – that will stand you in great stead for the PGCE to come.

What topics will you cover?

  • The legal framework around teaching
  • What teaching and learning looks like
  • Lesson observation skills
  • Academic literature to prepare you for teaching

When would you like to start?

  • Date to be announced

Add to Wishlist to be emailed when new dates are announced

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Investigate what might be involved in completing a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programme
  • Reflect upon your own motivations for wanting to become a teacher
  • Develop initial understanding of the centrality of safeguarding to the role of the teacher and some key aspects of safeguarding.
  • Investigate the importance of reflective practice for teachers
  • Explore the importance of good mental health and wellbeing for teachers
  • Identify the importance of subject knowledge for teachers and begin to develop your own subject knowledge in areas of need

Who is the course for?

This course is aimed at anyone who has accepted a place on an English PGCE course or is preparing for a teaching career in higher or further education

Who will you learn with?

I am an Assistant Professor and Head of Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) in the Centre for Teacher Education at Warwick University.

I am an Associate Professor at the University of Warwick, working with secondary Computer Science trainees

I am a Senior teaching Fellow at the University of Warwick working with primary PGCE and MA students.

Who developed the course?

The University of Warwick

The University of Warwick is forward-looking, entrepreneurial and globally connected. With new ways of thinking and achieving it stands out from its competitors as an inspiring place to study.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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