The Education (Modern Languages) PGCE at Queen's University Belfast is your pathway to becoming a qualified teacher, equipped to inspire the next generation in modern languages. This postgraduate certificate is designed for those passionate about language education and committed to developing the competence and confidence needed to teach across the 11-18+ age range. You will gain a recognised teaching qualification aligned with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland's professional competences, ensuring you are prepared for the realities of the classroom and the general professional role of a teacher. This course offers a robust foundation in modern languages pedagogy, grounded in the Northern Ireland Curriculum.
You will study full-time on campus over one year, engaging in a dynamic blend of university-based tuition and extensive school placements. Your learning journey begins with an induction week and an initial primary school placement, followed by university sessions focusing on subject-specific teaching and independent study. You will then embark on two significant periods of professional placement in post-primary schools, gaining invaluable practical experience. These placements, often in two different school settings, are supported by close collaboration between you, school staff, and your Queen's University lecturer, ensuring a well-rounded and supported teaching practice. You will graduate with 'Eligibility to Teach' status, ready to embark on your career as a modern languages educator.