The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Social Science at Queen's University Belfast equips you with the essential skills and confidence to teach Social Science across the 11-18+ age range. This qualification, aligned with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences, grants you 'Eligibility to Teach' and prepares you to engage with the Northern Ireland Curriculum. You will explore pathways in Politics, Sociology, and Health and Social Care, developing your competence in teaching these subjects and fulfilling the general professional role of a teacher. This programme is designed for those passionate about fostering critical thinking and subject knowledge in young learners.
This full-time, on-campus PGCE programme is delivered over one year, integrating university-based tuition with extensive professional placements in schools. You will experience induction and block teaching practice early on, followed by periods of university study focusing on subject-specific sessions and independent learning. Your two extended placements, normally in different school types, will provide varied experience with diverse pupils, supported by close links between your Queen's subject lecturer and school staff. You will graduate with a recognised teaching qualification, ready to embark on a rewarding career in education.