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Age phase: 11-16 with post-16 enhancement

The University has been training teachers in this field since it was first established and the course has continually developed to be at the forefront of current thinking.

At Worcester you'll benefit from a practical and collaborative course at the forefront of current thinking. Learning from tutors as they model effective teaching strategies, you'll understand how to learn in groups; discuss and present ideas; and reflect on the effectiveness of each strategy.

You'll explore designing and making as social activities in a creative environment and with a supportive network of trainees.

Overview

Overview

Key features

  • Consider how to teach design and technology and food preparation and nutrition, why it should be taught and what inspires and motivates young people
  • Know what effective learning and teaching looks like
    • engage with a range of design and technology activities
    • reflect on your own learning and explore research evidence.
  • Discuss current issues within design and technology education
  • Develop your own subject knowledge and reflect on what it is to be 'innovative'
  • Understand how to equip young people to become the designers and innovators of the future

NB: Design and Technology is offered through both Core and School Direct routes.

PGCE Secondary virtual taster events

Our PGCE Secondary virtual taster events are a great opportunity to learn more about the course you are interested in, speak with lecturers and find out what it’s really like to be a student at Worcester from the comfort of your own home.

We will update this page with details of upcoming events as soon as they are available. 

Register your interest

Enter your details below and we will keep you up to date with useful information about studying at the University of Worcester.


April Bounds profile image

April Bounds

After working as an unqualified teacher in alternative provision for a number of years, I decided to complete a PGCE.  I wanted to develop my understanding of pedagogy and learn to teach in a secondary school. Although I have an undergraduate degree in History, I was driven by a desire to teach a subject that would be applicable for life. I had taken Food Technology at GCSE / A Level and enjoyed my experience at school and considered how I’d like to share that enjoyment. 

It has been such an amazing experience going back to university after 9 years, and I’m pleased that I chose the University of Worcester.  The subject sessions were delivered by an experienced mentor and complimented placements well, allowing me to develop my skills in the classroom.  I attended two contrasting placements, mainstream and a SEND school that have enabled me to become a well-rounded teacher.  Despite disruptions this year with COVID-19 the University of Worcester has gone above and beyond to ensure that all its PGCE candidates are supported regarding both their professional development and wellbeing.  I’m looking forward to applying all that I have learned at Worcester University in my NQT year.

rebecca batner profile picture

Rebecca Batner

After leaving retail management and deciding to pursue a passion of becoming a teacher, I felt a little worried that I would lack the experience needed.  However, I very quickly found that everyone’s differing experience and previous careers made for a great mix of strengths and expertise within our subject group and helped us to support each other through different topics and tasks.

The PGCE allowed us to focus on our subject, as well as the competencies and tools needed to become a skilled teacher. The mentors and subject specialists were always extremely supportive throughout and would always provide encouragement, advice, and timely feedback. The course is well organised and I felt the support and structure extended to the mentors and teachers at both of my placement schools. The course flew past so quickly but even so, I feel I have come away from my studies armed with the all right tools, means and a great support network that will enable me to continue to drive my own professional development for years to come.

nichola-power

Nichola Power

I was lucky that my local university runs a PGCE that focusses on design and technology and more specifically food. I had thought about teaching in the past, however, wanted to gain some industry experience before going into the profession. After a career in cafes and restaurants, working in all positions from Commis to Head Chef, I thought that it was time to return to education and to help educate those students who want to go into catering as a profession, as it has given me a lot of real life examples to refer to in the classroom.

The University of Worcester, and its tutors, has helped support me through the PGCE, providing interesting and informative sessions looking into the various aspects of teaching. Subject sessions based around new things to try in the food classroom and professional sessions to help us understand what being a teacher is all about.

rachel_armstrong

Rachel Armstrong

After completing my undergraduate degree at home in Northern Ireland, I made the decision to move to Worcester to complete my PGCE in Design and Technology (Food) at University of Worcester. Although daunting I can definitely say it was the right decision! Apart from being renowned for its high-quality teacher training, Worcester has some of the most supportive and dedicated lecturers who made my PGCE year informative and meaningful, but also highly enjoyable. Studying at Worcester gave me a fantastic start to my teaching career through the interesting seminars and guest speakers provided, studying the latest pedagogical ideas and the great range of placement schools on offer.

Worcester is definitely my new second home!

PGCE Design and Technology (food) graduate George Taylor

George Taylor

I completed my initial undergraduate degree in culinary arts and Hospitality management in 2013. Following this I spent a few years developing my transferable skills within an admin-based role, before gaining valuable school based experience as a maths coach within a Birmingham school. I opted for the school direct route into teacher training in 2018, this allowed me to train at a school more local to where I live while also receiving the comprehensive support and training from the University of Worcester.

My experience at the University of Worcester was extremely positive. The teacher training staff and tutors at the university are experienced, supportive and knowledgeable; there were always on hand for any questions that I had. The courses professional study sessions covered many useful areas of teaching pedagogy, while the subject sessions supported me in utilising my food-based knowledge within a teaching context. The excellent training received from the university meant I was able to guarantee my first teaching position four months before finishing my training. Cookery and food have been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. Being able to use this passion and knowledge to teach and inspire young people to learn about, food, cookery and nutrition brings me great satisfaction.

PGCE Design and Technology (food) graduate Zoe Deery

Zoe Deery

After completing an under-graduate degree at home in Northern Ireland, I knew my next goal was to complete teacher training. My decision to move to the University of Worcester to study Design and Technology is something I will always be thankful for. As well as making friends for life, the staff were extremely supportive and always went over and beyond to make sure we were content and enjoying our teaching experience. The University have so many excellent placement schools on offer and often had interesting lectures and seminars, while also inviting guest speakers to talk about personal experience. I learned so many valuable teaching skills and improved my knowledge around different pedagogy. The city of Worcester is also fantastic with lots to do at the weekends.

Towards the end of the year, I felt confident in my ability to manage and enjoy working in a school back in Northern Ireland, which thankfully I am currently experiencing first-hand. I will always look back at my time at the University at Worcester with happy and positive memories and will definitely be visiting in the near future! 

PGCE Design and Technology (food) graduate Abbie Glenny

Abbie Glenny

I completed my undergraduate degree at home in Northern Ireland in 2016. Following this I spent two years pursuing a career in the Food Industry as a member of the Quality Team and then moving departments to the New Product Development team. In September 2018, I decided to make the move to Worcester to complete my PGCE in Design and Technology: Food. The lecturers are extremely supportive, as they equipped us to become outstanding teachers, through delivering excellent subject sessions, seminars and guest speakers. I completed my teaching practice in two excellent schools with extremely supportive mentors.

I will always look back at the strategies I learnt throughout my teaching practice to continue progressing as a teacher. Now teaching in Northern Ireland, I consider my time in Worcester as the best decision I have ever made, as I can make a difference to young people's lives by providing valuable lifelong skills and promoting prospective success for all. I would encourage anyone that is thinking of becoming a teacher to make the move to Worcester and complete your PGCE there, as you will have the most memorable experience.

PGCE Design and Technology (food) student undertaking practical work Group of PGCE Design and Technology (food) students in a seminar session A cake made by PGCE Design and Technology (food) students man in blue shirt and woman in black top both wearing a checked apron angled image of three woman in white tops sitting in front of computers Group of PGCE Design and Technology (food) students in a seminar room PGCE Design and Technology (food) student icing a cake PGCE Design and Technology (food) students outside University of Worcester main reception six women in colourful aprons beside a table with plates of food on top one man and two woman in colourful aprons standing beside a table woman in black top wearing a checked apron man in black jacket and woman in blue top and a striped apron

"I really enjoyed my PGCE year at Worcester; it gave me a very supportive start to my teaching career."

Victoria Honeybourne, PGCE Secondary graduate

Entry requirements

What qualifications will you need?

Entry requirements

  • Honours degree (normally 2:2 or higher) from a UK higher education institution, or equivalent qualification, in design and technology or a related subject.
    Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
  • Grade C/level 4 at GCSE in English and Mathematics (or equivalent) (or 2021 entry, applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course). Alternatively, we offer equivalency exams if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants, until they achieve the required standard.
  • School experience is desirable, but not essential prior to an interview. At interview we will discuss relevant prior school experience or opportunities applicants have had to work with school aged children. It is at this point that we would discuss with a candidate whether additional school experience would support an individual in their decision that teaching is right for them. NB Interviews will continue throughout 2020 and be conducted online. Applicants will be contacted directly with more details.

For further information contact s.parkermorris@worc.ac.uk

Qualifications not listed? Contact the Admissions Office for advice by email: AdmissionsB@worc.ac.uk

Other information

If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office.

You will also be subject to the usual prohibition list and criminal record checks.

The DfE requires all trainee teachers to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which the applicant will need to pay for.

 

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Course content

What will you study?

Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and feedback from students, external examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice. The most up-to-date information will be available to you once you have accepted a place and registered for the course. If there are insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this might not be offered, but we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative. 

Subject Knowledge with a Deep Understanding
  • Enrich your subject knowledge drawing on the expertise of tutors with national and international research profiles in partnership with school mentors with excellent current practice in your specialist area.
  • An excellent teacher requires confident subject knowledge and an understanding about how pupils learn. The majority of your time in university is in subject workshops.

Specialist Subject Opportunities
  • Further develop your own subject knowledge, linked to the school context, through designing and making in collaborative groups
  • Opportunities to engage with subject networks and associations.
  • Present to peers within and beyond the University.
  • Begin networking and start the publishing side of your career

Pedagogy
  • Understand and apply theory and research on how children learn and develop.
  • Explore a range of learning and teaching styles, and classroom organisation.
  • Discover how to promote progress through observing, planning, teaching and assessing learning.

Professional Studies
  • Explore a range of practices and wider issues of education.
  • Understand equality and develop inclusive teaching strategies.
  • Develop your research skills as teachers with these skills are capable of bringing about change.

Enhancement Activities
  • Gain expertise through one of our unique Enhancement Activities: PSHE and Citizenship, Developing a Second Subject, English as an Additional Language, Teenage Mental Health, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Technology Enhanced Learning.  In addition we also offer an Aspiring Leaders programme. 

School Experience
  • Grow through at least 120 days placement in our strong school network across the counties. Experience at least 2 contrasting schools.
  • Be supported and challenged by our blend of school-based Mentors and Personal Academic Tutors.

Your career
  • Become a reflective self-evaluating practitioner.
  • Enjoy great employment prospects (in 2015 all trainees had secured employment in schools by September); our support takes you from trainee to NQT and onwards.
  • Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation.

Working with local secondary schools

two pupils and one adult in a kitchen eight pupils and a teacher in a kitchen three pupils and an adult beside a table two pupils and an adult in colourful overalls pgce-secondary-dt-ss-gallery-4 two adults either side of two pupils in a kitchen

Working with local primary schools

four pupils sitting at a table with a teacher two school pupils with chequered hats with a mixing bowl pupils and teachers at two tables containing cooking equipment teacher and pupil with a silver mixing bowl school children at a table with chequered hats pupils in burgundy jumpers with a teacher at a table

Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Not sure about your subject knowledge?

Build up or refresh your existing knowledge with a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) programme before the course.

Subjects offered:
English, mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, computer science, design technology (food), French, geography

Find out about the bursary.

Teaching and assessment

How will you be taught?

PGCE Psychology students doing group practical work

Teaching approach

  • School experience in a range of settings.
  • Professional Studies sessions in school and at University.
  • University-led workshops, lectures, seminars, fieldwork and guest lectures.
  • Study of key texts and supplementary reading.
  • Participation in high level professional discussion, peer presentations and debate.
  • Directed studies, case studies and problem solving tasks; development of practice-based competence and skills of critical reflection through guided individual mentoring during placements.
  • One-to-one academic and personal tutorial support including access to our first class Firstpoint services
PGCE Psychology students doing practical group task

Assessment

  • Assignments are carefully designed to develop your skills as a teacher.
  • Assessments that move from highly structured to more open briefs as you develop your professional skills.
  • The opportunity to develop skills as a research informed practitioner.

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.

Meet the team

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.

You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles.

sue_parker_morris_profile

Sue Parker-Morris

Sue is the PGCE secondary subject leader for design and technology (food). She left the catering industry to train as a Food Technology teacher in 1991 before teaching in secondary schools across the UK and New Zealand. Her experience includes middle management roles, leading and developing Food Preparation & Nutrition and teaching both Food and Textiles. She initially joined the university as an associate lecturer in 2018, continuing to teach, mentoring PGCE trainees and supporting NQTs before joining the tutor team full time in 2019.

In 2017, Sue established a ‘Food Cluster Group’ to support Food teachers in Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire, in planning and moderating the Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE. This successful network supports teachers professionally and personally as well as providing a further partnership with subject mentors across the Midlands.

Careers

Where could it take you?

PGCE student on placement
  • Great employment prospects (100% in 2015)
  • Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation
  • Many University of Worcester trainees gain promotion within the first few years of teaching
  • 2014 graduate won Outstanding Secondary NQT at The Arthur Terry Learning Partnership Showcasing Excellence - Outstanding in Education Awards 2015
Cover of the 2020 University of Worcester prospectus

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Costs

How much will it cost?

Full-time tuition fees

UK students

The standard tuition fee for full-time UK students registering in the academic year 2021/22 will be £9,250 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

International students

The standard tuition fee for full-time international students registering in the academic year 2021/22 will be £14,100 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Teacher training funding

You can get help with the costs of teacher training. A student finance package will include a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan. You may also be eligible for extra help if you have children or have a disability.

Some courses are also eligible for a tax-free bursary or scholarship depending on your subject, degree classification or highest academic qualification.

Additional costs

Every course has day-to-day costs for essential books, trips, stationery, printing and photocopying.

Travel costs for placements vary depending on the location of schools and your mode of transport and sometimes, these may be reclaimed depending on your individual circumstances.

You will need to buy some protective clothing to wear for practical work (apron, overall or chefs jacket). You will also be expected to purchase materials and ingredients to make the products you will be teaching pupils to make.

In addition, we encourage you to join subject specific associations. The cost is typically between £25 to £50 for which you benefit from their support, guidance and resources.

The DfE requires all trainee teachers to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which you will need to pay for.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study.

We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Traditional Hall' at £108 per week to 'En-suite Extra' at £184 per week (2021/22 prices).

For full details visit our accommodation page.
How to apply

How do you apply?

Apply now

Applications for PGCE courses should be made online through the government's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website.

Visit the Get Into Teaching website for detailed information on how to apply for a PGCE.

Read our How to apply pages for more information on applying and to find out what happens to your application.

Course code - 3CPV

Make an application

Get in touch

If you have any questions, please get in touch. We're here to help you every step of the way.

Admissions office

admissions@worc.ac.uk
01905 855111

Secondary PGCE Office

secondary@worc.ac.uk

Sue Parker-Morris

Personal Academic Tutor
s.parkermorris@worc.ac.uk
01905 855244

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