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Music PGCE

London, Bloomsbury
Ages 11 - 16 Secondary

This course is designed to develop innovative and highly skilled teachers who wish to inspire young people through music. Throughout the secondary PGCE course, we aim to develop your music teaching expertise in a variety of contexts, equipping you to plan and teach engaging and meaningful musical experiences for your school students.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£25,900
Duration
1 academic year
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
All applicants: 09 Oct 2023 – 02 Aug 2024
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

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Skills


This course will give you everything you need to face the classroom, both the pedagogical theory and the practical skills to be an inspiring teacher.

Support


Our gradual immersion approach will introduce you to the classroom progressively, from one pupil to the whole class.
A unique gradual approach to teaching

Experience


Placement in very diverse, carefully chosen schools will allow you to learn from different contexts and be prepared to teach in any school.
Read our placement guide

Start teaching


With a PGCE you can start teaching as soon as you complete the course and are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

IOE, ¹û¶³Ó°Ôºâ€™s Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for the past decade (2014–2023).

Entry requirements

UK qualifications Equivalent qualifications

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class Bachelor's degree in Music or Music Technology or a combination of these from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. You must show that you are an active, participating musician and, ideally, you should also have an A level (or equivalent qualification) in Music or Music Technology. Other degree subjects will be considered if a level of musicianship equivalent to a music degree can be evidenced. If your degree is in another subject, you should also have substantial work experience relevant to teaching Music and be able to demonstrate a high level of practical musicianship that is equivalent to an undergraduate music degree qualification.

A levels

No specific subjects required.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via or and achieving at least a grade 4. For Mathematics, equivalency tests in Mathematics Foundation or Mathematics Higher with grade 4 are accepted. BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications are not accepted in place of GCSEs.

School experience

We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.

Skills tests

Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.

Relevant experience and background

Applicants whose degree qualifications are lower than 2:2 standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background at master's level and above and/or significant postgraduate experience in the relevant field.

Country-specific information, including details of when ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.

DBS and occupational health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The Occupational Health Check is £90, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of £15.00 if you can submit your DBS Enhanced Disclosure check via a UK Post Office. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.

About this course


This course is designed to develop innovative and highly skilled teachers who wish to inspire young people through music across the 11-16 age range. Our priority is to develop your teaching expertise in a variety of situations and contexts, by exploring a range of approaches to teaching music. For example, we will offer a broad range of perspectives on the principles of curriculum design and assessment in the field of music education. We aim to develop your teaching through engaging practical music workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorials and through critical reflection of teaching and learning with expert musicians and music educators. You will also benefit from the expertise of a music teacher mentor throughout your two school placements, all based within our partnership schools. 

The Music PGCE also incorporates four 'Intensive Teaching and Practice', (ITAP), elements, where particular elements of music pedagogical approaches are explored. These will focus on:

  1. Behaviour expectations and how to establish a positive learning environment
  2. Planning and modelling musical concepts to develop pupils’ musical knowledge and skills
  3. Adaptive and responsive teaching in music classrooms
  4. Developing music technology skills and studio musicianship  

Who this course is for

The Secondary PGCE full-time programme is suited to those wishing to gain Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) for teaching music in a UK maintained (state-funded) school and who have fulfilled the appropriate entry requirements.

Read more about the requirements for teacher training

What this course will give you

IOE, ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº's Faculty of Education and Society offers one of the larger music PGCE programmes in the country, allowing students to benefit from a team of lecturers and workshop leaders with a wide range of expertise and interests. Our central London location means that we are able to draw on the world-leading expertise of professional musicians and music educators. For example, in recent years a number of subject sessions have been arranged in collaboration with expert musicians such as The London Sinfonietta, LSO St Luke's (Gamelan) and the Kingdom Choir (Gospel). While undertaking placements in our network of partner schools, students benefit from the wealth of teaching expertise on offer within vibrant and dynamic settings.

"My subject specific support was phenomenal from people who really care about your development as an educator. Subject specific lectures were absolutely fantastic; they were so varied and run by exceptional people in their field. These sessions massively helped my development as a teacher and gave me lots of advice and tips for being in the classroom".
Laura, Music PGCE Graduate
Read the Q&A with Laura

Read more about teacher training at the IOE

The teacher you want to be

Graduates of the Secondary PGCE music programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme.

Graduates of the programme also have excellent career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) within 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader.

The tools of a great educator

  • Understanding of theory and subject or phase pedagogy
  • Creating a successful climate for learning, including behaviour management
  • Planning and teaching classes that engage pupils
  • Using assessment to inform planning
  • Working with the wider school community, including parents

Employability

Graduates of this programme currently work across a broad range of areas, including: classroom music and instrumental teaching, workshop leaders and consultants in National Music Hubs and local authorities, learning and participation programme leaders for professional orchestras / ensembles and resident composers in schools. It is often the case that musicians continue to pursue a portfolio career combining music and music education beyond the course.

Accreditation

Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Structure

The programme is taught through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, (including keynote lectures and debates, presentations, discussions, and classroom group tasks), and a practical teaching element based in two schools. Students are required to read widely and to carry out written assignments in their own time. 

Students will also take part in specific activities that provide the opportunity to focus on specific, pivotal areas of our curriculum. These opportunities (totalling 20 days of ITAP) will strengthen the link between theory and practice and provide students with specific feedback to support their progress in these pivotal areas. 

We have identified four placement days for ITAP. The remaining 16 days for ITAP will take place during IOE timetabled time.  

Assessment is by practical teaching, written assignments and portfolio tasks.

The PGCE Music course is a full-time programme.

During university taught sessions, students are expected to be present all day. Students spend a minimum of 124 days on school placement and will be required to attend for full and entire school days, including pre- and post-teaching sessions as expected of a normal, full-time teacher at their placement school.

I am very grateful to IOE for making it so easy for me to be confident in my decision to change career and have given me confidence to continue into my NQT year.

Laura Sutherland, PGCE Music alumna (2020)

Laura Sutherland

Music PGCE

Q&A with Laura Sutherland

Modules

You will undertake two modules at level 7 (Masters level) of 30 credits each and one Professional Practice module at level 6. The level 7 credits can be carried forward onto some full Masters programmes at IOE (check individual programme requirements).

When you are not undertaking face-to-face teaching, you will be undertaking at least 124 days of teaching practice in various Partnership Schools.

Throughout the year, you will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. These activities (totalling 20 days with at least 4 days in school) will help you to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that your progress is supported in these pivotal areas. These days form part of your 124 days on placement.

Compulsory modules





Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Music.

School placements

You will spend at least 124 days in schools, working with IOE tutors and a school-based music teacher mentor to support your teaching and planning throughout two placements. We are fortunate to be partnered with a broad selection of schools, supported by outstanding mentors within highly respected music departments.

The Professional Practice module is assessed throughout the two placements.

During placement periods Students should be prepared to travel to and from each school placement. It should be noted that there is variation in how accessible schools are, and whether they have parking facilities. However, if you let us know of any particular accessibility needs you have, we will endeavour to accommodate them.

We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:

  • A dedicated team who will identify the best schools for your placements
  • Support and guidance from your university tutor and your school-based mentor
  • School experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
  • Reasonable travel times from your home to your school

Making the most of your placement

Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about school placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and school-based mentor will help you navigate your school experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº buildings can be obtained from . Further information can also be obtained from the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Student Support and Wellbeing team.

Where you'll study

Department of Culture, Communication and Media

The Department of Culture, Communication and Media is committed to excellence in research and teaching in the areas of Art, Design and Museology, Academic writing, English education, Applied Linguistics, Music Education, Learning with Digital Technologies and teacher professional development.

Find out more about the department

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All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: PGCE Secondary Teacher Training

Are you interested in a career in teaching? Join our virtual events to find out more about Teacher Training at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº, including admissions and student funding information.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £9,250
Tuition fees (2024/25) £25,900

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students are responsible for funding their travel to and from placements.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

Bursaries and Scholarships may be available for some subjects, subject to eligibility. Visit the for information.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the ¹û¶³Ó°Ôº Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024
Value: Tuition fees, return flights and stipend (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024
Value: Tuition fees and accommodation (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Application and next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

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Got questions? Get in touch

Culture, Communication and Media
Culture, Communication and Media

musicpgce@ucl.ac.uk

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