Master in Education English Pgce

The application deadline for the Feb 2027 intake is Nov 1, 2026; tuition comes to 8,500 GBP per year.

Aspiring educators who are deeply passionate about literature, drama, and the power of language will find this programme an essential step toward a impactful career in secondary education. This PGCE is crafted for those who are ready to shape the minds of students aged 11 to 18+, blending rigorous academic theory with intensive, hands-on professional experience in classroom settings.

What sets this programme apart is its direct alignment with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) professional competences, granting successful graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (QTS). The curriculum is structured around three core, interdependent pillars:

• Professional School-based Experience: Immersing you in live school environments to build practical teaching competence under the guidance of experienced mentors.
• Subject Studies: Deepening your pedagogical expertise specifically within English and Drama.
• Education and Professional Studies: Examining the broader landscape of the education system, from curriculum theory and assessment policy to safeguarding, student wellbeing, and inclusive practice.

Students also have the unique opportunity to pursue an additional certificate in Irish Medium Education, preparing them to teach through the medium of Irish. With research-informed teaching and an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the Education and Training Inspectorate, this programme is designed to cultivate practitioners who are not only subject experts but also empathetic, adaptable, and highly effective leaders in the classroom.

Queen's University Belfast is a historic and research-led university located in the heart of Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded as Queen's College Belfast in 1845 and established as an independent university in 1908, Queen's combines a long heritage with modern ambitions. The campus sits within a designated conservation area and serves a diverse community of around 24,915 students, including roughly 3,500 international students, creating a lively and inclusive environment for study and social life.

Academically, Queen's is a Russell Group member with strong disciplinary strengths and a clear focus on employability. The university hosts four flagship Global Research Institutes addressing Global Peace, Security and Justice; Cyber Security; Health Sciences; and Food Safety, offering students opportunities to engage with impactful research. Career-facing initiatives such as Degree Plus and targeted employer workshops enhance internships, placements and graduate prospects, while sustained investment in campus infrastructure has delivered new teaching facilities, a student centre and a cutting-edge clinical simulation centre for health-related programmes.

For international students, Belfast offers an affordable and welcoming city experience with rich cultural life and efficient transport links across the UK and Ireland. University support services help with arrival, visas and accommodation, and a variety of clubs, societies and volunteering options make it easy to build networks and gain practical experience. Queen's is a strong choice for students seeking rigorous teaching, active research opportunities and clear pathways into careers in the UK and beyond.