Master in Education Religious Education Pgce

At Queen's University Belfast, the application deadline for the Feb 2027 intake is Nov 15, 2026, and tuition fees are 20,800 GBP per year.

Queen’s University Belfast sits at the forefront of educational research, with over 83% of its Education Unit of Assessment research rated as ‘World Leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent’ in the latest REF. This PGCE in Religious Education leverages that academic rigour to prepare the next generation of educators through a curriculum that is both research-informed and intensely practical.

Designed for graduates and final-year students in Theology or Religious Studies, this programme provides the professional training required to teach in the 11-18+ age range. It is fully accredited by the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), granting graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ upon successful completion.

Distinctive Programme Features

• Integrated Professional Experience: The programme is structured around three core strands: professional school-based experience, subject-specific studies, and broader education theory.
• Outstanding Pedagogy: The Education and Training Inspectorate has assessed the ‘Outcomes for learners’ on this course as ‘Outstanding’.
• Specialist Pathways: Students have the unique opportunity to prepare for teaching through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools, with an additional certificate awarded in partnership with St Mary's University College.
• Reflective Practice: Beyond classroom management, the curriculum covers vital contemporary issues including social class, educational disadvantage, mental health and wellbeing, and digital skills 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.