Master in Education Social Science Pgce

Tuition costs 21,400 GBP per year.

This PGCE provides a professionally accredited pathway to teaching, specifically aligned with the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) standards. It is designed for graduates in disciplines such as Politics, Sociology, Health and Social Care, or Psychology who wish to transition into secondary education. The programme is distinctly research-informed, with the Education Unit of Assessment at Queen's holding a prestigious 'World Leading' or 'Internationally Excellent' rating in the most recent REF exercise.

Students benefit from a balanced structure that integrates university-based theoretical study with extensive professional school-based placements. The curriculum is organised into three core strands:

• Professional School-based Experience: Practical teaching development through sustained collaboration with experienced teachers.
• Subject Studies: Focused training on pedagogical approaches for Social Science specialisms.
• Education and Professional Studies: Deep dives into the Northern Ireland education system, curriculum policy, theories of learning, and contemporary issues like safeguarding, mental health, and social inequality.

A unique feature of this programme is the option to prepare for teaching through the medium of Irish, with an additional certificate offered in conjunction with St Mary's University College. Participants are supported to develop their confidence as educators within the 11-18+ age range, graduating with 'Eligibility to Teach' (QTS equivalent).

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.