PGCE 1 and 2
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This is the first module in our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). It combines academic study and practice learning, assessed at undergraduate level 6. You’ll begin your PGCE by supporting classes and planning and teaching single lessons. Your academic learning will be supported by primary or subject-specific secondary online seminars.
What you will study
The PGCE is progressive: you’ll return to the same strands in each module. You’ll learn theories and concepts appropriate to your level of study. Your successful practice and assessment will enable progression to the next module, PGCE 3 (EE806) in year 2. The strands are:
- Curriculum
- Understanding learners
- Planning for learning
- Pedagogy
- Assessment
- Professional practice.
In PGCE 1 and 2, you will study each strand twice over the course of the module, each time covering different content and with different practice-related activities. You should, however, think about your commitment to the full two-year qualification rather than to each module. You’ll study the modules consecutively and there’s no expectation to break the two-year journey unless circumstances prevent you. This continuity enables you to build your knowledge and experience over an extended period.
Teaching theory will be combined with substantial, supported, practice learning in schools, enabling you to explore the relationship between theory and practice and become a confident research-informed teacher.
Entry requirements
You can only study this module as part of the PGCE (Wales). Refer to the qualification description for the PGCE entry requirements.
To gain the PGCE and be recommended for qualified teacher status, you'll have to complete the two PGCE modules, including 60 credits at postgraduate level, PGCE 3 (EEXP806). You should be aware of, and prepare for, taking on postgraduate level study. This will involve longer pieces of writing, research and critical reflection.
What's included
Module website with:
- Online study materials
- Audiovisual examples of teaching and learning practice
- Programme guide
- Assessment guide
- Practice Learning Guide and Practice Learning Activities
- Online seminars and forums for engaging with your OU curriculum tutor and other students.
We provide all materials and learning experiences in Welsh and in English. You may purchase your own copy of set books or you may access some titles as electronic versions from the OU library.
You will also have considerable support from school-based mentors, practice tutors and access to an ePortfolio.
Computing requirements
- Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer. It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
- Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
- Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
- Operating systems – Windows 11 or latest supported macOS. Microsoft will no longer support Windows 10 as of 14 October 2025.
- Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
- Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended. Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Materials to buy
Set books
- Smith, S. & Conti, G. The Language Teacher Toolkit CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (KDP) £26.92 - ISBN 9781523214822 All students following the PGCE secondary Welsh pathway should purchase this book.
- Fleming, M. Starting Drama Teaching (4th Edition) Routledge £28.99 - ISBN 9781138207974 Students following the PGCE English with Drama pathway should purchase this book.
- Haylock, D. and Manning, R. Mathematics Explained for Primary Teachers (6th edn) SAGE Publications £28.99 - ISBN 9781526455840 All students following the PGCE primary pathway should purchase this book.
- Capel, S., Leask, M. & Younie, S. (eds) Learning to Teach in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience (9th edn) Routledge £29.99 - ISBN 9781032062297 All students following the PGCE secondary pathway should purchase this book.
- Medwell, J., et al. Primary English: Knowledge and Understanding (9th edn) SAGE Publications £21.99 - ISBN 9781529709780 All students following the PGCE primary pathway should purchase this book.
- Toplis, R. (ed.) Learning to Teach Science in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience (4th edn) Routledge £36.99 - ISBN 9780415826433 All students following the PGCE secondary science pathway should purchase this book.
- Johnston-Wilder, S., Lee, C., & Pimm, D. (eds) Learning to Teach Mathematics in the Secondary School: A Companion to School Experience (4th edn) Routledge £32.99 - ISBN 9781138943902 All students following the PGCE secondary mathematics pathway should purchase this book. Print on demand - allow 3 weeks for receipt
- Cremin, T. and Burnett, C. (eds) Learning to Teach in the Primary School (4th edn) Routledge £32.99 - ISBN 9781138211063 All students following the PGCE primary pathway should purchase this book.
- Davison, J. & Daly, C. Learning to Teach English in the Secondary School (5th edition) Routledge £29.99 - ISBN 9781138580473 Students following the PGCE English pathway should purchase this book.
- Davidson, J. The Media Teachers Handbook (1st Edition) Routledge £34.99 - ISBN 9780415499941 Students following the PGCE English with Media pathway should purchase this book.