Career Q&A: Teaching

I’m interested in teaching and have heard it’s important to get the timing of your PGCE application right, can you tell me more?

The PGCE is the standard entry course for a graduate wanting to become a teacher. Courses last for nine months full-time – 36 weeks for secondary trainees and 38 weeks for primary trainees. Up to two thirds of the time is spent in schools. There are also a few two-year full-time courses giving you extra time to build up your subject knowledge. 

You’re right about the timing of your application being important. Teaching is a popular profession and places on PGCE courses fill up quickly. Applications for the PGCE need to be sent to the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) early in the first semester. The closing date for primary PGCE applications is 1st December and there’s currently no set closing date for secondary applications. However, given demand for these courses, it’s advisable to apply early for both primary and secondary. A delayed reference can slow-up the application process, so check your referees have all the information they need and in plenty of time.

Call into the Careers Resource Centre to collect a copy of "Applying for a PGCE" and the starting point sheet "Teaching", which is also available under ‘useful downloads’ on the website www.studentnet.manchester.ac.uk/careers 

If you’re a Manchester University student or graduate and have a career query, email careers@manchester.ac.uk