Education (Computing, Digital Skills and Creative Enterprise) Postgraduate Certificate in Education - PGCE

The PGCE in Computing/IT with Digital Skills for Creative Enterprise is a professionally recognised teacher education programme that leads to Eligibility to Teach in Northern Ireland. Comparable to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) elsewhere in the UK, the qualification is highly regarded by employers and supports graduates in pursuing teaching careers both within Northern Ireland and beyond. Aligned with the professional competences of the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), the programme prepares graduates to teach Digital Skills, Information Technology, Digital Technology, Computer Science and related disciplines, including creative multimedia, cybersecurity and digital enterprise, across the 11-18+ age range.\
\
The programme combines university-based learning with substantial school placements, enabling you to connect educational theory with classroom practice. It is organised around three interdependent strands:\
\
1) Professional School-based Experience\
Develop practical teaching expertise through placements in partner schools. Working alongside experienced teachers, you will gain first-hand experience of planning, teaching, assessment and classroom management while building confidence in your professional role.\
\
2) Subject Studies\
Focus on teaching and learning within Computing/IT, Digital Skills and related subject areas, developing effective subject-specific pedagogies that enable learners to engage confidently and critically with digital technologies, computer science concepts and creative enterprise.\
\
3) Education and Professional Studies\
Examine the wider educational, social, professional and policy context of teaching. Areas of study include (and are not limited to) curriculum theory and policy, social class and educational disadvantage, wellbeing, pastoral care and safeguarding.\
\
You will also have the opportunity to choose from a range of elective areas designed to broaden your expertise and enhance the skills you can offer as a future teacher.\
\
\
Irish-Medium Education Pathway\
Additional places are available for students interested in teaching through the medium of Irish. In partnership with St Mary's University College, students can also gain an additional Certificate in Irish-Medium Education (IME), providing valuable preparation for employment within the Irish-medium sector.\
\
Your Future Career\
Graduates are equipped with the professional knowledge, practical experience and recognised teaching qualification required to pursue careers in post-primary education. The programme aims to develop competence and confidence in the teaching of Digital Skills, IT, Computing and Creative Enterprise qualifications, preparing graduates for teaching roles across Northern Ireland and beyond. PGCE graduates may also transfer 30 credits into one of the School's Educational Master's programmes.\
\
An Application Guide and information about the Department of Education £17,000 STEM bursaries, can be found on the School website at go.qub.ac.uk/qubpgce