Developer Info

At a glance

• Graduates leave the course well equipped to start their career with an e-portfolio and a Career Entry Development Profile
• 86% of students rated LJMU’s teacher training as good or very good
• LJMU has over 100 years' experience of delivering teacher education programmes
• Opportunity to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• Excellent career opportunities teaching in secondary schools and FE colleges
  

Course overview

This course is designed to prepare graduates from a wide range of arts-related specialist areas to meet the demands of teaching young people in secondary school. It focuses on building upon your undergraduate learning and helping you develop the professional specialist skills needed to be an effective art teacher.

The course incorporates both theory and professional practice, through practical workshops, lectures and seminars that look at contemporary and historical debates in relation to art education. Contemporary art, craft and design practices, including new technologies, critical theory and gallery-based education provide the central focus of the course. You will be given the opportunity to engage in current debates relevant to art education and contribute to curriculum development through written and practical assignments.

The programme will provide you with an opportunity to achieve QTS through study which encourages a high degree of initiative, independent judgment, self-motivation, critical self awareness, reflection and well-developed communication skills. It will develop your ability in selection, organisation, analysis and evaluation, in a contemporary research and policy context, which can be fully utilised in the application of your skills within the field of education.  You will graduate from this programme with a wide knowledge base and will be competent in both theoretical and practical aspects of education.  In addition, the programme will enable your ability to carry out small scale research, and develop an appreciation of the broader, social, political and commercial context in which schools operate.

The PGCE Art and Design (11-18) route offers you comprehensive training for the secondary sector. You will have the opportunity to teach across the 11-18 age range including GCSE and A Level experience in secondary schools and Further Education colleges. Experience of teaching in the 11-16 curricula will help prepare you to meet the needs of the 14-19 sector and enhance your employment opportunities on completion of the course. You will be given an opportunity to develop you specialist skills through the setting of design briefs and commercially-oriented projects, with an emphasis on Key Stage 4 and post-16 education.

The course has developed strong links with several Liverpool galleries and cultural organisations. For example, the 20-year collaboration between LJMU’s art education department and Tate Liverpool has enriched the course resulting in joint publications and recently the MA Artist Teacher Scheme. LJMU’s strong working relationship with Liverpool's Foundation for Art and Creative Technology (FACT) Centre gives students further opportunities to explore new horizons in terms of new and creative technology.

Our highly qualified and respected academic staff combine specialist knowledge and creative research with hands-on teaching experience. Current research interests include: art education theory and practice; three-dimensional studies and professional issues on the postgraduate Initial Teacher Training programme; methodology, critical theory and contemporary art practice; creativity in the early years; feminist aesthetics; gender issues in art education; anti-racist teacher education; cultural diversity and reflexivity.

This combination of academic and professional expertise helps ensure that our graduates are well equipped to meet the opportunities and challenges faced by today’s teaching professionals.

Introduction to the School

The Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure delivers this course at the IM Marsh Campus. This is a green campus on the south side of the city with excellent views overlooking the River Mersey. The campus has a range of large and small teaching rooms, dance studios, laboratories, a food product development base, textile centre, in-service teacher training centre, traditional and all weather sports pitches and a gym. There are also many organised sporting activities (step aerobics, football etc.) available on campus for students.

There is also a Student Meeting Place incorporating the Student Union shop and cafeteria. The Rose Lane LJMU Accommodation provides local accommodation for postgraduate / mature students. A major food retailer, a good selection of local shops, restaurants, bars and pubs are within walking distance of the campus.

Staff research interests

• Art education theory and practice
• Three-dimensional studies and professional issues on the Post-graduate Initial Teacher Training programme
• Methodology, critical theory and contemporary art practice
• Creativity in the Early Years
• Feminist Aesthetics
• Gender issues in art education
• Anti-racist teacher education
• Cultural diversity and reflexivity

Research in the Faculty is central to its strategic aims of providing quality education, engaging in enterprise activities and contributing to the regeneration of the region. Structured and directed by Faculty Research Directorate, research supervision is available in the following areas:

• Education
• Sport, Dance and Outdoor Education
• Nutrition and Health
• Leisure and Tourism

Research activity is organised under the aegis of one of five research centres:

1. Centre for Education Studies and Primary Research
2. Centre for Postgraduate and Professional Development
3. Centre for Sport, Dance and Outdoor Education
4. Centre for Tourism, Consumer and Food Studies
5. Centre for Secondary and Vocational Education.

Many projects are of national and international significance and are presented at conferences both at home and abroad.  Research groups are also culturally diverse and reflect the cosmopolitan nature of projects undertaken in the Faculty.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment is continuous throughout the course and includes academic components and the development of a portfolio of evidence of teaching practice. In order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), successful graduates are required to pass national tests in literacy, numeracy and ICT.

What do past and present students say about the course?

"...without a doubt this PGCE has been one of the most demanding courses that I have undertaken so far in my career.  The combination of academic study coupled with the pressures faced by work related experience has served to test my skills and abilities to the limit.  In spite of these challenges though, I can say with absolute commitment that this has undoubtedly been the most rewarding experience of my life."

"...the support I have received from both tutors and administrative staff has been outstanding. They have all been more than helpful and have helped me with any queries I have had. The staff are always accommodating..."

"...I feel I have been fortunate to have had some inspirational staff to work with and have embedded skills and strategies into my repertoire all of which I will be able to utilise in my beginning career as a teacher."

"...the gallery education part of the PGCE art and design programme had an immediate impact on my teaching practice and confidence, for example learning how to engage young people working with a challenging exhibition in a gallery.  This was a huge advantage when being interviewed for my first job where the school works with Creative Partnerships, local galleries and has artists in school.  I am now really enjoying my first teaching post in Wolverhampton."

Entry requirements

You should hold, or be expected to achieve, at least a 2:2 Honours degree (or recongnised equivalent) with at least 60% content in the subject area and have a minimum of 10 days working in a secondary school (in England or UK) environment prior to application.

Nationally, all secondary PGCE courses require GCSE qualifications at grade C (or the equivalent) in Mathematics and English language prior to the start of the course. LJMU provides GCSE Equivalence Tests – further information is available at www.ljmu.ac.uk/teaching/gcse.

Please note that original evidence of GCSE achieved and degree (if already achieved) will be required at interview.

Trainees starting the course from September 2013 will be required to pass the skills tests in Numeracy and Literacy before starting the course. Registering for the tests is available now and you are encouraged to take the tests as soon as possible. Further information can be found at: http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/professional/b00211200/registration

The desire to teach children/young people and an enthusiasm for your subject are essential requirements for teacher training.

The selection process also looks for applicants who demonstrate an interest and enthusiasm for the subject area and their ability to make this exciting and meaningful to young people in a range of contexts. Relevant work experience and evidence of time spent working with young people is particularly important. In addition applicants will be asked to demonstrate their ability to work with others in teams and to manage people and projects.

Our selection and interview procedure involves partner schools and includes a written test.

An Enhanced CRB Disclosure check is a requirement of entry onto this course which involves working with children or vulnerable adults during placements. The University will pay the cost of Enhanced CRB Disclosure checks. Please contact us should you require any further information.

All offers made will be conditional on a satisfactory health check and all applicants will be required to complete a medical health questionnaire prior to the start of the course

Application and Selection

All applications for PGCE courses must be made online through the GTTR www.gttr.ac.uk

University Codes
GTTR Code name: LJM
University Code Number: L51
GTTR Course Codes
Art & Design: W1X1

Will I be interviewed?

Fees information

For fees and bursary information please visit our Teaching Information Page.

Financial support

Funding for postgraduate Teacher Training

Home and EU students may be eligible for a tuition fee loan to cover the cost of tuition fees and may also be entitled to a tax free bursary from the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA). The size of the bursary depends on when you start training and what subject you train to teach.

A student maintenance loan may also be available to help towards accommodation and other living costs and may also be eligible for a non repayable maintenance grant. This grant will be means tested and you can apply through Student Finance England.

For more information please visit www.directgov.co.uk and www.tda.gov.uk

How to apply

GTTR

LJMU's Admissions policy is in line with the University's Equal Opportunities Policy and applications are welcome from all candidates who fulfil the entry criteria. The university has a commitment to equality of opportunity and welcomes application from everyone regardless of age, disability, race or sex. The University is committed to widening participation and therefore will actively consider applicants who do not have a relevant degree but who are able to provide satisfactory evidence of their knowledge in the area. All applicants will be considered by the Recruitment and Selection Panel, if shortlisted applicants will be asked to attend for an interview.

International students

LJMU offers an extensive support system through its international office and study centre. An equivalence to the normal entry requirements is needed for entry. Students must also demonstrate a proficiency in communicating through English, for example with an IELTS tests or equivalent. Please note that because of UK visa restrictions, International students are only permitted to study on a full-time basis. Please contact LJMU’s International Team by visiting www.ljmu.ac.uk/international for more information and advice.

Further information

Please contact the Faculty of Education, Community and Leisure on:

tel: 0151 231 5340
fax: 0151 231 5379
email: Ecl-recruitment@ljmu.ac.uk

If you have any queries relating to LJMU or university life in general please contact:

Course Enquiries
Tel: +44(0)151 231 5090
Email: courses@ljmu.ac.uk
Web: www.ljmu.ac.uk

Employment and careers

Your professional development will be monitored and supported throughout the duration of the course. You will leave with an e-portfolio as well as a Career Entry and Development Profile (CEDP) and well developed reviewing and action planning skills that will stand you in good stead for your professional career.

The majority of successful students take up posts in secondary schools or FE colleges, teaching their main subject. Many go on to receive responsibility allowances and other promotions. Graduates who have followed joint honours or combined degrees often get the opportunity to teach a second subject.

As a postgraduate student you will be able to take full advantage of the extensive range of advice and guidance available in our World of Work Careers Centre, including our Ready for Work training courses, which cover everything from interview skills to preparing for assessment centre tests.

LJMU also has a dedicated Centre for Entrepreneurship, offering business advice and start-up funding, to students and graduates interested in setting up their own companies or working freelance.

Our World of Work Programme – endorsed by FTSE 100 companies and leading business organisations – offers you the chance to get an additional certificate proving to potential employers that you have the skills and experience they are looking for. No other university in the UK or internationally, offers students the chance to develop these skills and organisations backing the scheme include the Confederation of British Industry, United Utilities, Sony, Siemens, Peugeot Citroen and Marks and Spencer.

LJMU offers a superb environment for postgraduate study and top level research.

Whether you are studying on a taught master's course or embarking on a research degree, LJMU offers you a supportive, flexible academic environment, well-structured programmes and round-the-clock access to extensive resources.

Our research environment is rated as 'world-leading' in a majority of our subjects and all of our postgraduate programmes are taught by academics actively involved in research or consultancy projects with business and industry.

It is this combination of academic expertise and 'real world' experience that ensures LJMU's courses have real currency with potential employers and why over 95% of our postgraduates are in work or further study six months after they graduate (HESA 2010).

We believe this expertise – coupled with world-class academic standards – 75% of LJMU's research is rated as internationally important – puts us in a league of our own.

To find out more about our postgraduate courses and research opportunities plus the range of facilities and support we offer, click on the links opposite.

Why Liverpool?

Liverpool is a fantastic student city, bursting with opportunities and lots of things to do: a legendary music scene that's bigger than just the Beatles, a city centre bursting with clubs, pubs, bars, restaurants and cafes. Plus award-winning shopping facilities, museums, galleries and theatres, not to mention two Premier League football clubs, golf courses, beautiful parks and outstanding countryside a few miles up the motorway.

The city recently won Trip Advisor’s Best Nightlife Destination Award 2011, beating Manchester, London, Glasgow and Brighton. The city has also achieved Purple Flag accreditation, commending Liverpool as a safe place to enjoy a night out.

Liverpool is also a city that is very supportive of all the students who live, work and study in its universities. With such a warm and hospitable culture – Liverpool is the perfect 24-hour student city.