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Education at UEA
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Find out morePGCE Secondary Modern Languages
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Course Code
- R9X1
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
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Why you should choose us
Course Overview
If you’re looking for a career where you can inspire, motivate, and make a difference to the lives of young people, teaching is for you.
At UEA, we don’t believe in a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, we’ll support you in exploring a range of pedagogical strategies, so you can meet the needs of your pupils and develop your own teaching style. We’ll help you gain insight into how pupils learn and what motivates them. You’ll understand how pupils engage with Modern Languages and discover how to support their learning effectively. You’ll also develop strategies to make language learning challenging, stimulating, and rewarding.
Our PGCE Secondary Modern Languages programme combines at least 120 days of school-based training with university sessions, gradually increasing your solo teaching hours to build your confidence and help you become a reflective practitioner. You’ll learn how to make Modern Languages lessons inclusive, engaging, and challenging, while exploring the latest research to understand how pupils learn best. This one-year full-time programme equips you with the skills, experience, and knowledge needed to teach Modern Languages to pupils aged 11 to 16, with Sixth Form enhancement—offering the opportunity to develop your post-16 teaching skills if this aligns with your interests.
Upon successful completion of your PGCE, you'll graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s credits. QTS will qualify you to teach children up to 18 years old.
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Accreditations
Successful completion of this course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), accredited by the Department for Education.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll learn in a variety of settings – both at UEA and in two placement schools. Over the year, you'll spend a minimum of 120 days on school placement and 60 study days in structured learning at UEA.
The course begins with several weeks on our Norwich campus, where you’ll take part in hands-on workshops, seminars, and lectures. These will help you develop a repertoire of skills so that you feel confident and prepared when teaching your first classes.
You’ll have opportunities to work with trainees from other subject areas, but during university sessions, you’ll spend most of your time in your Modern Languages group, reflecting on subject-specific pedagogy alongside others who share your enthusiasm for language teaching. You’ll also be supported by a subject lead with extensive secondary school experience and deep expertise in their field.
In your Modern Languages seminars, you'll cover a wide range of topics, including second language acquisition, approaches to language learning, grammar, vocabulary, phonics instruction, inclusive and adaptive teaching, the use of target language, intercultural competence, and the development of listening, reading, speaking, and writing skills.
You’ll build a bank of teaching resources to support your work in the classroom and develop knowledge of digital technologies to enhance teaching and learning during your placements.
You’ll also focus on pupil assessment and progression, lesson planning, and strategies to encourage participation and achievement.
During your two placements, you’ll gain valuable insight into different types of schools, helping you make an informed decision about your first teaching position. Our school partnerships span East Anglia, and we take your home address into account when assigning placements. We carefully match you with schools that offer excellent training opportunities, including contrasting settings, so you can explore different approaches and discover what works best for you.
You’ll also learn how to contribute effectively to school life beyond your subject area and establish yourself as part of a professional learning community.
Between placements, you’ll reflect on your school experiences with fellow trainees, while deepening your understanding of educational theory and practice.
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
We draw on expertise from across our partnership to offer you a rich and rewarding range of learning opportunities throughout the PGCE within and beyond UEA.
In our partnership curriculum sessions, you'll work with a specialist UEA Subject Lead who is both an academic and experienced teacher, with a focus on the application of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) pedagogy in the classroom, drawing on recent and current subject-specific research.
The emphasis is on collaborative working, as you'll learn with and from your peers, so prepare to be engaged! You'll also study independently throughout the course, researching and writing your Master’s-level assignments, and developing your subject knowledge, under the guidance of your UEA Subject Leads and your school mentors.
Throughout the year, you'll be encouraged to reflect on your teaching practice, taking every opportunity to put theory into practice. You'll work closely with your UEA Subject Lead and mentors in your placement schools to ensure you meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the year.
You'll develop a range of essential knowledge and skills in the following core areas: professional behaviour, adaptive teaching, assessment, behaviour management, equality, diversity and inclusion, helping pupils learn, subject knowledge and pedagogy.
Your course will include experiences designed to help you develop an understanding of how pupils learn languages, and a rich repertoire of teaching approaches, including the effective use of target language and technology in the MFL classroom. You’ll learn how to plan and evaluate your language lessons, integrating strategies to support pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and for whom English is an Additional Language (EAL).
You’ll put theory into practice by identifying strategies to assess pupils’ progress and encourage positive pupil participation and achievement, for instance in promoting anti-racist education and supporting LGBTQ+ pupils.
Assessment
You’ll complete Master’s level assignments that are carefully designed to help you become an effective teacher. Your assignments will relate directly to your professional knowledge and understanding, as well as your practical teaching experience within your school placements.
Throughout your time in schools, you’ll benefit from the support and mentoring of expert colleagues. You’ll have your own subject-specific mentor who will provide feedback on your teaching and through regular professional dialogue, will help you to progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the course.
Employability
After the Course
Alongside your PGCE, you'll gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s credits.
You'll be supported by your UEA Subject Lead in making an informed choice regarding your first teaching position, as well as throughout the application and interview process.
The support will continue beyond your training year, as we work closely with schools and Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction bodies to provide support in case it’s needed.
Within a few years of joining the profession, you could find yourself being promoted into a role with leadership and/or pastoral responsibilities.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Teacher
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Curriculum Leader
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Head of Year/Phase
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Deputy headteacher
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Headteacher
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Tutor
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MFLSubject Lead
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UK and overseas teaching opportunities
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2:2 or above preferred
Degree Subject
Languages or related subject
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have achieved a good honours degree (preferably class 2:2 and above) or its equivalent* by the beginning of the PGCE programme in September. Applicants with a third class degree will be considered on an individual basis. As a general guideline, approximately 50 per cent of the degree should be relevant to the subject you will teach.
Native speakers with a non-language based degree are encouraged to make enquiries regarding eligibility for entry to the course. In addition to high-level language skills, applicants should have a good knowledge of the countries and cultures where the language(s) offered are spoken.
The main languages currently required by schools are French, German and Spanish. It is important that you are able to offer one of these languages, to be able to teach to A-level where possible but definitely to Key Stage 4/GCSE, and another to at least Key Stage 3, as being able to offer two mainstream languages greatly increases employability.
Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses are available, please see here for further details: Subject Knowledge Enhancement.
PRE-APPLICATION CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE
From February 2018, applicants are not required to have gained any prior experience within a school.
Although not a requirement, time spent in a school could help you to gain valuable insight into the role of a teacher, how teaching and learning takes place within the classroom, and help you to decide whether teaching is the right profession for you. It is recommended, that where possible, you gain some school experience prior to application.
It would be most useful if experience could be gained across the Secondary age range in your chosen subject area.
If you are able to gain classroom experience prior to submitting your application there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved:
Contact Your Local School:
Try contacting local schools where you live to see if you are able to arrange a time to observe some lessons, or register with the DfE School Experience Programme to help book school experience through their online portal.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM, KEY CONTACTS AND USEFUL LINKS
Applications are considered on an individual basis and being able to demonstrate a strong level of knowledge about the National Curriculum and current issues affecting teaching is advantageous. These educational links will provide you with some useful points of contact to help to get you started.
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECK (DBS)
Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children
All applicants for the PGCE course will be required to obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The enhanced disclosure will be used to assess suitability for the programme and information provided may be discussed with the external members of the School's Safeguarding Sub-Committees. Candidates are responsible for payment of the DBS fee. General information about this process can be obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service Website. As part of the DBS process, you will be checked against the Children's Barred List and Prohibition list. If you have lived overseas for a continuous period of 6 months or more during the last five years, a Certificate of Good Conduct will be required. The UEA Student Disclosure Service will contact you prior to the start of the course with more information on completing the DBS check.SATISFACTORY HEALTH CHECK
You will need to demonstrate your fitness to teach by completing an Occupational Health Assessment. This will give us information about any special needs you may have, and enable us to assess whether the University and placement areas will be able to provide support. It is therefore, in your interest to provide full answers to the questions.
- English and Mathematics
Before making your application you must have a GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or its equivalent* in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics regardless of your date of birth.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
We are able to consider GCSE equivalency tests taken via equivalencytesting.com or https://astarequivalency.co.uk only, with grades of A*-C or 4-9.
Qualifications not listed? Contact the PGCE Admissions Office for advice by email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk.
- Interviews
Interview required; please be aware that we cannot guarantee that all candidates who apply will be shortlisted for interview. Interviews will usually be conducted in person. Online interviews will be offered to applicants overseas.
- Placements
You’ll gain experience working in two different schools whilst on placement. Our school partnership extends across East Anglia, so we’ll consider your home address when deciding on your placement schools. We take great care in deciding where to place you, considering your individual circumstances and ensuring excellent training opportunities, such as contrasting placements. You'll be able to explore different approaches while finding out what works for you.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2:2 or above preferred, or it's equivalent*
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
Degree Subject
Languages or related subject
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have achieved a good honours degree (preferably class 2:2 and above) or its equivalent* by the beginning of the PGCE programme in September. Applicants with a third class degree will be considered on an individual basis. As a general guideline, approximately 50 per cent of the degree should be relevant to the subject you will teach.
Native speakers with a non-language based degree are encouraged to make enquiries regarding eligibility for entry to the course. In addition to high-level language skills, applicants should have a good knowledge of the countries and cultures where the language(s) offered are spoken.
The main languages currently required by schools are French, German and Spanish. It is important that you are able to offer one of these languages, to be able to teach to A-level where possible but definitely to Key Stage 4/GCSE, and another to at least Key Stage 3, as being able to offer two mainstream languages greatly increases employability.
Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses are available, please see here for further details: Subject Knowledge Enhancement.
PRE-APPLICATION CLASSROOM EXPERIENCE
From February 2018, applicants are not required to have gained any prior experience within a school.
Although not a requirement, time spent in a school could help you to gain valuable insight into the role of a teacher, how teaching and learning takes place within the classroom, and help you to decide whether teaching is the right profession for you. It is recommended, that where possible, you gain some school experience prior to application.
It would be most useful if experience could be gained across the Secondary age range in your chosen subject area.
If you are able to gain classroom experience prior to submitting your application there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved:
Contact Your Local School:
Try contacting local schools where you live to see if you are able to arrange a time to observe some lessons, or register with the DfE School Experience Programme to help book school experience through their online portal.
KNOWLEDGE OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM, KEY CONTACTS AND USEFUL LINKS
Applications are considered on an individual basis and being able to demonstrate a strong level of knowledge about the National Curriculum and current issues affecting teaching is advantageous. These educational links will provide you with some useful points of contact to help to get you started.
DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECK (DBS)
Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children
All applicants for the PGCE course will be required to obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The enhanced disclosure will be used to assess suitability for the programme and information provided may be discussed with the external members of the School's Safeguarding Sub-Committees. Candidates are responsible for payment of the DBS fee. General information about this process can be obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service Website. As part of the DBS process, you will be checked against the Children's Barred List and Prohibition list. If you have lived overseas for a continuous period of 6 months or more during the last five years, a Certificate of Good Conduct will be required. The UEA Student Disclosure Service will contact you prior to the start of the course with more information on completing the DBS check.SATISFACTORY HEALTH CHECK
You will need to demonstrate your fitness to teach by completing an Occupational Health Assessment. This will give us information about any special needs you may have, and enable us to assess whether the University and placement areas will be able to provide support. It is therefore, in your interest to provide full answers to the questions.
- English and Mathematics
Before making your application you must have a GCSE pass at Grade 4/C or its equivalent* in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics regardless of your date of birth.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
We are able to consider GCSE equivalency tests taken via equivalencytesting.com or https://astarequivalency.co.uk only, with grades of A*-C or 4-9.
Qualifications not listed? Contact the PGCE Admissions Office for advice by email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS Academic: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- Interviews
Interview required; please be aware that we cannot guarantee that all candidates who apply will be shortlisted for interview. Interviews will usually be conducted in person. Online interviews will be offered to applicants overseas.
- Placements
You’ll gain experience working in two different schools whilst on placement. Our school partnership extends across East Anglia, so we’ll consider your home address when deciding on your placement schools. We take great care in deciding where to place you, considering your individual circumstances and ensuring excellent training opportunities, such as contrasting placements. You'll be able to explore different approaches while finding out what works for you.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27
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UK Students: £9,535 (full time)
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International Students: £23,850 (full time)
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
A range of funding options are available to help you Train to Teach. The University of East Anglia also offers a range of Scholarships; please click the links to check your eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
MAKING YOUR APPLICATION
Candidates can submit their application by using the GOV.UK service called Apply for teacher training. Please note, UEA is not responsible for content on external websites linked from this page.
PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION
Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly. Application forms should be able to demonstrate not only your depth of subject knowledge but also your enthusiasm and commitment to a career in teaching. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the information available from the Department for Education. These sources will help you to gain knowledge of the current issues facing teaching, specifically in the subject area for which you are applying. During interview you will be expected to be able to answer questions about these issues, and what has prompted your desire to choose to teach as a career.
Candidates are selected on the basis of their application form, interview and references.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
PGCE Admissions Office
Email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1603 592855
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.