Program Overview
The Secondary Psychology PGCE program at the University of Sussex is a 10-month full-time or 20-month part-time program that prepares students to teach psychology at the secondary level. Through school-led teacher education and university-based instruction, students develop teaching skills, psychological knowledge, and reflective practices. The program emphasizes innovative assessment methods and boasts an excellent record of graduate employment.
Program Outline
Secondary Psychology PGCE: University of Sussex
Degree Overview:
This 10-month full-time (or 20-month part-time) program prepares students to begin their careers as secondary school psychology teachers. The course focuses on developing skills as a reflective practitioner, utilizing innovative assessment methods to ensure student success. The program is delivered through school-led teacher education, guided by experienced mentors and professional tutors. University tutors provide ongoing support throughout the year. The program boasts an excellent record of graduate employment, exceeding national benchmarks.
Outline:
Full-time Course Modules:
- Core Modules:
- Autumn and Spring Teaching:
- Applying Professional Knowledge - Psychology: This module provides a solid grounding in the subject of psychology and prepares students to explore areas of interest.
- Developing Professional Practice: This module focuses on developing practical teaching skills and strategies.
- Reflecting on Professional Knowledge: This module encourages critical reflection on teaching practices and the application of psychological principles in the classroom.
Assessment:
The program utilizes a range of innovative assessment methods to evaluate student progress and ensure success.
Teaching:
- Teaching Methods: The program utilizes a combination of school-led teacher education and university-based instruction. This includes:
- School-led Teacher Education: Students gain practical experience in partnership schools, guided by experienced mentors and professional tutors.
- University-based Instruction: University tutors provide ongoing support and guidance throughout the year.
- Faculty: The program is led by experienced and research-active course tutors, including:
- Jas Badesha: Secondary Psychology PGCE Course Leader.
- Clare Stenning: Head of Secondary Teacher Education.
- Karen Sturgess: Secondary PGCE Leader.
- Subject Tutor Team: The team includes tutors who combine teacher education with teaching in partnership secondary schools, offering fresh perspectives from the classroom.
Careers:
Upon graduation, students will possess the skills and expertise to successfully begin their careers as secondary school psychology teachers. The program offers a support package for newly qualified teachers during their first year of teaching. Successful candidates can also transfer up to 90 Masters-level credits towards the MA in Education.
Other:
- Accreditation: The program is accredited by the University of Chichester for the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) element of the course.
- Partnership Schools: The program is delivered in partnership with schools across Sussex.
- Location: All teaching takes place on the University of Sussex campus and in partnership schools.
