Secondary Courses: Frequently Asked Questions

This page answers the most common queries that we receive regarding both our undergraduate and postgraduate secondary teaching courses. 

Entry requirements

All information regarding the level 3 (undergraduate) and degree (postgraduate) requirements of all our Secondary Education courses, can be found under the 'entry requirements' tab of each course webpage. Use the University website search tool to find your course of interest.

What GCSEs do I need?

For all undergraduate and postgraduate secondary courses you need to have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (previously Grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English and Mathematics. If you are unsure whether you hold an acceptable GCSE equivalent qualification for ITT, please contact our Admissions Department admissions@wlv.ac.uk for clarification.

Please note we do not accept GCSE Equivalent Tests from other institutions or organisations and be aware that not all equivalency tests are accepted.

How much school experience do I need?

We no longer ask for any school experience as a requirement for our Secondary Education courses. Instead, if you are invited for an interview we will assess your readiness to train to teach.

Applications and Admissions

When can I apply?

Undergraduate Secondary
Applications for these courses are through UCAS - visit www.ucas.com for full details. Applying early in the academic year (before the 15th January) is recommended, as this course can be highly competitive.

PGCE Secondary Education
Applications for the PGCE are through UCAS Teacher Training (UTT). Applying early in the academic year (Autumn/Winter) is recommended, as these courses can be highly competitive.

School Direct Tuition and Salaried Secondary Education
Applications for the PGCE are through UCAS Teacher Training (UTT). Applying early in the academic year (Autumn/Winter) is recommended, as these courses can be highly competitive.

How will I find out whether I have got an interview or not?

Undergraduate Secondary Education routes
You will be informed via UCAS and the university if you have an interview or whether your application has been unsuccessful for the course you applied for. Please be aware that we interview from November until July and your application may still be under consideration during this period. In the event that your application is unsuccessful you may be offered an alternative course.

PGCE and School Direct Secondary Education
You will be notified of the outcome of your application via UCAS and the university as soon as your application has been processed.

What will the interview include?

Once you have applied for one of our Secondary Education courses and have been shortlisted, you will be invited for an interview. Find out more about the interview.

School Placements

How long will I spend on placement?

PGCE Secondary
Students undertake two placement attachments at two different schools.

Attachment 1: End of September- December (approx. 36 days)

Attachment 2: January -June (approx. 72 days)

School Direct
Students undertake three placement phases at two different schools within the lead school's alliance.

Phase 1: September-December (approx. 36 days) with School 1

Phase 2: Janaury-February (approx. 20 days) with School 2

Phase 3: March- June (Approx. 53 days) with School 1

Where will I be placed for my attachments for Secondary routes?

Every effort is made to ensure that high-quality school placements are provided to you, facilitating learning through observing, co-teaching and being observed by experienced teachers in the classroom. We try to take your geographical location into account when placing you in schools but our first concern is to ensure that you have a high quality school placement that can provide a range of experiences. Additional training will therefore take place in partner schools other than your 'attachment' schools. 

For placements on the School Direct course the lead school will place you within a school within their alliance.

Prospects and Employment

How employable are secondary teaching graduates?

The University of Wolverhampton creates graduates that are digitally literate, knowledgeable & enterprising and have a global outlook on life. Therefore it’s no surprise that six months after completing their course last year, almost all Wolverhampton NQTs (newly-qualified teachers) were employed as teachers. Some were continuing to study alongside their work, in most cases for a modular Master’s degree at the University of Wolverhampton. 

Find our more about a career in Teaching

Finance

Prices are displayed on individual courses pages, however in some cases tuition fee loans may be available. Find out more

DBS and Medical Checks

I already have a DBS, will I be required to have another one?

For all our Secondary teacher training (with the exception of School Direct Salaried applicants) applicants will be required to have a new DBS check that has our name attached to it. However if you are registered a part of the update service you will not be required to have another check. Find out more about the DBS Update Service.

When can I undertake my DBS and medical checks?

Once you have been issued with either a conditional or unconditional offer and you have accepted this, you will be sent information, about how to complete your DBS Disclosure Application Form and Occupational Health forms online for completion and return. Please note, this information is usually sent out in from May for our September intake.

Will I be charged to undertake my DBS?

For all our Secondary teacher training (with the exception of School Direct Salaried) applicants will be charged the standard DBS costs.

Will I be charged to undertake my medical?

The University of Wolverhampton will not charge you to undertake your Occupational Health Check. 

Can't find the answer to your question?

Our experts are on hand at open events to answer your questions, where you can also see our excellent facilities.