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What makes PGCE - Secondary - Design and Technology (Food) at Worcester special?

Age phase: 11-16 with post-16 enhancement

Study a Secondary PGCE in Design and Technology (Food) and enrich the knowledge of the curriculum to future learners.

The practical course will enable you to develop a dynamic approach into teaching, gaining insightful knowledge of the profession through research-active academics. At Worcester, you will gain experience through multiple placements in a variety of contrasting school environments throughout the year, which will prepare you for a successful transition into teaching. Whilst preparing for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you will develop specialist skills into teacher training and develop a critical understanding of the design and technology food curriculum in the secondary school setting. You'll benefit from becoming a member of the Worcestershire Food Cluster Group, allowing you to build relationships and network with a wide range of food teachers.

Bursaries of £25,000 are available for trainee Design and Technology (Food) teachers if you’re eligible and starting your course between September 2024 and July 2025. Please see the DfE website for more details.

We are proud that our Secondary PGCE was rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted in March 2023. Ofsted identified that:

Trainees benefit from an exceptional learning experience at the University of Worcester. This experience instils in them a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference to the lives of the children and young adults in the communities they serve.’

Placements, university sessions and mentors will support your development and our trainees are ‘exceptionally well-prepared for their first teaching post’ (Ofsted, 2023)

Overview

Overview

Key features

  • The University has been training teachers in this field since it was first established and the course has continually developed to be at the forefront of current thinking
  • At Worcester you'll benefit from a practical and collaborative course at the forefront of current thinking. Learning from tutors as they model effective teaching strategies, you'll understand how to learn in groups, discuss and present ideas and reflect on the effectiveness of each strategy
  • You'll explore designing and making as social activities in a creative and collaborative environment and with a supportive network of peers
  • You will develop the skills to be a self-reflective classroom practitioner and equip yourself to begin your career in teaching
Ofsted Outstanding logo

Ofsted has rated us as "Outstanding" in training Primary and Secondary Teachers 2023.

The University of Worcester’s education of future primary and secondary teachers has been given the highest possible grade with inspectors stating that, along with its partners, the University creates “a learning community that places children at the heart of everyone’s endeavours”.  

Read our full news story

“My time at Worcester has been the best experience of my life. The support I have received has been amazing from both university lecturers and mentors within my placement schools.”

Meg Taylor, PGCE Secondary D&T Graduate

joy

Joy Lavis

After completing my undergraduate degree in Adult Nursing in Cardiff University in 2019, I gained valuable experience working alongside people of different ages. I also had the pleasure of working alongside multi-disciplinary teams in the community, and in secondary care settings like hospitals. Following this, I decided to make the decision to transfer my experience and skills into teaching.

I have enjoyed every single moment of the course at Worcester University, and I will look back with happy and positive memories. The support you receive, and course content are excellent, well organised and structured. The subject tutor goes above and beyond to ensure each subject session is meaningful to all trainees and encourages a collaborative approach. The University also provides a wide range of opportunities such as enhancement activities, to ensure we develop strategies to become outstanding teachers. I am excited to start my teaching career after such a brilliant year on the PGCE!

beth

Bethan Philips

After completing my degree in Food Quality, Safety and Nutrition in Northern Ireland and working in the food industry for 2 years, I knew my next step was to complete my PGCE. I made the decision to move to the University of Worcester to study PGCE Design and Technology (Food).

I have enjoyed completing my PGCE at Worcester and the staff have been so supportive and the sessions run have been so informative, developing my subject knowledge and strategies to use in the classroom. I feel ready and well equipped to start my teaching career back in Northern Ireland where I have secured a job.

callum

Callum Staite

I have wanted to be a food teacher since studying A-level food and completing my food degree; due to circumstances, it was not the right time when I initially graduated in 2014. Since then, I spent the last 6 years working within the energy sector. It was a massive step leaving a job that I knew well, but fast forward 12 months and it really has been the best decision I have made, and I am so glad I did!

I am so pleased that I chose the University of Worcester as my training provider; all the worries quickly disappeared once I was welcomed by the PGCE team, and I instantly felt at ease with the course and what was expected. The subject sessions are meticulously planned by the subject mentor to build on the knowledge we already had, and then apply this within a school setting. The sessions are made to be enjoyable and fun, but also meaningful. This, alongside the professional studies programme, allows you build a toolbox of knowledge ready for you to apply it in the classroom during your placements.

Thanks to the support of the University, I have secured a job as an Early Career Teacher in my second placement school, and I cannot wait for September!

 

tess

Tess Murtagh

After completing a M.Sc. in Nutrition and working in the hospitality industry for a number of years, I decided that I wanted to pursue a career in teaching. I chose to move from the Republic of Ireland as I could qualify with a universally recognised qualification in one year, and after speaking to previous Irish trainees, they had spoken very highly of Worcester and the PGCE programme.

The training and support I have received by the University and placement schools was so helpful. The specialist subject sessions allowed me to develop my subject knowledge and gave me confidence in the classroom. I gained experience in teaching other subjects such as science, textiles and hospitality and catering. Having secured a job at my placement school, I am delighted that I chose Worcester as my training provider as I feel ready to begin my teaching career.

rachel

Rachel

I completed my Undergraduate Degree in Culinary Arts Management at Ulster University, Belfast. Despite working in the food industry, running my own business making wedding and celebration cakes, I knew I was always destined to be a teacher, so I decided to hang up my apron and move to Worcester for the year to complete my PGCE in Design and Technology Food.

Moving to Worcester was probably the hardest decision I ever had to make. I am such a homebird and moving away from family and loved ones was not easy. But I can honestly say that from day one, I was made to feel so welcome and supported by my subject mentor and everyone in my class. We made our own little family and that really helped!

The lecturers are experienced, helpful and supportive; everything you need in a busy PGCE. The subject and professional studies sessions provided interesting and knowledgeable insights into the various aspects of teaching while the subject sessions really helped to improve and consolidate subject knowledge. I would definitely recommend the University of Worcester to help you start your teaching journey.

lucy

Lucy Perry

Upon completing my undergraduate degree in Culinary Arts Management at Ulster University in Belfast, I made the decision to move to Worcester to complete my PGCE in Design and Technology Food. I gained industry experience in restaurants as a chef and have a passion for the food industry. From my love of food and culinary experience, I wanted to become a teacher to inspire the next generation of chefs and ‘keen foodies’. Although it was a big decision to move to Worcester from Northern Ireland, it was a worthwhile one.

The lecturers and teachers in school are experienced, helpful and supportive, which helped make the transition a smooth experience for me. The subject and professional studies sessions provided interesting and knowledgeable insights into the various aspects of teaching. The excellent training I received whilst on the course has led me to secure a job within Worcestershire, where I completed my second placement.

I would definitely recommend the University of Worcester to help you start your teaching journey. It has been a fantastic year and I have made some great friends for life!

oliver

Oliver Brueton

From a young age, my love for food was evident and it led me to pursue a career as a chef. After ten years in the hospitality industry, my passion for food remained steadfast. Following an enriching teaching experience in Thailand, I realised that becoming a food teacher was a natural progression for me. Motivated by this realisation, I made the decision to enrol in the PGCE programme at the University of Worcester.

The journey has been nothing short of exceptional, with abundant support from the University throughout. Time flew by as I delved into the programme, immersing myself in the art of teaching. The experience has been transformative, fostering a tremendous growth of confidence within me, particularly within the classroom setting.

With the knowledge and skills gained from the PGCE programme, I am ready to embrace the future as a food teacher. The prospect of making a lasting impact on the lives of my students and instilling in them a passion for culinary arts brings me great joy and fulfilment. I am excited to embark on this new chapter of my life and contribute to the growth and development of future generations.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Academic requirements

  • Honours degree normally (2:2) or higher from a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject area. Applicants with a 3rd class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
  • All entrants have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (formerly grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics (applicants must have these qualifications by the start of the course). Alternatively, we offer an equivalency test if you don’t have the required GCSE grade to apply for our courses. Trainees who begin courses before providing evidence of the required GCSE standard (or equivalent) will not be eligible for financial incentives, such as bursaries or grants until they achieve the required standard.

Qualifications not listed? Contact the Admissions Office for advice by email: AdmissionsB@worc.ac.uk 

Additional requirements

  • An Enhanced DBS check. You will be sent details of how to apply for your DBS in the summer term. You will need to pay for this.  You may already be part of the DBS update service. Find out about the update service here. As part of the DBS process you will be checked against the Children’s Barred List.
  • A check against the Prohibition List.
  • If you have lived, studied or worked overseas for three months or more in the last five years a Certificate of Good Conduct from the country of residence will be required. Further information and guidance associated with additional costs are available from the Home Office.
  • An online occupational health check. All those on a teacher training programme must be certified as meeting national requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach, as set by the Department for Education.
  • International students: IELTS 6.5 or equivalent

Other information

To help you prepare for your interview you can expect questions covering the following:

  • the subject knowledge required for teaching the subject curriculum in school
  • your ability to critically reflect on your prior experiences in relation to your future development as a teacher
  • your understanding of the UK education system and the wider role of a teacher
  • how you have overcome challenges in your life and shown resilience
  • how you plan to meet the academic and teaching demands of the course.

In addition, we are looking for enthusiasm, commitment, and potential. Clear verbal and written communication skills are integral to this which you will have an opportunity to demonstrate throughout the interview.

  • School experience is desirable, but not essential.
  • Interviews will be conducted online. Applicants will be contacted directly with more details.

All applications for PGCE should be made via the Government's Find Postgraduate Teacher Training website.

Additional useful information is available on the Government's Get Into Teaching website.

Course content

Course content

Our courses are informed by research and current developments in the discipline and feedback from students, external examiners and employers. Modules do therefore change periodically in the interests of keeping the course relevant and reflecting best practice. The most up-to-date information will be available to you once you have accepted a place and registered for the course. If there are insufficient numbers of students interested in an optional module, this might not be offered, but we will advise you as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative. 

Subject Knowledge with a Deep Understanding

  • Enrich your subject knowledge drawing on the expertise of tutors with national and international research profiles in partnership with school mentors with excellent current practice in your specialist area.
  • An excellent teacher requires confident subject knowledge and an understanding about how pupils learn. The majority of your time in university is in subject workshops.

Specialist Subject Opportunities

  • Further develop your own subject knowledge, linked to the school context, through designing and making in collaborative groups
  • Opportunities to engage with subject networks and associations.
  • Present to peers within and beyond the University.
  • Begin networking and start the publishing side of your career

Pedagogy

  • Understand and apply theory and research on how children learn and develop.
  • Explore a range of learning and teaching styles, and classroom organisation.
  • Discover how to promote progress through observing, planning, teaching and assessing learning.

Professional Studies

  • Develop adaptive teaching strategies to respond to the unique needs in a range of contexts, leveraging the diversity inherent in schools.
  • Be informed by the research and evidence about effective teaching at a general level before applying this knowledge to subject-specific approaches
  • Learn the expectations, standards and behaviours which are appropriate to the profession and the wider responsibilities of a teacher.

Enhancement Activities

  • Gain expertise through one of our unique Enhancement Activities: PSHE and Citizenship, Careers Education, Education in Climate Emergency, Teenage Mental Health, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities or Technology Enhanced Learning.  In addition, we also offer an Aspiring Leaders programme.

Your career

  • Become a reflective self-evaluating practitioner.
  • Enjoy great employment prospects; our support takes you from trainee to ECT (Early Career Teacher) and beyond
  • Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation.

Working with local secondary schools

“The subject sessions are meticulously planned by the subject lecturer to build on the knowledge I already had”

Callum Staite, PGCE Secondary D&T Graduate

Working with local primary schools

“I am delighted that I chose Worcester as my training provider as I feel ready to begin my career as an ECT”

Tess Murtage, PGCE Secondary D&T Graduate

Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Not sure about your subject knowledge?

Build up or refresh your existing knowledge with a subject knowledge enhancement (SKE) programme before the course.

Subjects offered at the University of Worcester:

English, biology, chemistry, physics, design technology (food), religious education.

Find out about the bursary.

Register your interest

Enter your details below and we will keep you up to date with useful information about studying at the University of Worcester.


Teaching and assessment

Teaching and assessment

six women in colourful aprons beside a table with plates of food on top

Teaching approach

  • School experience in a range of settings.
  • Professional Studies sessions in school and at University.
  • University-led workshops, lectures, seminars, fieldwork and guest lectures.
  • Study of key texts and supplementary reading.
  • Participation in high level professional discussion, peer presentations and debate.
  • Directed studies, case studies and problem solving tasks; development of practice-based competence and skills of critical reflection through guided individual mentoring during placements.
  • One-to-one academic and personal tutorial support including access to our first class Firstpoint services

Assessment

  • Assignments are carefully designed to develop your skills as a teacher.
  • Assessments that move from highly structured to more open briefs as you develop your professional skills.
  • The opportunity to develop skills as a research informed practitioner.

Programme specification

For comprehensive details on the aims and intended learning outcomes of the course, and the means by which these are achieved through learning, teaching and assessment, please download the latest programme specification document.

Meet the team

You will be taught by a teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course.

You can learn more about the staff by visiting our staff profiles.

Sue Parker-Morris smiling at camera

Sue Parker-Morris

Sue joined the University of Worcester as an associate lecturer in 2018, whilst continuing to teach in a secondary school, mentoring PGCE trainees and supporting NQTs. Moving into a career in ITTE, she then joined as a full-time senior lecturer and subject lead for Design & Technology in 2019. Her experience includes middle management roles in a range of secondary schools, leading and developing Food Preparation & Nutrition and teaching both Food and Textiles.

Sue left the catering industry to retrain as a Food Technology teacher completed her B.Ed. (hons) degree at the University of Worcester in 1991. Since 1995 she has spent time teaching her subject in a range of secondary schools in the UK and New Zealand.

Sue is passionate in how children are taught the importance of well-being, health and healthy eating and how this is delivered within schools. Developing pupils’ knowledge of a good diet and useful practical food skills is extremely important to her. Sue is committed to supporting trainee teachers in becoming reflective practitioners who can have a positive impact on students.

In 2016, Sue established a ‘Food Cluster Group’ to help support Food teachers all over Worcestershire, Herefordshire, and Gloucestershire, in planning for and moderating the Food Preparation & Nutrition GCSE. This networking group continues to be extremely successful, supporting teachers both professional and personally. The group provides the opportunity to collaborate closely with many subject mentors in partnership schools across the Midlands.

 

Careers

Careers

  • Prepare for leadership and your Masters with 60 credits and a strong research foundation
  • Many University of Worcester trainees gain promotion within the first few years of teaching
Two students are walking next to each other and smiling

Careers and Employability

Our Graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors.

Find out how we can support you to achieve your potential
A female teacher training student in a classroom working on placement as part of her degree to get into teaching.

PGCE Alumni Scholarship

If you are a University of Worcester graduate starting a full-time PGCE in September 2024 then you may be eligible for a £500 Cash Scholarship.

See our scholarships page for more details.
Costs

Fees and funding

Full-time tuition fees

UK and EU students

The standard tuition fee for full-time UK and EU students enrolling on a PGCE in the academic year 2024/25 will be £9,250 per year.*

* Please note that for EU students training as Physics or Languages teachers and in receipt of the UK government bursary/relocation package the fee is £17,400 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

International students

The standard tuition fee for full-time international students enrolling on a PGCE in the academic year 2024/25 will be £17,400 per year.

For more details, please visit our course fees page.

Teacher training funding

You can get help with the costs of teacher training. A student finance package will include a Tuition Fee Loan and a Maintenance Loan. You may also be eligible for extra help if you have children or have a disability.

Some courses are also eligible for a tax-free bursary or scholarship depending on your subject, degree classification or highest academic qualification.

Additional costs

Every course has day-to-day costs for essential books, trips, stationery, printing and photocopying.

Travel costs for placements vary depending on the location of schools and your mode of transport and sometimes, these may be reclaimed depending on your individual circumstances.

You will need to buy some protective clothing to wear for practical work (apron, overall or chefs jacket). You will also be expected to purchase materials and ingredients to make the products you will be teaching pupils to make.

In addition, we encourage you to join subject specific associations. The cost is typically between £25 to £50 for which you benefit from their support, guidance and resources.

The DfE requires all trainee teachers to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check, which you will need to pay for.

Accommodation

Finding the right accommodation is paramount to your university experience. Our halls of residence are home to friendly student communities, making them great places to live and study.

We have over 1,000 rooms across our range of student halls. With rooms to suit every budget and need, from our 'Chestnut Halls' at £131 per week to 'Oak Halls' at £221 per week (2024/25 prices).

For full details visit our accommodation page.

How to apply