Secondary with QTS: Computer Science and ICT

This course is available at the university and through School Direct.

Why study with us?

Computer Science and ICT in schools is going through one of the biggest changes it has ever seen. As a potential new teacher coming into this area, this is a very exciting time. Due to the demands placed on existing school staff, more and more jobs are appearing which require a specialist teacher of computing.

If you want to embark on a fulfilling career as a secondary computer science and ICT teacher, then this is the course for you. At the University of Cumbria, we can provide you with all the tools needed for a successful career.

This course will train you to teach pupils aged 11-16. We work closely with partnership schools in Lancashire, Cumbria and Fylde coast (and some schools further afield). Experienced tutors work with you to meet your individual learning needs. They support you as you learn how to plan, resource and deliver effective lessons to pupils across the ability range. Previous experience in a school is valuable, but the course allows you to gain experience and skills. You will complete two placements in different schools. However, you will gain early experience within several school within the first three weeks and even teach by week three of the course!

We have had a variety of people on this course. Some have a wealth of experience within the classroom and others have come straight from university or a job outside of education. Some of our past students have produced videos or worked on the development of successful cartoons; some have a great deal of programming and technical knowledge.

Each and every person brings a great deal of experience which contributes to the whole course. You will be a team who work together on projects and really appreciate the bond which will develop within the group.

Everything you have done previously will help you on the route to becoming a successful teacher of Computer Science and ICT, even if you are yet to see the relevance.

What can this course lead to?

This course prepares you to become a specialist Secondary Computer Science and ICT teacher, trained to deliver the essential knowledge and skills that make Computer Science and ICT a wide-ranging, creative and exciting subject.

Resources and facilities

We have several excellent resources to help you excel in your studies. All students have access to our Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment which can provide easy online access to course information, course materials, relevant web links and an online discussion board.

We have a well-stocked library and a Learning Gateway, which offers an interactive, flexible space to study. You can also take advantage of the Library and Student Services (LiSS), which provides learning resources, equipment, student advice, skills training and study space.

Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 60 credits UCAS code: G1X1 Selection criteria

• You are welcome to apply if you have an honours degree in any ICT or Computing subject at 2:2 or above, for example, networking, games design, multimedia, business and ICT. A minimum 50% of your degree must be in your subject specialism. All successful applicants must have met this requirement by 31 August 2013.

  If you don’t have an undergraduate degree but do have a Masters or other higher qualification, your application will be considered by our academic tutors on a one-to-one basis.

• GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics or recognised equivalent qualifications. Preference will be given to those who hold these qualifications at the point of application and all successful applicants must have met this requirement by 31 August 2013.

• Successful completion of the QTS skills test in literacy and numeracy by 31 August 2013.

• We strongly recommend that you obtain a minimum of 2-3 days secondary school experience in a mainstream UK secondary school prior to interview. You should observe teaching within ICT as you will be required to discuss your observations at interview.

• A satisfactory academic (university) reference OR a satisfactory professional reference if more than three years since academic study.

• Your application should outline your strengths and experiences in all areas of ICT and education. At interview you will be required to complete a short presentation and you will be given the opportunity to discuss your subject knowledge. You will complete a short subject audit linked to subject knowledge in secondary education.

• All candidates must demonstrate professional suitability through interview and must obtain medical and enhanced CRB clearance according to established university procedures.

More detailed information and advice is available on our how to apply page.

Costs

Click the links below to view information on your study type and residence status. If you are unsure of your status, please see the UKCISA website for more information.

University-based students

Home

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year has been set at £9,000.

As a full-time UK student, you are entitled to a tuition fee loan which you only start to pay back when you are earning over £21,000 a year if you're from England or £15,795 if you're from Scotland. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan (up to £5,500) and a maintenance grant (up to £3,354). For more information about student loans and grants, visit our student finance page.

Teaching Agency bursary

The Teaching Agency awards training bursaries based on subject and the classification of your first degree. For this course, you may be eligible for:

• £9,000 if you have a first class degree
• £4,000 if you have a 2.1

If you have exceptional subject knowledge from another career or postgraduate study (ie PhD or Masters), you may be eligible for a higher bursary than your degree classification would otherwise allow. Find out more about the TA discretionary bursary.

BCS Scholarship

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has 50 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to computer science trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. The scholarship includes access to BCS membership and early career mentoring opportunities with schools, universities and major employers. For more information, visit the BCS website.

Trainees who hold this scholarship will not be eligible for the standard TA bursary.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several support funds available to our current students, including:

• Access to Learning Fund
• Utilities trust

EU

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year has been set at £9,000.

As a full-time EU student, you are entitled to a tuition fee loan which you only start to pay back when you are earning over £21,000 a year (or the equivalent in your country). For more information about student loans, visit our student finance page.

Teaching Agency bursary

The Teaching Agency awards training bursaries based on subject and the classification of your first degree. For this course, you may be eligible for:

• £9,000 if you have a first class degree
• £4,000 if you have a 2.1

If you have exceptional subject knowledge from another career or postgraduate study (ie PhD or Masters), you may be eligible for a higher bursary than your degree classification would otherwise allow. Find out more about the TA discretionary bursary.

BCS Scholarship

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has 50 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to computer science trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. The scholarship includes access to BCS membership and early career mentoring opportunities with schools, universities and major employers. For more information, visit the BCS website.

Trainees who hold this scholarship will not be eligible for the standard TA bursary.

International

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year is £10,800.

Fees are billed annually and may be paid by the student or a sponsor. 75 percent of the annual tuition fees must be paid before or at registration. For students requiring a Tier 4 Student Visa, a deposit of £3,500 is expected as a minimum before a CAS (Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies) will be issued. For more information, visit our international student finance page.

Early payment discount

If you are paying your own fees, you may be eligible for an early payment discount of £1,000. This discount is awarded to students who pay in full before registration.

Additional financial support

Our money doctors will be on hand throughout the year to help you manage your money while you’re in the UK. However, if you do happen to run into financial difficulty during your time here, you may be able to access a small emergency support fund.

School Direct students

Salaried

If you have a salaried school direct place, you won't have to pay a penny; your host school will cover your tuition fees in full. You will not be eligible for any additional funding.

School direct salaries are set by the school and should be in line with unqualified teacher pay scales.

Non-salaried

The tuition fee for the 2013/14 academic year has been set at £9,000.

As a full-time student, you are entitled to a tuition fee loan which you only start to pay back when you are earning over £21,000 a year if you're from England or £15,795 if you're from Scotland. You may also be eligible for a maintenance loan (up to £5,500) and a maintenance grant (up to £3,354) if you're a UK student. For more information about student loans and grants, visit our student finance page.

Teaching Agency bursary

The Teaching Agency awards training bursaries based on subject and the classification of your first degree. For this course, you may be eligible for:

• £9,000 if you have a first class degree
• £4,000 if you have a 2.1

If you have exceptional subject knowledge from another career or postgraduate study (ie PhD or Masters), you may be eligible for a higher bursary than your degree classification would otherwise allow. Find out more about the TA discretionary bursary.

BCS Scholarship

BCS, The Chartered Institute for IT, has 50 teacher training scholarships worth £20,000 available to computer science trainees starting their teacher training in the 2013/14 academic year. The scholarship includes access to BCS membership and early career mentoring opportunities with schools, universities and major employers. For more information, visit the BCS website.

Trainees who hold this scholarship will not be eligible for the standard TA bursary.

More financial support

Access to financial support doesn’t end at registration. We have several support funds available to our current students, including:

• Access to Learning Fund
• Utilities trust

Apply Now

University-based
Visit the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR) to apply online.

School Direct
See the School Direct course list for application links.

Modules

• Meeting Young People’s Needs Within and Beyond the Curriculum
• Professional Skills, Knowledge and Practice
• Curriculum Development
• Classroom Research for Beginning Teachers

For detailed summary of all course content please read our programme specification for this course.

Course summary

You learn all the skills you need to teach computing effectively, from the basics of structuring and planning lessons through to developing personal skills and confidence. The course covers many other aspects of teaching, not only in university but also while you are on school placement.

You spend 12 weeks in university and 24 weeks in schools, where you can apply your new skills. During the school placements you work with experienced teachers, one of whom is your mentor responsible for your training in school and for assessment of your progress towards meeting the standards for qualified teacher status. Most placements are in Cumbria or Lancashire, but some may be available in London, Scotland, Northern Ireland or the Isle of Man.