The Cardiff Met PGCE History programme offers excellent research informed training and support that will prepare you with the skills needed to teach this relevant and sometimes controversial subject. The course explores current debates and research in history education to support you in our outstanding Cardiff Partnership school placements in and around south Wales. Links are made across the Humanities Area of Learning Experience and with other secondary subject areas.

Key Information

Available to study in English and Welsh

1 year full-time

For entry requirements, pre-entry tests and how to apply, visit the PGCE Secondary course page.

About PGCE History

The programme covers all aspects of history teaching and learning within the Curriculum for Wales guidance with an emphasis on an active approach using practical activities and strategies for use in the classroom. Key features include a focus on the use of primary sources and effective planning for the whole ability range to ensure that all pupils make progress. You will develop the skills and subject knowledge necessary to successfully deliver and assess the curriculum for students up to and including GCSE and A level.

Working with our Cardiff Partnership schools requires excellent subject knowledge, a passion for the subject and a deep understanding of the pedagogies that allow you to become an excellent practitioner. You will be a positive role model and support learners to develop an appreciation of history as an academic subject.

Reputation & Teaching Excellence

The PGCE History programme is highly regarded by schools, leaders and teachers in Wales, nationally and internationally. University sessions are exciting, thought-provoking, collaborative, and challenging. Educational research is an integral part of the programme together with practical experience and support from your subject tutor and subject mentor. The subject tutor has taught in a variety of different schools, in several different roles including as Head of History for over 25 years. Many of the subject mentors are alumni members of the PGCE History course able to share their experience and expertise.

Employability & Careers

Career prospects of history teachers graduating from the Cardiff Partnership is extremely positive. Most PGCE History graduates secure full-time work immediately after completing the PGCE programme and many continue to quickly progress into positions of responsibility. The demand for Welsh-medium History teachers is particularly high, with several student teachers often offered their choice of roles across multiple schools in Wales.

What’s the best way to prepare for studying a PGCE in History?

Develop and refine your subject knowledge and your teaching philosophy. Think carefully about why you want to teach the subject and the relevance of history to twenty first century schools. Should we be teaching history from above or below? How can we ensure the subject is diverse and inclusive? Can lessons from the past inform the future? These are all questions you will need to consider in your journey to becoming an excellent teacher!

Contact Us

For further information about the programme please contact Mark Williams, PGCE Secondary History Programme Leader at mpwilliams2@cardiffmet.ac.uk.