UK: How can I become a teacher in a subject I did not study at undergrad level?

Question

I studied archaeology, but have had a change of heart and would like to teach English at A-level (secondary school).

As I now work 9-5, are there any part-time or evening classes which might help, as opposed to going back to University? Thanks!

Answer 1

It is possible to gain PGCEs and University teaching certificates in different subjects. My degree was in Geology and Environmental Science. I took a PGCE in Adult and Further education, Teaching certificates in Science and Astrophysics, and now I teach IT! I took all the teaching qualifications part time.

Answer 2

You could well need to do a 1 year conversion/foundation type course before you could start on a PGCE - I know when I enquired about training as a biology teacher (I have an A at A level and my undergrad degree was in psych and human bio) I was told I'd need to do that.

Obviously YMMV with different subjects and what have you - I'd recommend contacting the TDA, check out their website or call them and they should be able to provide you with exactly the answers you need.

http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit.aspx

Answer 3

Did you study it at A Level? That would be a start. There are some (very few) PGCE courses that train you to teach other subjects and the OU do courses that might help.

One thing you could try is training in History / humanities and applying for English teaching posts.

Finally get a uni to look at the content of your degree to see if you have anything close to English such as linguistics in your degree. They can then take the content of your degree rather than the title as a basis for entry.

Answer 4

It's quite hard to do without getting a qualification in the subject you want to teach, unless they are very similar subjects.

Your best bet might be to do a masters degree in something that combines history and literature - Viking sagas for example, then having a go at a PGCE in English Lit.

FE colleges tend to be less stuffy about it - but it's hard to get a foot in the door.  If you do an adult education teaching qualification, it tends to be a bit more flexible, but you'll struggle to find work teaching at secondary schools.