Overview
- Degree awarded
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
- Duration
- 1 year
- Entry requirements
-
- 2:2 honours degree or above in economics or a related subject, with a minimum of 50% content directly related to economics
- A total of 104 UCAS points with A Level/BTEC including B in Economics. A qualification in Busines s is beneficial. C in Economics can be considered if you have further study in Economics or can demonstrate extensive relevant experience.
- Minimum grade C or 4 at GCSE (or equivalent) in English language and mathematics.
- How to apply
-
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 4: Quality education
Course options
| Full-time | Part-time | Full-time distance learning | Part-time distance learning | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PGCE | Y | N | N | N |
Course overview
It's a real pleasure leading the PGCE Economics and Business Education courses at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, working with a set of colleagues with a broad range of expertise.
Teaching is the best job in the world: helping train new teachers provides a great sense of pride and inspiration especially when I visit schools and colleges, observing them teach. Our employment rates are very high and a number of our recent PGCE graduates are now mentors on the programme and run sessions on the course.
Bob Hindle / Subject Lead, PGCE Secondary Economics and Business Education
Train to teach Economics and Business Education across the 14 to 19 age range.
- Gain a PGCE and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status, preparing you for a career as a secondary school teacher.
- Study at Manchester and benefit from extensive classroom experience with support from subject-specialist University tutors and school-based mentors.
- Develop your teaching style through training that helps you connect subject knowledge with classroom practice.
- Study Education at a university ranked in the top ten in the UK for Education (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026).
Our students. Real experiences. Visit the page to hear from our students as they share what it’s really like to study here.
Open days
If you’re considering studying Teacher Training at Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, there are a range of ways you can connect with us to find out more, such as:
- Live virtual events hosted by PGCE academic staff
- Get Into Teaching events
- Guided campus visits
Please see our for available dates. The form will be updated regularly throughout the cycle with the event schedule. For more information on guided campus visits, please visit our meet us page.
The University holds regular events throughout the year, including webinars and the annual on-campus Master’s Expo, all of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.
We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year.
For more details on how you can meet us, visit out events page: /study/masters/meet-us/
Fees
Fees for entry in 2027 have not yet been set. For reference, the fees for the academic year beginning September 2026 were as follows:
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PGCE (full-time)
UK students (per annum): £9,790
International, including EU, students (per annum): £24,700
The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.
For general fees information, please visit
Additional expenses
Travelling to placement will incur additional costs for trainees. Significant effort is made to place trainees so as to minimise these costs.
In addition, travel bursary payments covering part of the cost are available to all trainees who do not have a government bursary.
Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.
- Learn more about - student finance options for UK students .
- Learn more about - fees and finance for international students .
- Graduates of Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ and Manchester Metropolitan University can receive a 10% discount on their master's degree tuition fees as part of our Manchester Alumni Loyalty Discount scheme.
There are three types of Government funding available for teacher training:
- tax-free bursary or scholarship;
- tuition fee loan and maintenance loan;
- extra financial support if you're a parent, or have an adult dependant or a disability.
Depending on your circumstances you could receive all three. Find out more at the

UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At Ä¢¹½ÊÓÆµ, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

Goal 4: Quality education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- Contact name
- Recruitment and Admissions Team
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 306 0970
- pgce@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
Academic entry qualification overview
- 2:2 honours degree or above in economics or a related subject, with a minimum of 50% content directly related to economics
- A total of 104 UCAS points with A Level/BTEC including B in Economics. A qualification in Busines s is beneficial. C in Economics can be considered if you have further study in Economics or can demonstrate extensive relevant experience.
- Minimum grade C or 4 at GCSE (or equivalent) in English language and mathematics.
English language
In addition to a grade C at GCSE in English Language, applicants whose first language is not English are required to meet the following language requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing, no sub-section below 6.0, or
- TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in writing and 20 in the other sub-sections (Old version) or 4.5 overall, 4.5 in writing and 4.0 in other components (new version)
- Pearson PTE overall score of 70 with a minimum score of 70 in writing and 64 in the other sub-sections, or
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169
IMPORTANT NOTE: We cannot accept Home/ Online versions of English tests, such as IELTS Online or TOEFL Home Edition.
English language test validity
Relevant work experience
Professional entry qualification
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
You must apply through .
Applications or CVs sent directly to the University will not be considered.
You must submit the following with your completed application form:
- contact details for two referees who can provide a written reference supporting your suitability for teaching
-
a personal statement which should be between 500-1000 words in length in a good standard of written English. Here are some examples you could write about (they are just a guide, you do not need to write about all of them):
- skills you have that are relevant to teaching
- any experience of working with young people
- for secondary teacher training: your interest in the subject you want to teach
- your understanding of why teaching is important
- your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher
- any activities you’ve done that could be relevant to teaching like first aid courses, sports coaching or volunteering
We recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able to, once applications open. It is possible that we may need further evidence of qualifications in order to make a decision on your application, so please ensure that all relevant documents are available on request.
Before submitting your DfE application, please make sure that the information you enter regarding your qualifications is correct and accurate. We have the right to cancel your application if we determine (having carried out any necessary checks), or have reasonable belief, that your application contains false information. If you have any reason to believe that the information we hold about you is untrue, incomplete or inaccurate, you must tell us immediately.
Interview requirements
Interview requirements
Your application will be assessed by our admissions team and if successful, we will invite you to an online interview. All universities interview candidates for PGCE courses. The interview process includes the following: i
- Identity and qualification checks - please have available photographic ID (such as your passport or driving licence)
- an introduction from University lecturers
- a personal interview with one of our tutors and possibly a representative from our school partnership
- You may be asked to prepare short presentation or plan a teaching episode. Details of will be given when you are invited for interview.
Maths and English skills
You will need to demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge and skills in Maths and English by the end of the programme.
Fitness to practise / health requirements
If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with a confidential health screening check as advised by the Department for Education.
We ask that you return this as quickly as possible. Health screening will be undertaken by the Student Occupational Health Service, who will advise on any follow-up vaccinations or other intervention which may be indicated.
Disclosure and Barring Service check
If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service as advised by the Department for Education. You must also meet the University's suitability requirements for the safeguarding of children.
Aptitude test requirement
Fitness to practise / health requirements
If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with a confidential health screening check as advised by the Department for Education.Â
Health screening will be undertaken by the Student Occupational Health Service, who will advise on any follow-up vaccinations or other intervention which may be indicated.
Disclosure and Barring Service check
If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service as advised by the Department for Education.
You must also meet the University's suitability requirements for the safeguarding of children.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.Â
In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
Course details
Course description
Develop the knowledge, skills and classroom experience to teach secondary Economics and Business Education.
Our PGCE Secondary Economics and Business Education course prepares you to teach Economics and Business Education across the 14 to 19 age range.
The course is designed to help you teach the National Curriculum, including GCSE and A-level. Successful completion leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
University-based sessions give you space to reflect on teaching methods, develop your teaching style and engage critically with curriculum and classroom practice.
You will learn with subject-specialist University tutors who have expertise as teachers and examiners, alongside experienced teachers from our partnership schools. Subject mentors will help you develop your subject knowledge and teaching approaches.
This combination of university and school-based training helps you connect subject knowledge, educational theory and practical classroom teaching.
Aims
You will:
- develop a critical awareness of lesson and curriculum planning, spending time on each with school-based mentors and University tutors;
- develop skills and knowledge in inclusive Economics and Business teaching;
- develop pedagogy and gain an understanding of a range of different teaching strategies in the Economics and Business classroom;
- develop subject and curriculum knowledge for KS4 and KS5 Economics and Business teaching.
Special features
- We have links with more than 200 schools, academies and colleges, and you will benefit from significant school-based teaching experience.
- Our leading experts in education have trained more than 5,000 teachers in the last 15 years.
- Our students come from all over the globe and a variety of backgrounds - from recent graduates to mature learners.
- Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education by helping to expand access to high-quality learning and inspire future generations.
Teaching and learning
Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements
The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.
The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. SEED will consider:
- changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
- a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
- changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
- changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
- the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
- the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
- where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
- where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.
We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.
The duty of students
Preparation, attendance and conduct
Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.
Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.
Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.
Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or due to poor conduct, a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged.
The University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.
Coursework and assessment
Our school and University experiences are formally assessed. Both your mentors and tutors will help you to record your achievements and set targets from week to week and from placement to placement.Â
During each placement, a University tutor will observe you teach and discuss your progress with you and your mentor.Â
At the end of each school experience, you will receive a progress report from your mentor. The report will provide clear feedback and targets in the following areas:Â
- subject and curriculum knowledge;
- planning and teaching;
- assessment;
- wider professional responsibilities. Â
These reports, together with your record of achievement and development, facilitate your progression as a teacher.Â
The written assignments will allow you to gain a maximum of 60 master's-level credits, and guidance and support to complete these assignments will be available from your University tutors.
What our students say
Find out more about Yaseen and Harvey's experiences on recent PGCE Economics and Business courses in their student profiles:Â Â
Facilities
The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE), with most PGCE University days based in the University's Ellen Wilkinson building, on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Students Union.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
This PGCE gives you a large amount of first-hand classroom experience which is probably the best way to set you up for your full-time role once qualified.
The course has allowed me to make a smooth transition from trainee to qualified. As a cohort, we developed a strong bond with one another that has continued beyond the course. We have been able to support and learn from one another over the year.
Harvey Williams / PGCE Graduate and teacher of Economics and Business Studies
Career opportunities
Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a qualified teacher. This course is suited to graduates who want to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and teach Economics and Business Education in secondary schools. QTS is needed to teach in state-maintained or special schools in England and Wales.
The PGCE also gives you a postgraduate qualification and can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master's degree if you choose to continue your professional development in Education.
Careers support
As a PGCE Secondary Economics and Business Education student, you will be supported to prepare for your next steps in teaching and education. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University's dedicated .
As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.
