The P.G.C.E. course is relevant to those who, after their first-degree studies, wish to pursue a teaching career. The P.G.C.E. enables holders to obtain a Teacherís Warrant and hence, to practice as a teacher in Malta. It provides intensive and professional preparation.

Admission Requirements The areas of specialisation offered are normally the subjects taught as curriculum subjects at secondary level, before the beginning of each Course. The areas of specialisation are offered depending on the availability of resources and the number of applicants who choose them.

The number of applicants that may be allowed to register for each area of study in the Course depends on the number of school placements available. The number of available places is announced at the time of the call of application.

If there are more eligible applicants than the number of places available, applicants are selected by means of an interview the purpose of which is to determine their relative aptitude to the chosen area of study.

Candidates may register for the course of studies leading to the degree of P.G.C.E. if they are in possession of:

1. (a) either an Honours degree, or an ordinary degree with at least Category II, in both cases with at least 30 credits in the area of specialisation chosen as the teaching area; and

(b) the European Computer Driving License; or

(c) other qualifications that the Board considers equivalent to sub-paragraphs (a) and (b) obtained from the University, or from an institution recognised by the Senate for the purpose.

2. Applicants must also satisfy the Board that they have the necessary aptitude and may be required to attend for an interview for this purpose. 3. In addition to the above-mentioned qualifications, applicants choosing the following areas of specialisation are also required to be in possession of credits in the areas of study indicated or in other areas of study as approved by the Board of Studies:

(a) for Business Studies: a minimum of 15 credits at first degree level in each of two of the following areas of study: Accountancy, Economics, Banking and Finance, and Management;

(b) for Computing and Information Technology: a minimum of 30 credits at first degree level in Computer Science Information Systems and Computer/Communications Engineering, which must include study-units in the following areas needed to teach the subject in secondary schools: Programming beyond an introductory level in Pascal, C or (C++) or Java, Computer Logic, Computer Architecture and Assembly Language Programming, Database Management Systems, Systems Analysis and Design, Data Structures and Algorithms, Compiling Techniques, and Operating Systems;

(c) for Personal and Social Education: a minimum of 15 credits at first degree level in Psychology, and a minimum of 15 credits at first degree level in either Philosophy or Sociology or Social Psychology or a combination of any two of these areas;

(d) for Science: a minimum of 15 credits at first degree level in each of two of the following areas of study: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Mathematics;

(e) for Social Studies: a first degree with a minimum of 30 credits in Sociology or Social Studies or in any other area considered to be related by the Board of Studies.

(f) for Technical Subjects: a first degree with a minimum of 30 credits in two of the following areas of study: Electrical Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical Engineering, or in any other area considered to be related by the Board of Studies.

Course Duration The course of studies leading to P.G.C.E. extends over a period of one year of full-time study.

Course Structure The course consists of the following components to which 30 credits are assigned:

(a) study-units to which 15 credits shall be assigned in the following areas of study:

- Foundation Studies in Education (including Educational Psychology, Philosophy of Education, Sociology of Education, and an Options Programme) - Pedagogy and Curriculum Studies - Resources and Information and Communication Technology in Education (RICTE);

(b) one credit each for four examination papers in: Educational Psychology, Philosophy of Education, Sociology of Education, and Pedagogy and Curriculum Studies;

(c) School Experience (2 credits) and Teaching Practice (5 credits);

and

(d) Long Essay or Project (4 credits).

The Board stipulates which subject in the Pedagogy and Curriculum Studies area of study and which study-units students take in order to complete the appropriate course programme. The study-units to be followed in each case are determined by the Board of Studies before the commencement of the Course.

School Experience Students are required to undertake three periods of School Experience throughout the Course in order to acquaint themselves with the world of the school and the classroom.

Teaching Practice Students are required to undertake two six-week periods of Teaching Practice in secondary schools throughout the Course in order to gain experience in the classroom.