Whilst studying an Art & Design Secondary PGCE at Cardiff Met, our programme will encourage you to link practice to theory so that you will have the tools you need to become a dynamic and highly skilled teaching professional that places creativity at the heart of art education.

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 Art & Design

Throughout the course you will have access to dedicated art, design and technology spaces that are well equipped with state-of-the-art resources. These enable you to nurture, and share, your own creative practice and subject knowledge in a wide range of practical areas including digital media, creative textiles, ceramics, 3D construction, drawing, painting, print, glass and so much more.

This master’s level course will give you the skills to think deeply and critically evaluate the purpose and ways in which to design and implement an inclusive, innovative arts education.

Reputation & Teaching Excellence

Throughout your PGCE there will be numerous opportunities to work with contemporary artists, museums, galleries and cultural organisations. As part of the course there will be an opportunity to choose your own enrichment placement, during this time you may wish to experience an alternative educational setting, for example, a museum or gallery, a primary school or specialist ALN school.

We work very closely with both primary and secondary Cardiff Partnership schools throughout South Wales and beyond throughout the academic year. Our partnership of specialist and experienced university tutors, school-based mentors, technicians are here to support you as you develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to enrich the lives of those you teach.

Employability & Careers

The PGCE Art & Design aims to prepare student teachers to be highly skilled, confident, critically reflective, and innovative practitioners who are committed to life-long professional learning and the education of young people. Career prospects following successful completion of the programme at Cardiff Partnership is extremely positive. Most graduates secure offers of full-time work immediately after completing the PGCE programme and many continue to quickly progress into positions of responsibility. The demand for Welsh-medium Art & Design teachers is particularly high.

What’s the best way to prepare for studying a PGCE in Art & Design?

Develop and refine your subject knowledge and your teaching philosophy. Think carefully about why you want to teach the subject and the relevance of Art & Design to twenty-first century schools. Research the recent changes to the subject in Wales including reading the relevant sections of AoLE curriculum guidance on the Hwb website. Explore the WJEC GCSE and A Level specifications, past papers and Examiners’ reports.

“Teaching has always been a career choice I’ve been interested in since I was young. Cardiff Met was my first choice, not only for location purposes (as I already lived in Cardiff) but from the outstanding reputation it held from previous students who completed their PGCE there. Having the experience to teach both virtually and face-face has provided me to see pupil progression and to build relationships with both colleagues and students. Being able to be a part of the pupils learning journey, has given me the confidence I need to challenge myself to become the best teacher I can be. I feel equipped and confident to take the skills I have learnt throughout my PGCE year with me to my teaching career in Kuwait.”

Maia White, PGCE Secondary (Art & Design)

Read More

Take a virtual tour of our Art & Design facilities at the Cyncoed campus.

Our spacious practical facilities are used for art, computing and design-based teaching on a range of PGCE and BA Education Courses. These facilities include an Art and Design Studio, Kiln room, Textiles space, Computing and ICT Studio, D&T workshops and 3D Printing Lab. They are intended to replicate well-equipped art and design spaces that give student teachers opportunities to develop vital skills that will support them in demonstrating and facilitating practical activities for themselves in school settings.

One of the highlights of our year is the Creative Exhibition hosted by the Cardiff School of Art & Design (CSAD) in collaboration with the School of Education & Social Policy. This takes place from the middle of June every year and primary and secondary schools are invited to display pupil work from any creative discipline in the public galleries at the university. It is a fantastic opportunity for friends, families, educators and other external agencies to come together celebrate the wonderful work that goes on in schools.

Contact Us

For further information about the programme please contact Eve Oliver, PGCE Secondary Art & Design Programme Leader at eeoliver@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

To learn more about PGCE student experiences, follow us on Twitter at @CSECardiffMet and @ITECardiffMet