You will study ten modules: six are spent in schools in a programme that gives you an opportunity to gain an advanced understanding of secondary schools and skills in classroom management and lesson delivery. During the year you will gain experience of teaching in at least two secondary schools and will acquire high level skills in the application of new technologies in teaching and learning.

A key feature of the course is the ‘Special Focus Weeks’ where you can, as a citizenship cohort, spend time in an Educational Behavioural Disorders (EBD), primary school or a school with children who have English as an additional language (EAL).

The Citizenship Programme
The focus will be upon the teaching and development of the citizenship curriculum. Key topics for study will include:

• Democracy and Justice
• Rights and Responsibilities
• Identities and Diversity – living together in the UK.

These areas will enable you to make sense of the world today through a study of:

• Political and Human Rights
• The Law and the Justice System
• Parliamentary Democracy and Government
• Freedom of Speech and Diversity of Views
• Decisions Affecting Community and the Environment
• Public Services and the Voluntary Sector
• Issues Surrounding Economic Decisions and How Public Money is Spent
• The Changing Nature of a Diverse UK
• Migration
• The EU, Commonwealth, UN and the World as a Global Community. 

Special Features
Due to the nature of this ever evolving subject, you will be provided with opportunities to engage in a range of visits, conferences, experiences and working parties. These may include:

• Overseas study visit to The Gambia
• Visits to local and European Parliament (Brussels)
• Visit to the Houses of Parliament
• Visits to Magistrates and Crown Courts
• Opportunities to build relationships with external agencies supporting citizenship education
• Exploration of diversity in our local area and local places of worship.

School Experience
All of our students complete placements in secondary schools – usually in the West Midlands area. You will benefit from Newman’s excellent partnerships with Birmingham schools, providing you with support and encouragement from colleagues in the field.

Teaching Methods and Assessment
Our lecturers and visiting teachers use a variety of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops and special projects. Assessment is through coursework, presentations, project work and practical teaching ability.

"…it is a pleasure to record how happy the students were with the structure and content of the course. The themed weeks and the opportunity to travel to The Gambia are welcomed by students."
External Examiner