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Higher education

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Original poster

TEACHING; What/who/where could I teach with my law degree?

26 replies

Washersaurus · 08/01/2009 23:19

Or is it as good as useless when it comes to enrolling on a teaching course?

Am I only good for FE teaching?

OP posts:
TWINSETinapeartree · 08/01/2009 23:20

Some schools do A level law so they make take you on to do that with another subject to offer lower down in school.

stillenacht · 08/01/2009 23:21

I bet a secondary school would get you teaching English and/or history too

Original poster
Washersaurus · 08/01/2009 23:36

But how do I actually get QTS? I can't find any post-grad courses that cover law - is it accepted to teach other subjects?

I am finding it all very confusing. So far my only real option seems to be to obtain a level 3 English/Communication qualification and enrol on a course designed for those wishing to teach Literacy or Numeracy; apparently it will allow me to teach in my degree subject too.

OP posts:
Niecie · 08/01/2009 23:46

I have a similar question as I have a degree in law and economics, a post-grad conversion in psychology and half a psych MSc. I don't even have core subject A levels.

I saw a notice today on the OU website about a scheme where you can try out being a secondary school teacher for 2 weeks (and get paid!) to see if you like it. I don't have any of the subjects on their list but I would like to teach psychology. I have sent an email asking for advice on whether there is anyway I would be eligible.

I'll let you know if I get a reply and what it says if I get it before this thread disappears in the mists of time.

Hopefully somebody else will come along before then who know about it.

This is the scheme. It does seem to suggest it isn't just the OU that are doing it. There are also links to teaching websites on the FAQ page if you are interested.

TheFallenMadonna · 08/01/2009 23:53

Niecie, in my school there is a bloke with a psych degree who teaches Psych and Maths. He trained in Maths.

Niecie · 08/01/2009 23:58

That does seem to be the way - find a subject you some qualification in, even if it isn't your main one, to get on the training and then teach your chosen subject afterwards. Sadly, I am up to teaching maths.

What A levels do you have Washersaurus? Is there a way in for you there?

Niecie · 08/01/2009 23:58

Gah - I am not up to teaching maths!

TheFallenMadonna · 09/01/2009 00:00

I think you have to demonstrate the relevance of your degree to the subject you're teaching. I know I did, many years ago. Going back to A levels may not help.

TWINSETinapeartree · 09/01/2009 20:39

I was chatting to our student teachers today and not all of them are teaching their degree subjects. Our Geography student had a degree in Psychology, I think if you can get a teaching post someone with a psychology degree is very attractive due to the growth of psychology as an a level subject.

Original poster
Washersaurus · 09/01/2009 20:55

Umm I don't have any A-levels; I didn't take a traditional education route . I have an NVQ3 in Administration and other vocational quals. I studied law in the evenings at the local college (where I worked); they run law courses on behalf of another university.

OP posts:
Niecie · 09/01/2009 23:49

Don't be you have a law degree!!!

Any chance of getting a teaching job in the college you got your degree from?

Twinset - how did they get to be training for the subjects they are if they have different degrees?

TWINSETinapeartree · 09/01/2009 23:51

I am not sure, I didnt ask, I imagine they have an A Level maybe?

Our PGCE student ( teaching RS) has a philosophy degree and masters but there are clear links with teaching RE.

happilyconfused · 10/01/2009 16:40

In order to achieve QTS you have to pass three online tests in Maths, English and ICT. You have to book these at a certified test centre. These tests have to be taken regardless of your route into teaching, so just have GCSEs or whatever in Maths & English is not suffice. There is more info on these on the teacher training website.

Original poster
Washersaurus · 10/01/2009 22:45

Ahh, I know what I need to do now; I need to find a training course for the new 14-19 Diploma (which includes law (and psychology, Neicie)........or resign myself to doing the Cert Ed for Literacy/Numeracy, and teach FE

OP posts:
stillenacht · 10/01/2009 22:50

Look i have a music degree and have taught MFL (at secondary level - ok i have a levels and did a bit in my degree in one of them - not he one i taught tho)

DH also music degree and has taught History (he doesn't even have a GCSE in it!), Geography (he does have a GCSE in it!), RE (yup no GCSE again!)

Original poster
Washersaurus · 10/01/2009 23:22

But, I'm confused, HOW on earth do you actually get on a training course? They all ask for a degree in a relevant subject.....Did you train to teach music?

OP posts:
stillenacht · 10/01/2009 23:24

yes i did my PGCE secondary music straight after my degree.

I am a music teacher really but because of curriculum issues and staffing issues a lot of teachers get asked to do second subjects (or third or fourth) God - training in any of these??Nah just handed text book and stay one page ahead!

stillenacht · 10/01/2009 23:25

As long as you could link some of your law dgree modules to a subject/subjects relevant to a curriculum area you prob won't have a prob getting on a secondary course (maybe different for primary tho)

Original poster
Washersaurus · 10/01/2009 23:35

I'm more worried about the Maths equivalency tests now!! I have passed one but it seems a lot of places don't accept it as it isn't as broad as a GCSE qualification - my GCSE Maths was a grade D.

I think I will go for it and apply for a place on the new 14-19 diploma PGCE

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harpsichordcarrier · 10/01/2009 23:39

hey Washersaurus hope you are still around
I have a law degree and I am currently part way through a Secondary PGCE English course and loving it, and in fact was offered a job on my first placement!
there are two other trainees with law degrees on my course.
I applied direct to the Course Leader and asked whether he would take me on, made my case about my ability to teach English.
I think, on reflection, I could probably have been accepted for History too, but better job prospects in English tbh.
Also, have you considered Citizenship?

Original poster
Washersaurus · 10/01/2009 23:50

Oooh good to hear from you. Do you have English A-Level though? I think my lack of A-level may hinder me. The application process doesn't seem very flexible (to cater for people like me who worked and then studied later on)

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Original poster
Washersaurus · 10/01/2009 23:51

I did consider citizenship but, again, it doesn't seem to come up on the course searches....

OP posts:
harpsichordcarrier · 10/01/2009 23:56

yes, I have English A Level.
have you considered becoming a TA and taking some Degree level courses in yor chosen subject?
also, have you considered teaching Law to professionals? e.g. accountants, surveyors etc

Original poster
Washersaurus · 11/01/2009 00:00

Hmm, sounds terrible, but I couldn't afford to be a TA!!

If I can't get myself accepted onto a PGCE course, then I will apply to do the Cert Ed course in order to teach FE. I would be able to teach law that way

OP posts:
happilyconfused · 11/01/2009 23:06

My local FE college took on someone when I was there to teach law - she had a law degree and studied for the Cert Ed (FE) on a part-time basis. Approach your local FE they are always on the look on for sessional-staff.