How do I go back to English?

Question

I recently decided I want to teach English at GCSE level. The only (big) problem is that I'm in the second year of a Sociology degree. Although I don't think it's quite as worthless as some of the people who have posted answers on previous questions do, I'm quite aware that it's going to pose a problem.
I took it because I enjoyed it at A-Level and everyone said how it leads to just about everything (lies) and now I'm a bit stuck because English is the subject I always enjoyed and was good at but it's a bit late to change my degree now...
I did English Lit at A-Level if that helps...??

Answer 1

If you finish your sociology degree you can then do a PGCE in English and qualify that way. A quick internet search brought up this site but I'm sure there are many more:

http://courses.wlv.ac.uk/Course.asp?id=11607&type=1

Answer 2

Most PGCE courses need you to have a degree in the subject you want to teach, especially for Secondary schools.

So, if you're enjoying your Sociology degree, complete it, then look for unis that run a PGCE conversion course in English. This will be a two year course, and the first year will be spent building up your subject knowledge in English. The second year will be the usual PGCE course with school placements etc.

However, if you're very unhappy doing sociology, you may be able to withdraw and restart on an English degree instead (though you may not be able to get funding for more than 3 year's study in total). Your tutors and the Student Programmes/Registry department will be able to advise you.

Answer 3

Fidget is right -all you need to teach a subject are:
a degree
the relevant A-level
a PGCE

Go to the Graduate Teacher Training Registry at www.gttr.ac.uk and it'll tell you all you need to know about applyign for next year. However, if you are serious about teaching it, get some quality time in with kids - the uni that takes you on for the PGCE will want proof that you're serious and know what you're letting yourself in for.

Good luck!