Entry requirements

You will need to have a good degree (minimum 2:2 but 2:1 or 1st preferred) from a UK higher education institution or equivalent at least 50 per cent of which is in chemistry.

You must have a GCSE grade C or above (or equivalent) in both English language and mathematics prior to enrolment and if you are offered an interview you will take a written test to assess your standard of English.

If you do not already have GCSEs in English language and mathematics, or their equivalent, and are not registered to take them, you should visit Equivalency Testing.

It should be noted that applicants taking the equivalency tests need to have passed prior to enrolment.

For entry onto a teaching course from September 2014 you will also be required to pass the Skills Tests in Literacy and Numeracy. Please visit the DfE website for further information.

Pre-Interview School Experience

For secondary teacher training there is an expectation that you will have had some general experience of working with secondary age students in a school setting.

In preparation for the selection interview stage of the recruitment process you are required to engage in a teaching episode, observed by an experienced qualified teacher.

It will support your application to undertake this teaching episode prior to enrolment and in advance of your interview.

Selection Interview

The selection interview will assess your subject knowledge and personal qualities such as the potential to relate well to secondary age students, enthusiasm, sensitivity, communication skills and robustness and resilience for teaching.

You will also take a written test to assess your standard of English.

Applicants must meet The National College for Teaching and Leadership requirements for Initial Teacher Training, which means being medically fit and successfully completing an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Months of entry

September

Course content

There is a national shortage of science teachers, and chemistry teachers in particular, but we are helping to produce teachers of excellence who can inspire young people in the classroom. We believe science is an exciting subject and the PGCE Secondary Education: Science with Chemistry course at Birmingham City University enables graduates to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to teach successfully, as well as explore the knowledge, skills and understanding young people need as part of their science education. As well as taking advantage of the superb facilities at the faculty, which includes top-of-the-range ICT provision, trainees have access to school-based facilities, enabling them to train in the environment in which they will be working.

All students are guaranteed outstanding support from both their tutors at the University – all of whom have been exceptional classroom teachers themselves – and from the partnership secondary schools, of which there are more than 200 across the Midlands. Two thirds of the course takes place in school and we ensure that students are offered a number of placements in a wide range of educational establishments – at least two different schools, plus visits to other schools, including a primary school – so valuable experience is gained in a variety of settings. Students will have both serial and block placements and will be assigned a trained mentor, who will support and guide students’ work, as well as provide training and feedback.

Information for international students

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.

Fees and funding

Although this is a postgraduate course, current PGCE students are eligible for the finance support package available to full-time undergraduates.

The National College for Teaching and Leadership bursaries are available for trainees on eligible postgraduate courses in England who are not employed as a teacher. Bursary amounts will vary depending on teaching subject and degree class.

Qualification and course duration

PGCE(QTS)

full time

12 months

Course contact details

Name: Pre-entry Enquiries Team
Email: courseenquiries@bcu.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)121 331 5595

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