PGCE Secondary Physics with QTS

Degree

You will normally have a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Your degree needs to support the subject knowledge requirements of the national curriculum for physics. For exceptional candidates, particularly those with substantial relevant work experience in schools or relevant occupations, we will consider applications from those who hold a 3rd class degree.

GCSEs
You will also need GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English language and mathematics. However, you may be able to apply with GCSEs pending for this course as we can offer Manchester Met GCSE equivalency tests. This will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor, and only offered if considered appropriate after interview.

We do not accept the following qualifications as equivalent to GCSE: adult numeracy and literacy, functional skills or key skills.

You can apply with GCSEs pending for this course and in exceptional circumstances Manchester Met GCSE equivalency tests may be offered. This will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor and will only be offered if considered appropriate after interview.

Experience in educational settings

Successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a secondary school setting. 

You may wish to evidence your understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools or other learning settings. You will need to demonstrate knowledge of physics in the science curriculum. As a science teacher you will also have some capability of biology and chemistry.

Other requirements

A Disclosure and Barring Service Check and DfE Fitness to Teach test are also required.

Overseas

Overseas candidates should have Cambridge Proficiency in English or IELTS Band 7 with no less than 6.0 in any element.

Personal Statement

This plays an important role in the admissions process and successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a secondary school setting. Candidates may wish to evidence their understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools or other learning settings.

Interview

You will be expected to attend an interview as part of the application process. Full details of your interview will be provided by email once your initial application has been approved.

Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach the secondary school science curriculum for the 11-16 age range (all three sciences) and Physics to AS/A-level.

Science is crucial to the development and future prospects of children. Becoming a teacher is exciting and transformative. You can inspire the next generation of scientists and ensure all children value their science education. Developing scientific skills, curiosity and literacy enables children to understand the world around them so they can make informed decisions about their lives and have a say in society.

University sessions are led by specialist tutors and supported by excellent technicians. You will explore theory-informed, up-to-date and practical teaching practices in our school-styled laboratories. You will learn how to plan, assess, reflect on and use research to continually improve your practice in a supportive environment. You’ll also develop your teacher persona, ability to manage behaviour for learning and support children’s wellbeing.

Some sessions are specific to Physics but the majority occur in mixed specialism groups. Just like science departments in schools, we explore the connections across the sciences and share expertise.

There will also be guest sessions with alumni and experts from a variety of organisations. Past sessions include speakers from the National Space Centre, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS). The course is taught by highly experienced, research active, subject experts who have all been practising teachers. The team and students are supported by an excellent team of science technicians.

This course is available via University-led and School Direct routes.