Secondary Biology

Entry requirements

For this course, you need an Honours Degree with a 2:2 classification in a biological science with at least half of the content related to Biology and a GCSE grade C/4 or above in both English Language and Mathematics, we also expect you to be confident in technology.

Applicants will be expected to teach Biology across all relevant key stages as well as Chemistry and Physics at KS3 and possibly KS4, so an additional qualification in one or both of these subjects is highly desirable.

After you apply, we’ll arrange a selection interview. During the interview process we will assess your subject knowledge and personal qualities, such as communication skills, resilience for teaching, and how easy you’ll find it to relate to secondary age students.

If you accept a formal offer, you’ll need to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and you’ll need clearance to work with children (Enhanced DBS).

Months of entry

September

Course content

Science is everywhere in our lives. It’s also helped humans achieve more than we ever thought possible – from walking on the moon to conquering disease. That journey starts with science education, where pupils develop their curiosity and explore the world around them. Our Secondary Biology PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) will equip you with strategies to become a confident and successful science teacher across KS3 and KS4.

You’ll look at how to help pupils understand the bigger biological picture. It will include developing their knowledge of humans, animals and plants, along with the interaction between humanity and the planet.

Although you will specialise in biology, the training also covers chemistry and physics. It means you can become a fully rounded science teacher.

You’ll spend time in local schools, plan engaging lessons, cover behaviour management techniques and discover how pupils learn. On campus, we’ll help you reflect on your teaching from a subject-specific perspective and give you one-to-one support.

But you’ll get far more than just a teacher training qualification with us. As part of our Institute of Education, you’ll have access to the latest research on what works in the classroom and other evidence-based approaches.

On the PGCE, you can see practical sessions in action at our £30m Science Centre. You’ll also take part in field trips to explore ecology and do other innovative practical work.

And there will be plenty of hands-on experience on placement too.

From getting the most out of your induction to tips on teaching your first lesson, your personal tutor will be there to support you every step of the way. We have also developed a close partnership with school-based mentors for your placements.

And you’ll be able to draw on a wide range of other expertise, including science experts at a local college and the North Midlands Science Learning Partnership.

After you pass your PGCE, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). But the support doesn’t stop there - we’ll even offer you a mock interview in a school to prepare you for job applications.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: PGCE Secondary Biology.

Work placements

At Staffordshire University, we have partner schools in the Midlands and North West. As well as close links with those in Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire and Cheshire, we work with schools in Derbyshire, Shropshire and Birmingham.

We will always aim to arrange placements within 40 minutes of where you live.