Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Engineers Teach Physics
Entry requirements
We expect candidates for the Secondary PGCE (QTS) to be able to demonstrate the academic quality to teach the subject that they will be training to teach. This will include a strong academic record at A level or equivalent in relevant subjects. In all cases we will be looking at the relevance of your degree, other qualifications and experiences related to your proposed teaching subject in assessing academic suitability.
All applicants to the Secondary PGDipEd (QTS) Physics (Engineers Teach Physics) course must hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification in engineering or material science. This will normally be a minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent qualification and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded. You also need two science A Levels (or equivalent), normally including one in Physics. You must also have GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications which will be a condition of any offer, if not already achieved. Equivalency tests will be accepted but only from equivalency testing.
If you have any questions about entry requirements, please contact us on ITEadmissions@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
You must also:
- complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place.
- complete relevant checks to ensure you have the health and physical capacity to teach.
- agree to abide by the University of Birmingham Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Inspire the next generation of engineers and physicists by training as a teacher. This specialised programme is specifically for engineers who want to use their skills in the classroom
Are you a recent engineering graduate or considering a change of career? On this tailored training programme which delivers specific subject knowledge and curriculum knowledge, you will develop the skills you need in order to teach physics in secondary schools. The University of Birmingham is running this programme as part of a national project to encourage more engineers to consider teaching secondary physics.
Our programme, which offers high quality training and support, will prepare you to teach in the 11-18 age range. You will be challenged to develop informed and justified decisions about how you approach your teaching, in order to enable you to continue to develop over your career.
You will benefit from our unique collaboration with University of Birmingham School as well as a wide range of partner schools, including mixed comprehensive, single sex, religious and selective schools and sixth form colleges. The diverse communities we serve will enrich your experience as a specialist physics tutor
You may be eligible for bursaries of up to £28,000 (depending on qualifications) in line with the government’s priority to attract more well qualified Physics teachers or a scholarships of £30,000 in lieu of a bursary. (For 2024 entry)
On successful completion of your Physics: Engineering PGCE, you may return to study with us on a part-time basis to complete your Masters in Teaching Studies.
The School of Education at the University of Birmingham has a long tradition of delivering teacher training courses. Its teaching has been graded as 'outstanding' three times by Ofsted inspectors which affirms the University’s status as one of the UK’s leading institutions for excellence in teacher training.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- PGCE(QTS)
- full time9 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Admissions
- ITEadmissions@contacts.bham.ac.uk