Taught course

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Science: Biology

Institution
University of Birmingham · School of Education
Qualifications
PGCE(QTS)

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, along with a strong degree (usually a minimum of 2:2) relevant to the subject taught. 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. 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.

All applicants to the Secondary PGCE (QTS) Biology programme must hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification. Your degree should have at least 50% Biology related to the National Curriculum. You should also have two science A Levels (or equivalent) including Biology.

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

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Science: Biology) leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our programme, which offers high quality training and support, will prepare you to teach in the 11-18 age range and is run in close partnership with schools.

On the Biology Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education course 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. The School of Education benefits 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 on the PGCE Biology course.

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.

You may also be interested in our other three PGCE Science courses:

Fees and funding

You may be eligible for bursaries of up to £10,000 (depending on qualifications) in line with the government’s priority to attract more well qualified Biology teachers.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGCE(QTS)
    full time
    9 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details