PGCE Secondary Science: Biology

Entry requirements

You are normally required to have at least a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in a subject that is related to the subject you intend to teach.

You will need to have achieved Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent qualifications.

As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.

You will also need to demonstrate competence in Fundamental English and mathematics by the end of the course. This is a new DfE requirement which replaces the QTS skills tests in literacy and numeracy.

If you accept an offer with us you will also be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks.

Apply for this course through DfE Apply and select Provider Code R12 and course Biology (C1X1).

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop your teaching skills and qualify as a secondary biology teacher, with our highly regarded PGCE Secondary Education with Biology course at the Institute of Education.

At the University of Reading, we recognise the importance of teaching children to explore, understand and make sense of their world through science.

You will be trained to teach biology, physics, and chemistry up to GCSE and biology to A-level.

How you’ll learn

Training to teach biology at the University of Reading is an immersive experience utilising many modes of delivery and participation, with active learning at its core.

Your learning will take place through a series of practical seminars and workshops in purpose-built science laboratories, where interaction and discussion-based techniques will encourage you to engage, reflect and challenge.

Throughout your course, you will:

• attend presentations by subject experts
• work on tasks in groups
• have individual tutorials
• visit schools or other education settings, as well as museums and other sites of interest.

You’ll participate in activities designed to help you plan your teaching effectively and imaginatively. You will also discover how to evaluate your skills, particularly in terms of the quality of learning achieved by pupils.

QTS status

This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course will lead to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5