PGCE Secondary with Chemistry (with QTS)

Entry requirements

• Bachelors degree with Honours at 2:2 or above, or equivalent level.
• At least Grade C or the new Grade 4 in GCSE English and Mathematics.*

Equivalency Tests

We are able to accept approved third party equivalency tests in place of GCSEs. The current providers that have been approved are as follows, with details of the current discounts that are available. If you are intending to use another equivalency testing company, we recommend you contact our admissions team prior to doing so to ensure that they meet the entry criteria.

Equivalency Testing

• Why choose Equivalency Testing?
• Long standing company
• Excellent student support
• Secure testing
• Good and quick feedback
• Significant discount available for PGCE offer holders, please email cte.admissions@warwick.ac.uk for the code.

A Star Equivalency**

Why chose A Star Equivalency?

• Excellent student support
• A clear outline of required material in each exam

• Rolling programme of live online subject specific support sessions.
• An extensive range of free support material
• Practice papers and marking schemes
• Discounted from £165* to £139 (saving £26). Please contact cte.admissions@warwick.ac.uk for the discount code.

If you are intending to use another equivalency testing company, we recommend you contact our admissions team prior to doing so to ensure that they meet the entry criteria.

*The new grading system for those receiving their results for GCSE Maths and English was adopted in 2017. The grading system is now 9-1, with Grade 9 awarded to those students in the very top tier. Grade 4 is considered equivalent to the old Grade C.

**Special offer for the University of Warwick students. Maths exams are available in Foundation or Higher. English, Science and Biology are untiered

If students require further support, we offer a range of low-cost options.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Reflect on the thrill of mixing chemicals to observe reactions, understanding the periodic table, or identifying substances through various tests. Perhaps organic chemistry or balancing chemical equations were the highlights of your academic journey. Now, envision kindling that same passion for discovery in your students.

As a secondary school chemistry teacher, you'll play a crucial role in guiding young minds to comprehend the chemical principles that govern our world. Chemistry offers a unique perspective to understand many natural and synthetic processes, and as an educator, you'll have the chance to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators.

Our PGCE programme is crafted for graduates with a background in Chemistry or related fields such as Biochemistry, Chemical Engineering, Environmental Chemistry, or Pharmaceutical Sciences. It merges rigorous academic study with substantial classroom experience to prepare you for a successful career in secondary education.

During university-based training, you'll gain a solid grounding in teaching theory and practical techniques, mastering the art of crafting engaging lessons, managing diverse classroom settings and tailoring your teaching strategies to meet the varied needs of students. You'll delve into a variety of evidence-based teaching methodologies, grounded in the latest educational research.

School placements are a core component of the course, giving you practical, hands-on experience in real classroom settings. Under the guidance of seasoned mentors, you'll progressively take on the responsibilities of planning, teaching, and evaluating lessons, developing the confidence and skills necessary to excel in chemistry education.

The programme culminates in a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach chemistry at secondary level. You will also learn how to teach Biology and Physics to younger secondary students, giving you the advantage of employability in a range of school science departments.

Course overview

Our Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education focuses on the 11-18 age range. Our course will develop you into a highly effective teacher, equipped with the values, skills and knowledge to become a successful school leader.

Our courses offer the best of both immersive, school-based training and regular teaching input from experts with subject specialist teaching experience. In addition, you can access the support and learning facilities of a world-class university.

On the course you will develop a secure subject knowledge base, and the ability to plan and teach in your subject so that all pupils learn and make good progress. You will learn how to assess and evaluate learning and develop your teaching to ensure progress for all pupils. You will also learn about the needs of pupils and how to adapt your teaching to strengthen inclusion in your teaching.

In partnership with regional schools, we will ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed to forge a strong personal and professional identity, which you will continue to develop throughout your career. The Warwick Teacher Values, of Social Justice, Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity run through all our programmes.

What is a PGCE?

A Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is usually a one-year teacher training course. It offers a mixture of academic and practical learning, and it's the first step for graduates in the development of a teaching career. At Warwick, our PGCE courses provide a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS – a requirement to teach in the state school system as a Newly Qualified Teacher).