PGCE Secondary Education: Biology

Entry requirements

You will have interest in all aspects of science along with a particular aptitude for biology, along with an ability to think creatively about presenting the subject to others in original and practical ways. Candidates will be expected to teach the whole science curriculum, but with a particular focus on life processes and living things. Above all, you will need a real commitment to the education of young people. Also you will need:

• To hold a first degree of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification.

For example Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of science (BSc) etc. or similar . They are sometimes known as 'undergraduate' or 'first' degrees.

• To have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (previously Grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English and Mathematics.
• To have taken part in a rigorous selection process designed to assess your readiness to train to teach, which will include as a minimum both an interview and audit of your subject knowledge.

Please note we do NOT accept GCSE Short Courses, GCSE English Literature, GCSE Equivalent Tests from other institutions or organisations, Key Skills Level 2 or Functional Skills Level 2.

Months of entry

September

Course content

If you have an interest in teaching all aspects of science and in particular life processes and living things, and enjoy investigating this in a practical setting, then our biology Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Education course will suit you.

Our PGCE Secondary Biology provides a high standard of training for those preparing to take up a teaching post in the secondary school sector. The course complies with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education for Initial Teacher Training courses. The course is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - the professional award required if you wish to teach in a maintained school.

This course looks at the key ideas which underpin the teaching of science in schools today, and the way children's understanding of concepts develops. As a trainee you will learn how to teach biology to pupils in the 11-16 age range within the secondary age phase, with additional primary and post-16 enhancements. You will learn how to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding for teaching biology through a combination of university-led and school-led training.

You may be eligible to study for a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course (SKE) in order to prepare you for the PGCE Secondary Biology. If you are invited to interview, the subject tutor will discuss this with you.

Successful completion of the course will lead to recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), along with 60 credits at Master’s level.

Fees and funding

The PGCE Secondary attracts a DfE funded bursary of £10,000. You will need to apply for this if you are successful in gaining a place on the course.