BSc (Hons) Science Secondary Education with QTS*

Summary 2012/13

• Benefit from expert tutors and take advantage of excellent learning opportunities;
• Take the opportunity to study Science to degree level and gain Qualified Teacher Status;
• Three year full-time, two year full-time and four year part-time programmes available;
• Individually-tailored support provided.

"Edge Hill University provides its trainees, regardless of their chosen age range, with outstanding training": Grade 1 'outstanding' judgements made in all 33 inspection cells - Ofsted Initial Teacher Education inspection report, 12/5/2011.

* Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

This programme provides you with an enjoyable, rigorous and relevant degree combining school and university-based work developing subject expertise across the sciences at Key Stage 3 with a specialism to teach at GCSE level. Experience in partner schools provides practical and realistic opportunities for you to develop and implement teaching resources and strategies, and build your professional competence.

The following pathways are available:

• Science Secondary Education
• Science with Chemistry Secondary Education (subject to validation)
• Science with Physics Secondary Education (subject to validation)

2012 Entry Requirements

3 year full-time route:

• Science Secondary Education with QTS: 260 UCAS tariff points overall, to include 80 points (grade C) in Biology, Chemistry or Physics, plus GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or equivalent;
• Science with Chemistry Secondary Education with QTS: 260 UCAS tariff points overall, to include 80 points (grade C) in Chemistry, plus GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or equivalent;
• Science with Physics Secondary Education with QTS: 260 UCAS tariff points overall, to include 80 points (grade C) in Physics, plus GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or equivalent.

2 year full-time route:

Relevant HND/HNC or Part 1 (120 credits) of a degree programme, plus GCSE Mathematics and English Language at grade C or equivalent.

4 year part-time route:

Please enquire.

Additional information:

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 numeracy and literacy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE grade C in mathematics or English.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education's standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Criminal Records Bureau Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Details

Who is this course for?

The programme is for anyone who wants to teach science to 11-16 year olds and up to A2/VCE level or equivalent standard.

What will I gain from this programme?

On completion of this programme you will have recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) allowing you to teach in a secondary school. You will also have practical experience in school and other settings.

What will I study?

Each year you will study modules of science subject study. You will study science subject application modules, giving you the skills to teach effectively in a secondary school, as well as personal and professional development, which is invaluable in equipping you with the skills and knowledge to become an effective practitioner. In your final year you will complete a research project. You will also spend a significant amount of time in school as an observer and teacher.

You will study a range of topics at degree level to match your subject knowledge with those practicing in the sector. These topics will include ecology; matter, light and life; energy and human demand; biology in society; fundamentals of analysis; molecules of life; cytology and genetics; the Earth in space; materials science; ecological genetics; environmental physiology; organic chemistry; environmental chemistry; physics in action; physics concepts and models.

Students joining the Science with Chemistry pathway will study the majority of chemistry modules while students joining the Science with Physics pathway will study the majority of physics modules.

How will I study?

You will learn through both your time in University and in school. All subject application and subject study take place in purpose-built modern laboratories so you can become familiar with scientific methods, apparatus and how to operate safely in an active environment.

Placement

During your time in partner schools, a trained mentor will guide your early development as a teacher of science. You will be attached to at least two different schools during the programme and a variety of teaching and learning methods are used to reflect good practice.

There is an emphasis on active participation, especially in your practical work, and also through discussion and presentations. We also recognise the wide variety of experiences that you will bring to the programme and place a high priority on the individual support you will need to broaden your knowledge across the sciences.

You will work with trainees from various areas, backgrounds and abilities. This will provide you with excellent experience in classroom management and the ability to teach individuals and groups at a range of levels.

Who will be teaching me?

You will be taught by a range of highly qualified and experienced tutors who are committed to supporting you throughout the programme and providing you with the opportunities to succeed. Tutors who are enthusiastic about their subjects and in engendering an interest in children will model good practice to enable you to develop your own teaching skills and style.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment involves practical work, projects, essays, presentations, seminar papers, a dissertation on an area of scientific interest chosen by you through discussion with a tutor, objective tests and written and practical examinations.

You will be assessed through programme work, based on your classroom experience, showing your ability to plan effectively, to undertake assessment and to develop your subject knowledge.

As you progress from observer to teacher in school you will be assessed through lesson observation reports against the Professional Standards for the Award of QTS.

What are my career prospects?

Our graduates work in schools across the UK. We offer excellent support to help you gain a first post as a newly qualified teacher and have a proven track record for trainees securing teaching posts.

Before completing your degree you will need to pass the QTS Skills Test (Numeracy, Literacy and ICT) and complete a Career Entry and Development Profile (CEDP) so you can move onto your induction year as a teacher. These are both useful as they provide a bridge between your Initial Teacher Training (ITT) programme and your Induction Year as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT).

Further study at Edge Hill University

Ongoing professional development is essential if you are to progress in your career and gain the skills you need to be a teacher who excels in the classroom. The Faculty of Education offer a comprehensive Professional Development programme from specific professional modules such as Positive Approaches to Managing Pupil Behaviour to a range of Postgraduate and Masters programmes.

During your ITT programme, we will carefully prepare you for your NQT year by helping to identify your continuing training needs. Edge Hill's Professional Development team will continue to support you through your NQT year and be available throughout your teaching career.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities, more than 1,000 rooms in halls of residence and fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply online through UCAS for the full-time programme using the relevant code for your preferred route of study:

• BSc (Hons) Science Secondary Education with QTS: X1FB (2 years), X1FA (3 years)
• BSc (Hons) Science with Chemistry Secondary Education with QTS: X130 (2 years), X131 (3 years)
• BSc (Hons) Science with Physics Secondary Education with QTS: X133 (2 years), X132 (3 years)

For part-time study apply directly to Edge Hill.

See our How to Apply pages for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Interview

Before you gain a place on this programme, you may be invited for an interview. This is to find out what you already know about teaching and whether teaching is for you. If you can, spend some time in a secondary school science department and look at the Science syllabuses for GCSE and AS/A2 Levels. We will want to hear about your knowledge of current issues in education and Science teaching and of the National Curriculum content.

You will need to take a written test to assess your science knowledge and your standard of written English.

Fees and Finance

Full-Time Study

For academic year 2012/13, Edge Hill University will charge £9,000 for full-time BA, BSc and LLB degrees. Eligible full-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000.

Eligible full-time students can also apply for a maintenance grant, subject to household income, and a non-means-tested loan to help with living costs.

Edge Hill University offers a range of scholarships for prospective full-time students. These include £2,000 Entrance Scholarships rewarding determination, commitment and achievement in creative arts, performing arts, sport and volunteering. Eligible entrants with outstanding grades are recognised through the £1,000 High Achievers Scholarship.

For more information on scholarships, including eligibility criteria for each award, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/scholarships.

To find out more about fees, grants and loans for full-time students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only. International students should check the fees and finance information at www.edgehill.ac.uk/internationalfees2012.

Part-Time Study

Tuition fees for part-time study on this degree are £75 per credit for academic year 2012/13. A total of 360 credits are required to complete an undergraduate degree. Eligible part-time students will not have to pay upfront for their tuition. The cost of tuition will be paid by a loan which you will only start to repay once you have finished the course and are earning over £21,000 a year.

For more information on the financial support available for part-time undergraduate degree students in academic year 2012/13, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/undergradfees2012pt.

Please note, the above information is for UK and eligible EU students only.

Not got the entry requirements?

If you do not have the relevant GCSEs required for this programme, Edge Hill University offers GCSE equivalency tests in English, Mathematics and Science.

25% of the students at Edge Hill University are people returning to study to enhance their career prospects or pursue a personal interest. We provide a Fastrack scheme to help you prepare for an initial teacher training degree. Once you are studying, we can provide ongoing help through personal tutors and responsive student support systems.

If you would like pre-entry advice and guidance about your qualifications, please complete the advice and guidance online enquiry form.

Where can I find out more?

If you would like to receive a copy of our prospectus or be kept updated about forthcoming events, contact the Course Information, Advice and Guidance Team by emailing study@edgehill.ac.uk or calling 01695 657000.

If you want to attend one of our open events held throughout the year, visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/opendays to book your place.

You will also find Edge Hill University staff at many national careers fairs and UCAS events.

Still want more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact:

• Rajeev Shrivastava, Edge Hill University, St Helens Road, Ormskirk, Lancashire, L39 4QP
• Tel: 01695 657269
• Email: shrivasr@edgehill.ac.uk

Overseas students should visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/international or email international@edgehill.ac.uk for further information.