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Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS (11-16) PGCE

GOV.UK code: C1X1

From single cell structures to human DNA, biology explains the world around us. Discover how to make the subject engaging and develop pupil’s scientific minds. Graduate from our PGCE Secondary Science (Biology) with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

Overview

Course length: 1 year full-time
Start dates: September 2024
September 2025
Location: Edge Hill University
Subject(s): Education and Teaching
Faculty: Education
Department: Secondary and Further Education
Science students examine a model of the human body.

Remember the first time you looked at cells under the microscope? Or how you unravelled the process of photosynthesis? Bring that enthusiasm into your own classroom as a secondary school biology teacher.

During our PGCE Secondary Science (Biology), you’ll study the latest teaching theory and how to apply this in practice. Find out how to spark your pupils’ curiosity about the world around them while building their practical and analytical skills.

You’ll develop in-depth subject knowledge in your specialism of biology. We’ll also make sure you’re prepared to support with teaching chemistry and physics, especially at key stage 3. Throughout the course, we’ll encourage you to reflect on your learning to help you become the best biology teacher you can be.

Boost your skills in lesson planning, managing the classroom, teaching methods, and more. Then put what you’ve learnt into practice in a real classroom. During your school placements, you’ll plan, teach and assess biology lessons with support from your school-based mentor.

We’ll be there for you every step of the way as you work towards taking the lead in the classroom. Turn to your Personal Tutor whenever you need advice or help overcoming hurdles.

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

Subject knowledge enhancement

If you need to develop your biology subject knowledge or it has been some time since you last studied biology, then our free subject knowledge enhancement course will prepare you for teaching the conceptual and applied aspects of biology effectively to learners aged 11-16 years.

Ofsted outstanding provider

Course features

  • Ofsted outstanding provider for initial teacher education

  • Professional accreditation

  • Professional practice placements

  • International students can apply

What you'll study

During this PGCE, you’ll work towards becoming a biology specialist who can deliver all three sciences at Key Stage 3 and 4. You’ll cover essential educational theory while developing your specialist subject knowledge.

Strengthen your understanding of innovative teaching and assessment methods including experiments and investigative work, group discussions, role play, project work, presentations and examinations. We’ll also unpack health and safety requirements and strategies for maintaining a high quality laboratory – so you can show pupils how to complete practical experiments safely.

We’ll prepare you for a future in teaching secondary biology. Learn how to plan lessons in line with the curriculum. Master teaching techniques to give pupils the knowledge they need. Become confident running practical experiments safely.

Apply everything you’ve learnt to a placement in a secondary school setting. Here you’ll be able to get hands-on experience by supporting and observing teachers. With help from your subject tutor and school-based mentor, you’ll combine what you learn on campus with practical teaching experiences.

Compulsory modules:

Expand all
Evidence-Informed Practice (Secondary Science)
ITE Curriculum and Practice (Secondary)
Principles of Learning and Curriculum Design (Secondary Science)

How you'll study

A combination of academic study, group discussion and reflection, and practical, work-based learning in the classroom will give you all the knowledge and skills you need to become a creative and innovative teacher. The programme aims to develop a reflective and a critically analytical approach to education.

You will undertake extensive placements in schools, colleges and settings, putting your training into practice through assisting in, and taking responsibility for, classes and working alongside mentors and peers to further your professional development. The focus initially is on observation and supporting teaching and learning. Your teaching timetable will increase as your training progresses and you become more confident and competent in the classroom.

You will also develop your subject knowledge by participating in numerous activities, which have in the past included visits to places of scientific and fieldwork interest, guest speakers and GET SET Challenge days in the North West.

Timetables for your induction week are normally available in August prior to enrolment. You can expect to receive your timetable for the rest of the academic year during your induction week. Please note that while we make every effort to ensure that timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week.

How you'll be assessed

You will be assessed, through a balanced combination of coursework and portfolio assessments, against both academic criteria and the standards related to QTS. Other tasks will enable you to show your competence in ICT and other areas of science.

Your professional practice will conclude with a final viva that will allow you to demonstrate appropriate achievement against the Teachers’ Standards in order to allow us to make a recommendation for QTS.

Who will be teaching you

The Faculty of Education has been at the forefront of teacher education for over 135 years and today enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of education, training and research for the children’s workforce.

You will be taught by a dedicated team of knowledgeable, experienced, friendly and supportive tutors who have the welfare of their trainees as a number one priority.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

To join this PGCE, you will be expected to have:

  • A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above) in a relevant subject. Other subjects may be considered if you have an A Level in a relevant subject (or equivalent qualification) and a willingness to engage in a subject knowledge enhancement course.
  • GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Mathematics at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent qualification).
  • Satisfactory levels of information and communications technology competence.
  • A commitment to, and understanding of, secondary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher.

For the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics.

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 Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

English language requirements

International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

How to apply

Apply full-time

Apply online through GOV.UK

Read our guide to applying for PGCEs and Postgraduate Teacher Training to find out more about the application process.

International

Apply as an international student

Please see our international student pages for further information about how to apply as a prospective international student.

Should you accept an offer of a place to study with us and formally enrol as a student, you will be subject to the provisions of the regulations, rules, codes, conditions and policies which apply to our students. These are available at www.edgehill.ac.uk/studentterms.

Visit Edge Hill University

There’s plenty of opportunities to come take a look around campus. Attend one of our open days to see what life at Edge Hill University is all about.

Book an open day

Facilities

Faculty of EducationHoused in a state-of-the-art £9million building, the Faculty of Education enjoys a stunning setting from both its lakeside and piazza buildings.

Facilities in the lakeside building include a 300-seat lecture theatre, five well-equipped ICT suites, and 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology. The lakeside building is also home to a popular vegan and vegetarian cafe where students can meet to socialise and discuss their studies.

The nearby piazza building offers modern facilities including a lecture theatre and a number of seminar rooms.

This course is also delivered in the Biosciences building where you will explore a wide range of experimental and investigative strategies and activities. The Biosciences building incorporates impressive, modern laboratories, offering exciting and highly relevant practical experience in some of the best equipped facilities in the country.

Where you'll study

Faculty of Education

BioSciences

Finance

Tuition fees

UK Full-Time

£9,250

for the course

International

£16,500

for the course

The University may administer a small inflationary rise in tuition fees, in line with Government policy, in subsequent academic years as you progress through the course.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, as well as Irish nationals, may be eligible for the UK tuition fee rate.

Financial support

Subject to eligibility, UK students joining this course can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the Government to cover the full cost of tuition fees. UK students enrolling on the course may also be eligible to apply for additional funding to help with living costs. If you are a UK student joining this PGCE in academic year 2023/24, you may be eligible to receive a Department for Education bursary worth £20,000 if you have a first class, 2:1 or 2:2 honours degree or have successfully completed a PhD or Masters award. Please view the relevant Money Matters guide for comprehensive information about the financial support available to eligible UK students.

EU/EEA and Swiss students who have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme may be eligible to apply for financial support. Irish nationals can ordinarily apply to Student Universal Support Ireland (SUSI). If you are an EU student who does not have settled or pre-settled status, or are an international student from a non-EU country, please see our international student finance pages.

Your future career

Good biology teachers are always in demand, so your career prospects will be fantastic following graduation.

This PGCE in accredited by the Department for Education. Successful completion of the course will enable you to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You’ll be ready to progress into employment as an early career teacher at secondary school level in science, specialising in biology.

With your academic credits and classroom-based experience you will be well-placed to progress into MA, MRes or MSc study and onto a PhD.

Course changes

Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development. Changing circumstances may necessitate alteration to, or the cancellation of, courses.

Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback. We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.

Track changes to this course

Download our course leaflet