Secondary PGCE with QTS (11-19) (Provider-led) (Science with Biology)
Become a Biology teacher and inspire pupils to embrace the natural sciences. Begin your training with a secondary education PGCE in science.
Our exciting Train to Teach Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to become a secondary school teacher of science, specialising in Biology. You will focus on addressing the needs of pupils aged 11-19 and beyond, working with professionals from specialist science organisations such as the Royal Society of Biology. We also partner with the adventure learning charity Wide Horizons, who will support your training in the area of fieldwork, conservation, and ecology.
Throughout your time with us, you will enhance your teaching abilities, gaining valuable experience in catering to the requirements of secondary school students in Key Stages 3 and 4. Furthermore, you will expand your proficiency, hands-on knowledge, and theoretical comprehension of the field of science. As you approach the end of the program, you will undergo a formal evaluation based on the Teachers' Standards, ultimately earning Qualified Teacher Status* in addition to obtaining the PGCE qualification.
Our lectures delivered by experts in their field will help you widen your individual skills, expertise, and background knowledge in your subject specialism. We'll build on your natural flair, so you successfully engage with young students.
“Subject tutors are credible and knowledgeable in their fields. Additionally, an extensive range of expert colleagues, many of whom trained at the university themselves, contribute to the delivery of the course. Trainees are given ample opportunity to put their learning into practice through the ongoing school-based element of their course. This ensures that trainee teachers make a highly confident start to their careers in teaching.” (Ofsted, 2023).
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School
Location
Duration
1 years full-time
Start month
September
Home /international fees 2024/25
£9,250 /£17,000
What you should know about this course
What you will study
Year 1
Students are required to study the following compulsory modules.
- What is effective learning? (20 credits)
- How do we all learn, what is our role? (20 credits)
- How do we plan for and evidence learning? (20 credits)
- What is effective learning? Fundamentals of Practice Phase (0 credits)
- How do we all learn, what is our role? Enhancement Phase (0 credits)
- How do we plan for and evidence learning? Qualifying and Transition Phase (0 credits)
About the course team
When you join us, you will be taught by an experienced team of experts with an academic, research and secondary school background. Expert colleagues from our partnership schools also contribute to seminar teaching with their latest insight. The University of Greenwich has a long history in education and our academics are experts in their respective fields committed to sharing their expertise with aspiring teachers.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2 or above in a relevant subject
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Applicant and selection
- Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview
Applicants will also be required to:
- Provide an academic or professional reference
- Complete a Suitability Declaration
- Pass an Occupational Health check
- Pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
In addition to university-based workshops, our course includes two school placements plus support in the form of online materials. In a typical week, learning takes place through a combination of lectures and seminars. You will be able to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller group sessions. Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials and 8am-4.30pm when on placement within a school.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 30-40. Lectures are normally attended by 30-40, and seminars/tutorials by 30-40.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for course work, presentation, and portfolio subject knowledge. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. You can also join a range of student societies, including Education.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.
Assessment
Continuous assessment of classroom skills and teaching effectiveness builds towards a professional development portfolio. There are also written and practical assignments with opportunities for Master's level credits in the postgraduate version.
Feedback summary
Information coming soon.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,000 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies (estimate, £150 per year).
Placements: you are expected to pay for your transport to your placements during the year.
University of Greenwich sets and receives fees, delivers the programme, provides wellbeing support, and makes the academic award. University of Derby co-designs and accredits the curriculum, and recommends the QTS award.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in two secondary schools, with intensive training placements for an additional four weeks where you will focus on core elements of practice. This will be an integral part of your study and provides the context in which you can develop your professional skills, knowledge and understanding.
There will also be further opportunities to engage in school-based training in a range of specialist schools and educational contexts.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates are equipped for careers working in secondary schools and other educational settings.
Employment rates are outstanding and have consistently been well above national and London averages year on year.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews, and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
We hold an Employability Fair which is attended by Partnership schools.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics.
Support from the department
During the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your studies. Your tutor will be on hand to offer both personal career and academic guidance. Individual support and designated workshops are tailored to meet the needs of each of our students in order to ensure high quality outcomes.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Teacher training at the University of Greenwich
We’ve over a century of experience training excellent teachers and strong links with schools and employers. Our courses are also rated good by Ofsted for our Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Further Education and Training teaching (Ofsted, 2023).
Visit our teacher training degrees page.
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