PGCE Secondary Science (Specialising in Biology)

Entry requirements

Degree classification

Bachelors degree - 2:2 or above preferred

Degree Subject

Biology or related subject

For more information see our website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

If you are looking for a career where you can inspire, motivate and make a difference to the lives of young people, teaching is for you.

At UEA, we don’t believe in a prescribed method of teaching. Instead, we will support you in exploring a range of pedagogical approaches and strategies, so that you can meet the needs of pupils and develop your own style of teaching.

As you'll be learning from a variety of experts from our extensive partnership (more than 80 schools), you’ll need to be open minded, trying a range of different methods and finding out what works for you and your pupils.

With a gradual progression in solo teaching hours, our PGCE programme is carefully sequenced to allow you to succeed in the classroom and become a reflective practitioner, whilst supporting you in making learning biology an engaging, challenging yet fully inclusive experience for pupils.

About

At UEA, you'll be studying a course developed with our partner, the University of Worcester, that Ofsted rated “Outstanding” in 2023. Our one-year, full-time Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science- Biology programme will equip you with the skills, experience and knowledge you need to teach science to pupils aged 11 to 16, with Sixth Form enhancement. This gives you the opportunity to develop post-16 teaching skills if this is something you are interested in.

Upon successful completion of your PGCE, you'll graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s credits. QTS will qualify you to teach children up to 18 years old.

Our PGCE Master’s programme closely interweaves school (minimum 120 days) and university-based training to provide a solid foundation for the rest of your career. As well as providing a structured introduction to the core body of knowledge, skills and behaviours that define great teaching, our partnership curriculum will provide you with the opportunity to research and evaluate the latest research in teaching practice, helping you understand the optimum ways pupils learn.

By the end of the course, you'll evolve your own style of teaching, not only to meet the differing needs of pupils but so that it matches your personality. You'll be supported by your Subject Lead in starting your career in a school that works for you.

You’ll learn how to use practical work and demonstrations to inspire your pupils in our purpose-built laboratories that model secondary school science labs. Science workshops will focus on subject knowledge, practical skills and effective teaching strategies.

Throughout the course we’ll explore a variety of outdoor activities and biology fieldtrips. You might go to the North Norfolk coast to explore sand dune and saltmarsh ecology, or visit the seal and seabird colonies on Blakeney point.

Information for international students

For more information for international students, please go to UEA’s website.

Fees and funding

Find out more about UEA’s funding options.