Secondary Education Science with Biology, PGCE
Become a biology teacher and inspire pupils to embrace the natural sciences. Begin your training with a secondary education PGCE in science.
Our Postgraduate/Professional Graduate 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 11-16 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.
During your time with us, you will develop your teaching skills, learning how to address the needs of secondary school pupils at Key Stages 3 and 4. You will also develop your expertise, practical knowledge and theoretical understanding of science. By the end of the course, you will be formally assessed against the Teachers’ Standards to gain Qualified Teacher Status in addition to the PGCE qualification
School
Location
Duration
1 years full-time
Start month
September
Home fees 2023/24
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
Welcome to our PGCE in Secondary Education Science with Biology. Your teaching comes from an experienced team of lecturers. These include academics and practitioners with a wide range of experience. 100 per cent of our teaching team hold a teaching qualification.
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
Applicants should have:
- A 2:2 or above in an honours degree in a relevant subject
- Plus GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, or a recognised equivalent. (We accept equivalency tests from Equivalency Testing for Career Development and A Star Equivalency Testing.)
For more information, contact courseinfo@greenwich.ac.uk or 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Candidates must also:
- Attend a Selection Day.
- Pass pre-entry skills tests in numeracy and literacy before beginning the programme.
Available to overseas students?
No
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. Here, you will be allocated subject-specialist mentors who will offer dedicated feedback and guidance. During both placements, you will have the opportunity to develop your science and biology teaching with the support of a specialist teacher. In a typical week, learning takes place through a combination of lectures and seminars.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 30-40. Lectures are normally attended by 100-110, and seminars/tutorials by 30-40.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for coursework, presentations and lesson planning. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. You can also join a range of student societies, including Education societies.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of contact hours (lectures, seminars, etc), independent learning, and assessments. For full-time students, the workload should be roughly equivalent to a full-time job.
Assessment
Progress is assessed through written assignments and observation of classroom teaching.
To qualify as a teacher, you need to meet the Teachers' Standards for Qualified Teacher Status, as set out by the Department for Education.
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.
2023/24 fees
| Full-time (per year) | Full-time (per year) | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| View fees |
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 just over £100 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.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Other costs
Further costs may include (but are not limited to):
- Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies, travel and photocopying as well as specific computer software (estimate, £150 per year)
- Memberships: applying for membership of a professional body may incur further costs.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
In addition to university-based workshops, our course includes practical teaching experience in two contrasting main schools.
How long is my placement?
Our one-year course comprises of 60 days of university training and 120 days of school-based placements.
What are the financial arrangements?
A bursary may be available.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates are equipped for careers working in secondary schools and other educational settings such as teaching science and/or biology in a secondary school; Head of Science; teaching and learning responsibilities for cross-curricular projects; and STEM involvement and collaboration.
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.
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. If you need to use particular IT packages for a specific module, we provide training for this.
Support from the department
We work with professionals from specialist science organisations such as the Royal Society of Biology. Also, we partner with the adventure learning charity Wide Horizons, who will train you in fieldwork. You will receive free resources & ideas on how to plan engaging lessons.
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
Study at a university with over a century of experience training teachers. We’ve got strong links with schools, and our primary education courses are rated outstanding by Ofsted.
Visit our teacher training degrees page.
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020 8331 9000• Live chat• courseinfo@gre.ac.uk•More information