Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Science: BiologyPGCE
- RankingOfsted'Good' provider
- Delivery formatIn person
- Start dateSeptember 2025Duration36 weeks
- AwardPostgraduate Certificate in Education
- Entry requirements2:2 Honours Degree
- Fees£9,250 (full-time)
Page contents
Course overview
Empower your teaching journey with our specialist programme. Gain exceptional training and support to inspire young minds in the 11-18 age range, through close partnerships with schools.
Our PGCE Biology (QTS) programme is designed to challenge you to make informed and justified decisions regarding your teaching approach, ensuring your continuous professional development throughout your career. Upon successful completion of the course, you will have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Masters in Teaching Studies with us.
Course Structure
The PGCE Biology (QTS) programme will include the study of subject-specific teaching techniques as well as wider professional topics. You will also work in schools for a total of 28 weeks.
Semester 1 - Week Commencing Monday 9th September 2024 - Friday 20th December (14 weeks)
- 4 weeks University-led teaching
- 8 weeks in School Teacher Training
- 2 weeks ITAP (intensive training and practice)
- 1 week half-term
Course highlights
We excel in teacher education by combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience in our PGCE Biology programme, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This course offers 80 credits towards further study, allowing graduates to pursue a Master's degree such as the MA in Teaching Studies. The integration of academic rigour and hands-on practice, along with the opportunity for advanced qualifications, makes us a leader in teacher education.
- Integrated Theoretical and Practical Training: Combines the learning of cutting-edge educational theory in world class sporting facilities with hands-on classroom experience
- Unlock Your Teaching Career: Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), opening doors to exciting opportunities in secondary education
- Learn from the Best: Be inspired by renowned educators and researchers at the forefront of their fields
- Diverse Placement Opportunities: Explore a wide range of placements through our extensive network of partner schools
- Career Support: Receive comprehensive career services and support for graduates entering the teaching profession
- Ofsted 'Good' provider
- Gain 80 credits
towards a Master's degree
Course delivery
Our programme prepares you for your teaching career through diverse methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and extensive school-based experience.
- Assignments that link practice and research
- Opportunities within modules to practice teaching techniques
- Targeted feedback on core teaching skills
Module information
All students take 6 compulsory modules, each worth 10-20 credits.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LH Teaching Experience 1 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
LH Teaching Experience 2 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Intensive Teaching and Practice 1 and 2 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
LM Intensive Teaching and Practice 3 and 4 (Secondary) | 10 | Semester 2 |
LM Secondary School Studies 1 | 20 | Semester 1 |
LM Secondary School Studies 2 | 20 | Semester 1 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
- 2:2 Honours Degree
in a relevant subject
A strong academic record at A level or equivalent in relevant subjects is required, along with a strong degree (usually a minimum of 2:2 and at least 50% of degree must have Biology) relevant to the subject taught. In all cases we will be looking at the relevance of your degree, other qualifications and experiences related to your proposed teaching subject in assessing academic suitability.
You must also have:
- GCSE Mathematics, English and Science (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications, which will be a condition of any offer if not already achieved (equivalency tests will be accepted but only from equivalency testing)
- complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place
- complete relevant checks to ensure you have the health and physical capacity to teach
- agree to abide by the University of Birmingham Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise
Fees and scholarships
- £9,250
Full-time
Postgraduate Masters Loan
To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
- 31 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non-tier 4 applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Career opportunities
Our Biology Secondary Teacher Training course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
We boast an exceptional record of student employment post-course completion, with numerous alumni advancing to roles such as Heads of Departments, Senior Managers, advisers, and university tutors. We provide comprehensive career services and support for our students, preparing them to excel in the teaching profession.
- #1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.