Secondary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGCE: Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics)

Why choose this course?

Want to make a difference to the lives of young people in the classroom? Train to teach in one year with our PGCE Secondary course.

This course will enable you to become an effective, inclusive and evidence informed teacher.

Why choose this pathway?

This course combines theory and practice of education to prepare you to teach your specialist science pathway (biology, chemistry and physics) in the 11-to-16 phase as well as being able to teach across all science subjects. During the course you will develop your knowledge of how pupils learn science, how to plan effective lessons and practicals; and how assessment can improve learning and teaching in science. You will develop as a reflective teacher who makes informed decisions about how to teach science.

You will develop your knowledge of learning and teaching science through research-led innovative practice that will model new approaches to learning and teaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects.

For more information about the course, please email Education Admissions at education@kingston.ac.uk.

Apply for this course

Pathway	UCAS code	Mode	Duration	Start date
Biology	C1X1	Full time	1 year	September 2023
Chemistry	F1X1	Full time	1 year	September 2023
Physics	F3X1	Full time	1 year	September 2023

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Reasons to choose Kingston University

This intensive, well-supported course prepares you to teach in the 11-16 age range and offers the opportunity to develop teaching for sixth form.
Kingston's partnership schools offer excellent opportunities for practical learning.
You will have personalised support from both University and partnership schools.

What you will study

At the heart of our course is a commitment to personalising your journey to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). We'll help you to grow in confidence and competence by providing you with outstanding support as you train. We model good teaching as we train you, so you can transfer what you've experienced into your own practice.

You'll find a supportive learning environment at the University and in our partnership schools. This will help you develop a deep understanding of the secondary curriculum, including your own specialist subject and acquire a range of teaching methods, based upon the latest research in education.

In addition to gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in accordance with government standards, you will also receive the award of PGCE with 60 credits towards our Master of Research in Education (MRes), which you can continue with beyond your PGCE year.

Modules

Core modules

Professional Practice

0 credits

Non-credit bearing module

This module focuses on developing your ability to teach, assess and undertake your professional responsibilities in your chosen phase of education. It is part based at the University, where lectures, seminars and online learning will provide you with research, theory and practice based insights into effective learning and teaching. It is largely based upon your practice in school and settings, where you receive formal training, experience of working alongside professionals, experience of being the lead practitioner in a classroom/setting and experience of the wider aspects of being a teacher.

The Reflective Teacher

30 credits

This module introduces you to theories of reflective practice and the value and purpose of reflection for teachers. This will enable you to develop in-depth understanding of how you reflect in order to identify issues and develop solutions in your professional settings.

The main features of the module are critical explorations of factors that affect how children develop physically, socially and as learners. You will critically analyse issues relevant to your current practice, considering your own position as an effective teacher.

Through completion of a reflective journal during the module, you will develop critical, reflective and reflexive skills to inform peer and colleague discussion within a learning community. You will be encouraged and supported to challenge and develop your professional practice.

Perspectives on policy, practice and professionalism for teachers

30 credits

This module enables you to locate yourself as an emerging professional within wider discourses about teaching as a profession. It allows you to evaluate your own identity as a professional and reflect on the values that you and the wider profession hold. You will critically analyse discussions and debates which affect classroom practice. These debates will focus on specific areas to exemplify wider issues in education. The focus of these discussions will be on inclusive teaching and learning and the legislative frameworks which provide codes of practice.

A key focus of the module is to develop your ability to make sense of education research and to apply this in the context of your school or setting.

Classroom experience

The course has been designed to allow trainees to spend 120 days in school, ensuring that you start your teaching career with confidence. A school-based professional mentor and tutors from the University will support you during your placements.

You will benefit from two contrasting placements in our committed partnership of schools. You'll also benefit from a course that supports you in becoming a research–engaged teacher, who can use evidence to drive improvements in young people's learning and wellbeing.

Whilst on placement, students are expected to carry out the normal school hours and engage in school life such as attending early morning/evening meetings, which will vary depending on the school.

Pupils sitting around a table during group work.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

An honours degree, preferably 2:2 or above, from a UK higher education institution or equivalent overseas qualification, relevant to your subject specialism (at least 50% of the degree content needs to be relevant to your subject specialism).
GCSE grade 4 or above (C or above for examinations taken prior to 2017) in English and mathematics. If you do not meet the GCSE requirement in any of these subjects, we are happy for you to take your tests externally (via Equivalency Testing or A*Star Equivalency).
All overseas qualifications must be accompanied by NARIC equivalence.
An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and Health checking process which identifies no concerns about suitability to teach.

Please note: apply for this course through the UK Department for Education portal, here: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training

Additional requirements

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an online interview via Microsoft Teams. The interview process is designed to enable us to assess your suitability to train to teach. You will be assessed against the five core areas of the Core Content Framework (DfE, 2019). These are behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours.

You will be asked to complete a video task in advance of your one-to-one interview. At the end of the interview, you will be required to complete a timed literacy task.

If you are offered a place on a teaching training course, we recommend you arrange to get experience in a school with children of relevant age. This way, you'll begin to become familiar with the demands and expectations of teaching.

Important safeguarding information

Kingston University, Department of Education, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We implement safer recruitment procedures.

Candidates who are invited to interview will be required to complete a ‘breaks in employment' form and give relevant details of any gaps in employment or study. This form must be completed by 9am on the day before the scheduled interview. If you do have any gaps, these will be discussed in the interview. NOTE: If the form is not completed by the deadline, the interview may be subject to cancellation.

Candidates invited to interview will also be asked to complete a safeguarding declaration.

All candidates who are offered a place will be required to have a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records check in Child Workforce as a condition of acceptance to their chosen course. We will also carry out a check of the prohibition from teaching list upon programme enrolment.

All candidates who are offered a place and have lived or worked outside the UK for a period of 3 months or longer (in the last 5 years), will be asked to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct in addition to their DBS check.

All candidates who are offered a place on a PGCE programme will be required to provide references from two professional individuals.

As part of our due diligence process, we may also carry out an online search for candidates who are offered a place on the course and this may affect the status of the original offer.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirement, which is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 6.0. Make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we consider.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements could be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Applicants from a recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Teaching and assessment

Your taught sessions will be a mix of seminars, lectures, practical workshops, field trips and work with pupils. Peer-led critical support groups will also feature in the programme. Most of your sessions will be taught by University tutors but there may also be guest speakers, such as headteachers or subject leaders.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services.

Your workload

Scheduled learning and teaching: 300 hours
Guided independent study (self-managed time): 570 hours
Placement: 120 days

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

How you will be assessed

You will not be required to take any exams. Your academic work will be assessed through coursework, such as essays and presentations.

At the end of each school placement, your teaching will be assessed to ensure you are making appropriate progress and have engaged with the five core areas as outlined in the Core Content Framework (CCF). This will ensure that you are able to meet the Teachers' Standards (DfE, 2011) by the end of the course.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows.

100% coursework (portfolio-based)

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Why choose Kingston's Department of Education

Reputation

We have a rich history of educating educators; providing a strong foundation for learning and teaching.

Putting you first

We recognise your needs and aspirations, personalise your learning experience and putting you at the heart of everything we do.

Expert educationalists

Our staff are research-engaged educationalists, making knowledge accessible for you to incorporate in your professional practice.

Inter-professional collaboration

Our shared faculty brings valuable experience and insight from other professionals that work with children and young people.

Who teaches this course?

The tutors for your course have experience teaching in schools. They continue to be actively involved in a range of education related activities, such as further study, research and direct work with schools and in educational settings.

Current research in this subject

Many of our staff in the Department of Education are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Education research at Kingston focuses on:

Subject pedagogy
Curriculum design
Planning
Assessment
Safeguarding
SEND and inclusive practice
Early Years
Supporting more able learners
Educational inequalities
Policy
History of education

Fees for this course

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

PGCE full time £9,250

International 2024/25

PGCE full time £17,800

2023/24 fees for this course

Home 2023/24

PGCE full time £9,250

International 2023/24

PGCE full time £15,800

2022/23 fees for this course

Home 2022/23

PGCE full time £9,250

International 2022/23

PGCE full time £15,400

Funding

Postgraduate loans

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Please be aware: although this course is at postgraduate level, as it is possible to obtain a tuition fee loan for PGCE courses they are to be treated as undergraduate courses when it comes to tuition fee liability as a result of withdrawal or break in studies.

Discounts for Kingston University alumni

Kingston University is pleased to offer a 10% discount on full-time and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees (including PGCE courses) to our alumni. Visit our Alumni discount page to find out more.

Bursaries

The Department for Education is offering tax-free bursaries of £27,000 in chemistry and physics, and £20,000 in biology in 2023/24. For more information visit Funding: initial teacher training (ITT).

Need to know more?

Visit our Fees and funding page to find out about the student funding options available to help you fund your postgraduate studies.

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees.

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (e.g. art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

You will need to pay for your travel to and from school placements, costs can vary depending on the location and mode of transport.

DBS check

The University pays for the processing of the application which is £51 but students are expected to pay a small fee (approximately £7) to the Post Office to get their ID documents verified and £13 per year for subscribing to the Update Service. This subscription allows universities and potential employers to view any changes to students' DBS.

Kingston Hill

There is a wide range of facilities at our Kingston Hill campus, where this course is based.

Kingston Hill is a leafy, hillside campus situated about three miles away from Kingston town centre. It is a quiet, secure place to study with easy access to London, meaning it provides the best of all worlds for our students.

Find out more about the Kingston Hill campus in the virtual tour.

Library

One of the highlights of the Kingston Hill campus is the modern library, called the Nightingale Centre after Florence Nightingale, who was a regular visitor to Kingston Hill.

The library provides a spacious and attractive place for students to meet and study and features a cafe, more PCs and zoned study areas. Long opening hours give you plenty of access to specialist education books, journals and online resources.

Find out more about the Nightingale Centre in the virtual tour.

Computer and online facilities

There are many computers (PCs and Macs) available for you to use across the Kingston Hill campus when you need a place to study. Access to the wireless network across the campus means you can also work from your laptop or mobile device.

Using IT to support your studies is crucial. Kingston has an innovative virtual learning environment called Canvas. This allows you to access course materials and contact fellow students and staff while away from the campus.

Facilities

The latest in classroom technology

While you are studying to become a teacher here at Kingston University much of your time will be spent putting your skills into practice within a school environment. The rest of the time will be spent being taught by highly experienced professionals.The School of Education prides itself on providing the latest in classroom technology to ensure that you embark on your work experience in schools with the utmost confidence, and to give you a head start in your first teaching post.

Virtual teaching rooms

Within Kingston University, we have a number of teaching rooms set up to replicate actual classrooms. Each classroom is subject based - there is an art room, science lab, etc - and is equipped with all the relevant facilities you will need to practise your lessons before taking them into school.

Library resources

All our education students have access to the libraries and IT resources at Kingston University.

Our library (the Nightingale Centre) has every teaching resource you could think of to help you plan your lessons, as well as a dedicated librarian to help you find what you're looking for. The range of educational resources available also aims to reflect current educational thinking and are used in local schools. They cover material from early learning through to A-level.

From picture books with corresponding DVDs/ videos, CDs and even puppets, to children's novels for all ability levels, and from poetry and plays to fairy tales, the Nightingale Centre has no end of imaginative literature to help you bring your classes to life. Also available are the journals Books for Keeps and Carousel, which provide the latest reviews on appropriate resources for young infants and teenagers, offering you added inspiration.

The Nightingale Centre offers more than just books to help you in your studies and lesson plans. You'll have access to a range of children's music and nursery rhymes on CD, as well as artefacts and kits that can be used to illustrate historical periods, different religions, science, maths and music. We also have puppets and story sacks, which contain a picture book, nonfiction book, soft toy or puppet and a game or other associated materials, as well as posters, CD-ROMs and DVDs/videos.

Further resources

Further resources are available including:

Classroom resources by subject - which link to organisations for teachers, and to websites for teachers and children; and
Thousands of quality photographic images from the Getty archive (Education Image Gallery), which you can use to create classroom resources.

Links with business and industry

We have links with:

A strong partnership of schools and settings in which you'll train
Special schools
Teaching school alliances
Multi-academy trusts
Schools and settings-centred Initial Teacher Training providers
Local authorities
Teaching unions
Other universities around the country to share good practice

After you graduate

The course also aims to develop your professional skills to help you gain employment in a secondary school and continue with your professional development. It will provide you with a rigorous training in all aspects of being a secondary school teacher. Over 95% of our graduates enter the teaching profession after they complete their course. Many go into middle and senior management roles in schools.

Changes to courses for 2021/22 due to Covid-19

Course information (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Composition of the course

Unless government advice instructs otherwise, Study Abroad programmes will take place in 2021/22. The safety of all our students is paramount, therefore, as per normal practice, all Study Abroad activities must also be approved by the University's insurers to ensure that students are adequately protected during their period abroad. We will provide updates as the pandemic situation stabilises and/or further government advice is released.

Changes can be made to courses as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and in response to feedback from students and other key stakeholders. Any such changes made to the composition of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Modules

Changes can be made to modules as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area and to provide a high quality student experience. Any such changes made to module titles, module summaries and/or availability of modules will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Length of course

We expect to deliver the course within the planned timescales to enable successful students to progress through and graduate from the course without delay.

In exceptional circumstances the sequence of learning and teaching activities may be changed in 2021/22, e.g. moving those modules which can be delivered more effectively to the first teaching block and moving back those – such as practical modules and placements – which may be more difficult to deliver due to some ongoing restrictions.

In some cases, it may be necessary to delay placement modules which may then impact the length of the course. In these circumstances the University will guide students through the appropriate options available to ensure students are able to make informed choices.

Entry requirements (changes for 2021/22 entry)

We have not changed entry requirements as a direct result of the pandemic.

Entry requirements for international students

We have not changed entry requirements for international students as a direct result of the pandemic.

Teaching (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Changes to the way the course will be delivered

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to steadily increase the proportion of on-campus teaching. We will continue to provide a proportion of online learning, as experience has shown that this enriches and supports the student learning experience.

If the pandemic affects teaching and learning activities in 2021/22 more than we currently anticipate, the proportion of online learning will increase. However, unless a lockdown is enforced, we will ensure that all courses provide a reasonable percentage of their teaching and learning activities on campus.

Should your circumstances prevent your attendance at on-campus sessions, you should still be able to engage with your course remotely in a way that allows you to progress. Where this is not possible, for example on courses with high practical content, your course team will be able to advise you on the options available to you.

Changes to teaching in the event of a further lockdown or adjustments in government advice

The University will continue to closely monitor government announcements and advice in relation to the pandemic and, where required, will take any necessary action in order to comply with such advice.

In the event that a further lockdown is enforced in 2021/22 the University will aim to deliver the course fully online once more. The majority of our courses are prepared to be delivered fully online if the situation requires it. Where the quality of the student experience may be compromised, or the course is unable to be delivered fully online, the University may need to suspend the delivery of that course until a time that it can be delivered. Students will be supported in these situations to ensure they are able to make the right choices for their particular circumstances.

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours for Year 1

Changes to the overall breakdown of scheduled learning and teaching hours, placements and guided independent study hours were not and will not be made as a direct result of the pandemic.

‘Scheduled learning and teaching' includes teaching delivered online, either live or recorded/on demand.

Timetable

Your individualised timetable for teaching block 1 (i.e. up to December 2021) should be available by the end of August. Timetables for teaching block 2 (i.e. from January 2022) will not be available until the autumn. We make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible.

In 2020/21 it was agreed that scheduled learning and teaching could take place on any day of the week between 9am and 9pm, to maximise the time available for teaching in order to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing. This meant we sometimes had to use Wednesday afternoons and enrichment week for additional teaching slots. If we need to accommodate smaller group sizes and social distancing in 2021/22 we expect to adopt a similar approach. Timetables for part-time students will depend on the modules selected.

Assessment (changes for 2021/22 entry)

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and, therefore, do not anticipate having to make any further changes to the course, i.e. to the overall methods of assessments, in response to issues arising from the pandemic. However, if this becomes necessary, the changes will be highlighted to students via email before enrolment.

Changes are made to modules, including how they are assessed, as part of normal enhancement processes to keep our modules up to date with current developments in that subject area and in response to feedback received from students and other key stakeholders. Any changes to the overall methods of assessment for Year 1 of the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

If social distancing or lockdown restrictions are in place in 2021/22, online alternative options to formal on-campus examinations, including practical examinations, will be made available to students where possible.

Staff (changes for 2021/22 entry)

No changes are expected to the general level of experience or status of staff involved in delivering the course.

Staff are engaged in Continuous Professional Development activities to develop their teaching expertise, as part of the normal enhancement processes, to ensure that course teams have the required breadth of expertise.

Fees, funding and additional costs (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Tuition fees

There will be no changes to published tuition fees for 2021/22.

Additional costs (e.g. field trips, materials, equipment, etc.)

As we transition from the pandemic restrictions, we expect to be able to increase student access to on-campus facilities. Students will therefore have access to University computers and library facilities.

If, due to an increase in social distancing requirements or the enforcing of a lockdown, it becomes necessary to significantly increase the proportion of teaching delivered online, students will need a personal laptop or computer and access to the internet to participate in online teaching and learning activities. Students who are able to travel will have access to computers on campus, however, it should be noted that access to on-campus facilities might be restricted if social distancing requirements are enforced.

The University is committed to supporting students who are unable to access suitable technology to ensure equity of access in a blended delivery mode.

Funding

There will be no changes to any existing University funding arrangements for 2021/22. Currently there are no indications from the UK government that there will be any changes to government funding arrangements.

Fees and funding for international students

There will be no changes to published tuition fees or funding arrangements specifically relating to international students for 2021/22.

Work placements and field trips (changes for 2021/22 entry)

We are anticipating that placements (including work and clinical placements) and field trips included as part of the course will go ahead in 2021/22. However, to ensure students gain maximum value from placement activities, it may be necessary to reschedule them to later in the year, when any impacts from the pandemic restrictions are minimised.

Any proposed changes to placements or field trips would go through the University's agreed processes where the impact of the change will be carefully considered.

In the interests of the health and wellbeing of our students, all placement arrangements must be approved by the University's insurers and the appropriate risk assessments made before students are sent on a placement.

Courses which require placements or field trips to be completed in order to pass relevant modules will have contingency plans in place in the event that a placement or field trip cannot be completed due to another lockdown or more stringent social distancing measures.

Award, qualification and accreditation (changes for 2021/22 entry)

Qualification

No changes will be made to the qualification awarded, e.g. BSc (Hons), MSc, etc., as a direct result of the pandemic.

Changes can be made to courses, including the qualification awarded (although very rare), as part of normal enhancement processes in order to keep our courses up to date with current developments in that subject area. Any changes made to the qualification awarded for the course will be highlighted to students by email before enrolment.

Accreditation

The experience of delivering courses in 2020/21 under the various Covid-19 restrictions has enabled us to better prepare and plan the delivery of our courses in 2021/22. We are confident the course can be delivered as planned and in accordance with any professional body requirements. We do not anticipate making any further changes to courses in response to any issues arising from the pandemic and which would put at risk any professional body accreditation status.

Additional (changes for 2021/22 entry)

International students should maintain awareness of the UK government's and their home country's government's advice on possible travel restrictions. The University will closely monitor advice and guidance published by the UK government and assess its impact on our international students. Appropriate advice and guidance will be provided as and when required.

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.