Our one-year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) prepares you to teach the secondary school mathematics and physics curriculum for the 11-16 age range.

You’ll have sessions across both Mathematics and Science PGCE courses. You’ll consider how to plan lessons, reflect on your preparation, learn how research can develop your teaching practice, and look at ways to develop your teacher persona.

In mathematics classes, you’ll be introduced to strategies to help you teach topics such as numbers, geometry and algebra. For science, students usually study in mixed groups, sharing physics expertise and learning from others specialising in biology and chemistry.

You’ll explore various teaching methods in our laboratories, including experiments to inspire pupils across all key stages.

Our laboratories mirror school science classrooms and you might carry out practical experiments such as measuring the speed of electromagnetic waves using cheese or investigating the weather using data from satellites.

We also offer guest lectures from alumni, specialists from subject associations like the IOP, and experts in education. Past sessions include speakers from the National Space Centre, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Science and Plants for Schools (SAPS).

You won’t only learn teaching methods with us on campus though, you’ll spend at least 120 days on placements in a variety of schools, gradually increasing your involvement to become an expert practitioner.

You will normally have a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree awarded by a UK university, or an equivalent higher education qualification. Your degree needs to support the subject knowledge requirements of the National Curriculum for Physics. For exceptional candidates, particularly those with substantial relevant work experience in schools or relevant occupations, we will consider applications from those who hold a 3rd class degree.

GCSEs
You will also need GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English language and mathematics. However, Equivalency tests in English, Mathematics and Science are provided by Manchester Metropolitan University. The School of Teacher Education will accept these equivalency tests for any of its initial teacher education programmes, at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor, and only offered if considered appropriate after interview.

We do not accept the following qualifications as equivalent to GCSE: Adult numeracy and literacy, Functional Skills or Key Skills

Experience in educational settings

Successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a secondary school setting. 

You may wish to evidence your understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools or other learning settings.

You will demonstrate knowledge of Physics in the science curriculum and a capability in mathematics.

Overseas

Overseas candidates should have Cambridge Proficiency in English or IELTS Band 7 with no less than 6.0 in any element.

Interview

You will be expected to attend an interview as part of the application process. Full details of your interview will be provided by email once your initial application has been approved.