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PGDip Secondary Education (QTS) – Science – Physics

The Secondary Education (QTS) – Science – Physics programme from University of Birmingham leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and offers 120 credits towards our MA Teaching Studies. Our programme, which offers high quality training and support, will prepare you to teach in the 11-18 age range and is run in close partnership with schools.

Quick Facts

  
Full-Time Duration: 36 weeks
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,150 per full
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

On the Secondary Education (QTS) – Science – Physics programme from University of Birmingham, you will be challenged to develop informed and justified decisions about how you approach your teaching, in order to enable you to continue to develop over your career. You will benefit from our unique collaboration with University of Birmingham School as well as a wide range of partner schools, including mixed comprehensive, single sex, religious and selective schools and sixth form colleges. The diverse communities we serve will enrich your experience on the PGDipEd Physics course.

PGDipEd (QTS) Secondary Physics is also offered as a School Direct programme with Lordswood Girls’ School, St Paul’s Caritas Christi and Windsor Academy Trust.

You may be eligible for bursaries of up to £24,000 (depending on qualifications) in line with the government’s priority to attract more well qualified Physics teachers or a scholarships of £26,000 in lieu of a bursary from the Institute of Physics.

Programme Structure:

  • The programme will include the study of subject-based teaching methods as well as the study of broader whole school issues.
  • A variety of teaching styles and approaches to learning will be used in the presentation of the themes.
  • These will include University-based lectures, small group seminars and workshops, school-based work with pupils and teachers, and work undertaken individually or with other groups of students.
  • Our Professional Enquiry course provides breadth and depth of insight across key themes such as learning theories, assessment, equalities, inclusion and teacher health and wellbeing. An additional PSHE award is also available to all students.

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

There is currently high demand for Physics teachers. Employment rates are consistently high and strong links with partnership schools mean that many students go into employment in the region. Many of our ex-students have been promoted to positions of responsibility, including Advanced Skills Teachers within the first 2 or 3 years.

Requirements

  • All applicants to the Secondary PGDipEd(QTS) Science: Physics course must hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification in a relevant subject. Your degree should normally have at least 50% Physics content which is relevant to the National Curriculum. Graduates with degrees in Engineering are also invited to apply.
  • You also need two science A Levels (or equivalent) as well as a GCSE in Mathematics (Grade 4 or above*) or an equivalent qualification which must be attained before you make an application. A GCSE English (Grade 4 or above) or equivalent qualifications will be a condition of any offer, if not already achieved.

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