PGCE Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Engineers Teach Physics
University of Birmingham
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.3) View reviews

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Different course options
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Qualification

PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

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Location

University of Birmingham

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

36 Weeks

Course info

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Qualification

PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

Location

University of Birmingham

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

36 Weeks

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Physics & Astronomy
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Course info

Course overviewStart your teaching journey with our specialist programme. Receive expert education and support to inspire young minds in the 11-18 age range, through close partnerships with schools.Our PGCE Engineers Teach Physics (QTS) programme is designed to challenge you to make informed and justified decisions about your teaching approach, laying the foundation for ongoing professional development. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to return for ...Read more

Course overview
Start your teaching journey with our specialist programme. Receive expert education and support to inspire young minds in the 11-18 age range, through close partnerships with schools.

Our PGCE Engineers Teach Physics (QTS) programme is designed to challenge you to make informed and justified decisions about your teaching approach, laying the foundation for ongoing professional development. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Masters in Teaching Studies with us.

Course highlights
We excel in teacher education by combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience in our PGCE Engineers Teach Physics programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our 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.

Specialist physics education tutor
Be part of a large group of physics specialist trainee teachers
Strong links to the wider physics education community through Institute of Physics, Ogden Trust, Physics Partners, and STEM Learning
Physics subject knowledge support with curriculum physics that is not normally a part of engineering degrees e.g. particle physics, astrophysics
Opportunity to share engineering knowledge and experience with pupils
Ofsted (2024) said in their recent report 'Trainees are overwhelmingly positive about their experiences. Many trainees commented on how their personal tutors get to know them as individuals and genuinely care about their well-being'

Career opportunities
Our Engineers Teach Physics Secondary Teacher Training course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

We are proud of our strong track record of student employment following course completion, with many of our alumni progressing to roles such as classroom teachers, Heads of Departments, Senior Leaders, and SENDCos. Our comprehensive career services and support equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the teaching profession and beyond.

Key stats

Education
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
44/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
20th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
13th
What students say
M
Matthew
29 Jan 25

Everything from the people to the environment of this university makes it such an easy place to spend your days socialising. One of my only critiques would be during exam season..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
27 Jan 25

Beautiful campus, great location for students to live and really good and friendly..Read more

Entry requirements

All applicants to the Secondary PGCE (QTS) Physics (Engineers Teach Physics) course must hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution or an equivalent qualification in engineering or material science. This will normally be a minimum 2:2 classification or equivalent qualification and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree has not already been awarded.

You also need two science A Levels (or equivalent), normally including one in Physics.

You must also have:

  • GCSE Mathematics and English (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)
  • completed an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place
  • completed 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

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£265 week

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£756 week

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£756 week

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Physics reviews

Physics
Physics
M
Matthew
29 Jan 25
Theoretical Physics BSc (Hons)
Everything from the people to the environment of this university makes it such an easy place to spend your days socialising. One of my only critiques would be during exam season...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
27 Jan 25
Physics MSci (Hons)
Beautiful campus, great location for students to live and really good and friendly...
Read more
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How Physics students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 24 reviews
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How all students rated:

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( 4.3) 1,089 reviews
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Uni info

University of Birmingham
University of Birmingham , Birmingham

The University of Birmingham - part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities in the UK – has been helping to develop the...

Student rating
( 4.3) View reviews
CUG ranking
13th
University of Birmingham
Edgbaston Birmingham Birmingham B15 2TT United Kingdom
Nearest train station: University   0.2 miles away
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