PGCE Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Science: Biology
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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Education
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Biological Sciences
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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 Biology (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 ...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 Biology (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 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 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: Comprehensive career services and support for graduates entering the teaching profession
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 Biology 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
A
Ariadne
29 Feb 24

The beautiful campus and huge range of buildings makes studying here an amazing time. There are a huge selection of study spaces as well as food vendors and amenities on campus...Read more

E
Ellen
05 Feb 24

Best things about the uni is the brilliant support you are offered and the campus. There’s a whole variety of food and study spaces and lots of teaching buildings. My biggest..Read more

Entry requirements

A strong academic record at A level (normally two science A levels) 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 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 Biology reviews

Biology
Biology
A
Ariadne
29 Feb 24
Biological Sciences MSci (Hons)
The beautiful campus and huge range of buildings makes studying here an amazing time. There are a huge selection of study spaces as well as food vendors and amenities on campus....
Read more
E
Ellen
05 Feb 24
Palaeontology and Geology MSci
Best things about the uni is the brilliant support you are offered and the campus. There’s a whole variety of food and study spaces and lots of teaching buildings. My biggest...
Read more
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How Biology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 27 reviews
5 star
34%
4 stars
59%
3 stars
7%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.3) 1,089 reviews
5 star
41%
4 stars
48%
3 stars
9%
2 stars
1%
1 star
1%
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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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