Secondary Biology PGCE
University of Staffordshire
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( 4.0) View reviews

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Qualification

PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

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Location

Staffordshire University

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

9 months

Course info

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Qualification

PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education

Location

Staffordshire University

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

9 months

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Education
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Biological Sciences
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Course info

Science is everywhere in our lives. Its also helped humans achieve more than we ever thought possible – from walking on the moon to conquering disease. That journey starts with science education, where pupils develop their curiosity and explore the world around them. Our Secondary Biology PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) will equip you with strategies to become a confident and successful science teacher across KS3 and KS4. Youll look at how to help pupils understand the bigger ...Read more

Science is everywhere in our lives. Its also helped humans achieve more than we ever thought possible – from walking on the moon to conquering disease. That journey starts with science education, where pupils develop their curiosity and explore the world around them. Our Secondary Biology PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) will equip you with strategies to become a confident and successful science teacher across KS3 and KS4. Youll look at how to help pupils understand the bigger biological picture. It will include developing their knowledge of humans, animals and plants, along with the interaction between humanity and the planet.Although you will specialise in biology, the training also covers chemistry and physics. It means you can become a fully rounded science teacher. Youll spend time in local schools, plan engaging lessons, cover behaviour management techniques and discover how pupils learn. On campus, well help you reflect on your teaching from a subject-specific perspective and give you one-to-one support. But youll get far more than just a teacher training qualification with us. As part of our Institute of Education, youll have access to the latest research on what works in the classroom and other evidence-based approaches. On the PGCE, you can see practical sessions in action at our £30m Science Centre. Youll also take part in field trips to explore ecology and do other innovative practical work.Our Secondary Biology PGCE lasts for one academic year, from September until the end of July. This school-led course includes an induction to prepare you for your placement and weekly face-to-face sessions at the University to develop your knowledge of the curriculum and subject-specific pedagogy. You will also undertake 20 Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) days focused on foundational areas of learning to further develop your practice in the classroom.CareersWith a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), youll be ready to teach Biology in secondary schools across England.Most of our graduates secure their first teaching position while on the PGCE, with many of them securing roles within our partnership schools. After youve completed this course, you can join our Masters in Education. Your PGCE gives you Masters credits which means youll be fast tracked and can complete this course by the end of your second year of teaching.

Key stats

Education
WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
69/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
49th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
97th
What students say
C
Chloe
02 Mar 23

There are newer buildings with more up to date technology which helps studying a little bit easier but also more enjoyable...Read more

R
Rebecca
24 Feb 23

Great staff and innovative course structure. Student life has been very easy to integrate into after nearly ten years out of education. The campus is in a great location and lots..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

For this course, you need an Honours Degree with a 2:2 classification in a biological science with at least half of the content related to Biology and a GCSE grade C/4 or above in both English Language and Mathematics, we also expect you to be confident in technology. Applicants will be expected to teach Biology across all relevant key stages as well as Chemistry and Physics at KS3 and possibly KS4, so an additional qualification in one or both of these subjects is highly desirable. After you apply, well arrange a selection interview. During the interview process we will assess your subject knowledge and personal qualities, such as communication skills, resilience for teaching, and how easy youll find it to relate to secondary age students. If you accept a formal offer, youll need to meet the Department for Educations standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and youll need clearance to work with children (Enhanced DBS).

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£9,250 per year

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)

£16,750 per year

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.

£16,750 per year

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 (General) reviews

Biology (General)
Biology (General)
C
Chloe
02 Mar 23
There are newer buildings with more up to date technology which helps studying a little bit easier but also more enjoyable....
Read more
R
Rebecca
24 Feb 23
Great staff and innovative course structure. Student life has been very easy to integrate into after nearly ten years out of education. The campus is in a great location and lots...
Read more
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Uni info

University of Staffordshire
College Road Stoke on Trent ST4 2DE United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Stoke-on-Trent  0.1 miles away

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