Curious about studying Secondary Physics PGCEat University of Staffordshire? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education
Stoke-on-Trent Campus
Full Time
Sep 2026
9 Month
Science is everywhere in our lives. It’s 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 Physics PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) will equip you with strategies to become a confident and successful science teacher across KS3 and KS4. You’ll look at how to help pupils understand the pivotal role physics plays in major scientific developments. Without it, we wouldn’t have MRI scanners and laser surgery or other technology we depend on today.Although you will specialise in physics, the training also covers chemistry and biology. It means you can become a fully rounded science teacher. You’ll spend time in local schools, plan engaging lessons, cover behaviour management techniques and discover how pupils learn. On campus, we’ll help you reflect on your teaching from a subject-specific perspective and give you one-to-one support.But you’ll get far more than just a teacher training qualification with us. As part of our Institute of Education, you’ll 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. You’ll also take part in field trips and other innovative practical work.Our Secondary Physics 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.To give you experience in the classroom, you’ll spend at least 120 days working in two local secondary schools as well as visiting a local primary school. But, don’t worry, you won’t have the pressure of teaching an entire lesson straight away.CareersWith a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you’ll be ready to teach Physics 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 you’ve completed this course, you can join our Masters in Education. Your PGCE gives you Masters credits which means you’ll be fast tracked and can complete this course by the end of your second year of teaching.
This module gives you opportunities to explore the place and role of your subject within the School Curriculum. You will explore the aims and objectives of subject education; subject curriculum history and current curriculum debate; and the nature of subject learning. This will be explored through a variety of contexts: KS5, KS4, KS3, 2, 1 and Early Years; and academic and vocational dimensions. You will also explore links with other subject areas and cross curricular issues, recent curriculum developments and potential future directions.This module also prepares you for Learning and Teaching. In this element of the module you will learn about setting learning objectives and lesson planning; how to develop learning resources; preparing a series of lessons and issues in progression; teaching strategies and common student misconceptions. You will also explore subject knowledge in the context of age, level, ability and programme of study and building challenge into subject learning.
Placements allow trainees to train in real-life situations. Each trainee will work closely with a school-based mentor and will observe experienced teachers in their day-to-day role and collaborate with others in planning, delivering and reviewing lessons.
This module is an impact action research project where you will identify a particular aspect of inclusion and evaluate the impact policies and practices implemented by your current placement school. You will learn how to conduct educational research and look at a variety of different methods of communicating your action research. This will enable you to compile a formal report justifying proposed practice developments regarding a specific aspect of inclusive practice at your placement, empowering you to make critically informed recommendations for improvement. In terms of developing your inclusive practice, specific topics to be covered include: Behaviour Equality, Diversity and Inclusion During this module you will also learn and develop your understanding of the following: How to conduct a small-scale research project Use of technology to create digital posters Critical use of literature and research Data methodologies and ethical considerations (differences between quantitative and qualitative data, methods of collection and interpretation of different types of data).
Placements allow trainees to train in real-life situations. Each trainee will work closely with a school-based mentor and will observe experienced teachers in their day-to-day role and collaborate with others in planning, delivering and reviewing lessons.
Accommodation - Swan Classic (Standard Ensuite room) - £175/week, including bills
4.2
