Learn how to share your enthusiasm for biology and inspire the next generation of children and young people. Biology is one of the priority subjects which means that you could be eligible for a tax free bursary of up to £20,000 depending on your degree class. This course enables you to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). It equips you to teach National Curriculum Science at Key Stages 3 and 4 and to teach biology at a higher level at Key Stage 4 and at post-16. During the course you develop the skills, knowledge and understanding to teach pupils of all abilities by • enhancing your subject knowledge and skills • learning to use relevant literature, research and educational theories relating to teaching science and the wider curriculum • building your confidence and enthusiasm to become a successful teacher of pupils at all levels of ability • developing a wide range of interactive and engaging teaching strategies • developing your classroom management and behaviour management skills • using a variety of techniques for monitoring pupils' progress • learning about the wider role of teachers in school • learning about the way schools and the education system function • understanding how to apply your skills and knowledge in a school setting • developing your evaluation and critical reflection skills • meeting the QTS standards for teachers With our PGCE you complete two periods of school-based training in 11–16, 11–18 or post-16 settings. This allows you to experience the full progression through at least two key stages. In total you spend around 120 days on school-based training. While in school you benefit from excellent support and mentoring from a university-trained mentor. We have placement links with over 600 schools and other institutions, we are also involved with a variety of lead schools on the School Direct programme, and many of our students end up being offered teaching jobs in the schools that they train in. All of our practical sessions take place in purpose-built labs, which replicate the teaching areas typically found in schools. During the course, you’ll be able to choose to complete either the PGCE or the professional graduate certificate in education (ProfGCE). Both qualifications earn you QTS status, but the PGCE also gives you 60 credits towards a masters degree.

We have an excellent graduate employment record. Over 96% per cent of our PGCE graduates are teaching or in further study within six months of graduating. Many students gain employment in the local area.