This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course prepares you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is an essential qualification for teaching in state-maintained schools. It will open up a satisfying and rewarding career with excellent job security. The course has two strands. The first strand is based at the University and provides a solid grounding in theory and practical issues. The second strand is based in partner schools where you will undertake practical teaching experience. Chemistry teachers are in high demand, and the Government is offering bursaries of up to £20,000 to encourage graduates to train as Chemistry teachers in 2014/15. In addition to Government bursaries, students on this course are also eligible for many of the University of Sunderland scholarships. Full details of the Sunderland scholarships available to you can be found on the Entry requirements tab of this course. The University of Sunderland has a heritage of teacher training which dates back to 1908. What’s more, we’re one of only 25 ‘outstanding’ teacher-training institutions in the UK, according to Ofsted. So you can be confident that our courses are excellent preparation for a teaching career in which you can inspire young people to realise their potential. The 2011 Ofsted report on our secondary provision rated Sunderland as ‘outstanding’ for attainment of trainees, capacity to fulfil the potential of trainees, and effective and efficient use of resources.

Everyone who wants to teach in a state-maintained school in England and Wales needs Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This course leads to QTS and, on successful completion, you will become a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT). According to recent research, twice as many teachers find their work extremely enjoyable when compared to professionals with careers in marketing, IT and accountancy. Almost half say they regularly experience a ‘natural high’ at work. The starting salary of an NQT is over £21,000, with extra if you work in London. Teachers see their salaries rise by an average of 30 per cent after their first four years in the job.