We offer our students an exceptional training experience – if you’re looking for a lifelong, challenging and exciting career, teaching may be for you. As well as Biology (Sciences), the PGCE Secondary award, with QTS, is also available in Art and Design, Computing, English, Geography, History, Mathematics and Physical Education.
In your subject knowledge days, you will explore how to teach the key concepts of Biology through exploring and experimenting the ways in which each curriculum can be taught. You’ll discover how young people meet each concept across the curriculum and how their knowledge is expected to evolve over time.
Starting with direct instruction to give you the fundamentals of teaching, we then evolve our practice to incorporate a range of evidence-led teaching methods, such as dialogic inquiry, metacognition and cognitive acceleration. Over time, with inclusion at the heart of our programme, you will find yourself becoming increasingly adaptive to a range of student needs.
A lot of time is committed to rigorous practice: how to explain, model and assess different topics, how to use practical’s effectively and how to design schemes of work that impact on pupil progress. You will also delve into Physics and Chemistry, so that you are prepared to teach Science across the curriculum.
You’ll be supported by a range of experienced professionals, both during school placements and by academic staff at the university. The programme aims to help you become an engaging and effective teacher within the 11–16 age range, and provides the input and opportunities that could enable you to teach post-16. Successfully completing this PGCE course will enable you to teach at Secondary age, as well as Primary and A Level.
We were founded as a teaching college 175 years ago, and following the introduction of new quality requirements, our Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), have successfully achieved reaccreditation in 2022 by the Department of Education.
Our ITT courses have also recently been rated ‘Good’ by Ofsted, with inspectors highlighting their ‘unique’ emphasis on sustainability and the University’s strong partnership with schools.
• High graduate employment
• Deliberate practice in every session – we take what we learn about teaching and we apply to practice, straight away
• Inclusion at the heart of the programme – we reflect on what challenges students might face from across the ability range within each topic
• Detailed, deep dives into the curriculum – we study each topic in depth and reflect on how to teach the teach and design curriculum to meet student needs. We stretch into the key topics in chemistry and physics too
• Specialist facilities at FCH
• A level Teaching input
You’ll spend a minimum of 24 weeks in at least 2 schools, returning to central provision throughout the year for professional development and subject training. During the training year, you will engage in professional study and knowledge days where you will work with colleagues across the different subject areas to share good practice.
Employment rates have been consistently high for our graduates and we offer you the opportunity to undertake Master’s-level modules to gain Master’s credits. These can be used subsequently to take your career to the next level. If you pass all elements of the course at Master’s level, the award title will carry 60 master’s credits and qualified teacher status (QTS).
The course is assessed via summative written assignments, school placements and your individual portfolio which records progress in relation to the QTS standards. All elements must be completed satisfactorily.
There are a wide range of placements available which have been arranged with key considerations in mind: experience of different age-ranges and schools, accessibility/travel time, previous experience and so on. The tuition and school placements are organised in blocks throughout the year. The normal working week is approximately 35 hours and normal school hours apply when students are on placement (8am-5pm), with additional independent study.
It’s planned that this course will be taught at UoG’s new campus in Gloucester city centre from September 2025. This provides time to ensure a smooth transition and familiarisation with the new facilities for all.
The vibrant campus will be at the heart of the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. It will bring an iconic building back to life as a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships, through placements, research and outreach activity, and provide cutting-edge facilities for your course.
An honours degree, normally at 2.2 or above (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.
If you do not hold a 2.2 or above, we may be able to consider your application but will require additional information.
If you do not hold a degree in a relevant subject we will be able to consider your application if you have other qualifications, such as A Levels or postgraduate qualifications in the subject.
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent qualification.
If you don’t have a traditional GCSE, get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.
If you are offered a place on the programme you will be required to complete a health declaration, which will be assessed by the University Doctor.
The University of Gloucestershire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all our trainees to share this commitment.
If you are offered a place it will be subject to:
Please read the entry requirements for your country – and contact our admissions team if you have questions.
Here's an example of the types of modules you'll study (the contents and structure of the course are reviewed occasionally, but it is unlikely that there will be significant change).
Module information is not available for this programme.
You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.
A bursary of £20,000 is available for trainees studying this course in 2023 and 2024. To find out more, including other bursaries available, please visit the Gov.uk website.
Students usually support themselves through a postgraduate loan, private savings, family support or sponsorship from an employer. For advice and guidance on your funding options, contact the Money Advice team at moneyadvice@glos.ac.uk or call 01242 714535.
UoG graduates receive 15% off postgraduate tuition fees. Terms apply.
| Start date | Location | Course code |
Fee (UK) Fee per year |
Fee (international) Fee per year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2024 | Francis Close Hall, Cheltenham | 3DMF | £9,250 | £16,600 |
| Sep 2025 | City Campus, Gloucester | 3DMF | TBC | TBC |
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International students can benefit from a range of scholarships and bursaries across many undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. |
Find out more | |||
At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.
96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply**
Discover our promises
You can potentially combine Physical Education with Mathematics, English, History, Geography and a Science (subject to DfE approval) – however a minimum grade C in A Level for the EBacc subjects is required in addition to the general PGCE entry requirements. Although you’ll be equipped to teach the above subjects, the award gained will be in Physical Education. You’ll have weekly subject sessions with your Subject Leader throughout the programme.
Through our long-established networks, we can offer you a wide variety of placement opportunities. You’ll spend 26 weeks in at least two schools where you’ll receive valuable support from experienced, dedicated teachers.
Increase your pay potential, specialise in a subject you love, or pursue your passion and switch careers.
UoG alumni can benefit from a postgraduate scholarship discount of 15% off tuition fees.
Discover the benefits of studying a master’s degree.
Work with leading practitioners, coaches, and professionals in specialist environments where you will develop your skills and gain real-world experience.
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