Secondary with QTS: Science - University of Cumbria

Why study with us?

Science fires up children’s curiosity about the world around them and it offers them explanations. This makes it enormously rewarding to work with pupils, because you help them to make sense of their observations. It is definitely hard work and can sometimes be challenging, but every day is different and there’s no feeling like the satisfaction you get when you realise you’ve taught your pupils something new. If you are interested in science yourself, and can see the value in working with young people, then perhaps teaching is the career for you.

What can this course lead to?

This course can lead to a fulfilling career as a high school science teacher. With qualified teacher status built in, you'll be able to apply for a position in secondary school immediately after graduation.

Course Summary

You choose to specialise in biology, chemistry or physics, but you learn to teach all three. We show you how to run practical lessons effectively and how to share your ideas, while maintaining interest and enthusiasm. We are proud of the high level of practical work in our course, not least because we all feel it is an essential part of school science.

This course blends theories about learning with the wide range of skills that a teacher needs. We also give you opportunities to carry out research into the aspects of science teaching that capture your imagination. This helps you develop a reflective and analytical view of your work in the classroom, which sustains the high levels of progress we expect.

You learn about the science curriculum, from the framework provided by the National Curriculum through to the individual lesson plans that teachers use to support learning in their classrooms. Sessions in university support you in finding out how to use ICT effectively in your lessons, how to mark books and assess work, and how the new Key Stage 4 curriculum is structured. You work closely with university tutors and school-based mentors while on placement. We make sure that you get all the support you need to become an excellent science teacher.

We use a variety of methods and group sizes in our teaching, including subject methodology sessions where practical work is completed, small tutorial groups for discussing issues, mixed-subject research training activities, and other opportunities to share ideas and work with your peers in small and large teams. Assessment takes the form of three pieces of written coursework and a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate that you have met the standards for Qualified Teacher Status.

Resources and facilities

We have several excellent resources to help you excel in your studies. All students have access to our Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment which can provide easy online access to course information, course materials, relevant web links and an online discussion board.

We have a well-stocked library and a Learning Gateway, which offers an interactive, flexible space to study. You can also take advantage of The Learning, Information and Student Services (LISS), which provides learning resources, equipment, student advice, skills training and study space.

Entry requirements

See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Selection criteria

Normally a 2:2 honours degree in biology, chemistry or physics, depending on your chosen specialism. At least 50% of your degree should be in your chosen science specialism. Please note that for biology, 2:1 honours degrees may be favoured in competition.
If you do not have enough subject knowledge for entry to the one year PGCE in either Chemistry or Physics you can be considered for our preliminary Subject Knowledge Enhancement course in either of these subjects. There is a 36-week course running from September to July or alternatively there is a 28-week course running January to July. The interview process for the PGCE only route and the SKE route is the same; tutors will discuss the route that is most appropriate for you during your interview.
GCSE grade C or above in English Language and Mathematics or equivalent qualifications.
We strongly recommend that you obtain a minimum of 2-3 days secondary school experience in a mainstream UK secondary school observing a class in your chosen teaching specialism before applying.
A satisfactory academic (university) reference OR a satisfactory professional reference if more than three years since academic study.
All candidates must demonstrate professional suitability through interview and must obtain medical and enhanced CRB clearance according to established university procedures.