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You will cover the specialist issues concerning science education including the place of practical work; the use of Information Communication Technologies (ICT) and Health and Safety. The University-based work is divided into four areas: Core Science - which considers generic issues concerned with science education and the methodologies of Biology, Chemistry and Physics. You will study the methodology of all three subjects in sufficient depth to teach Key Stage Three and at least two, preferably all three of them to Key Stage Four. In addition, you will receive tutorial support and small group seminar support in the three subject areas. 

Assessment

University-based subject application studies and education and professional studies are continuously assessed by coursework on a modular basis. A separate, formal assessment also takes place in practical teaching. 

Funding

Bursaries are provided by the Training and Development Agency for Schools (TDA) and are subject to UK residency requirements. For further information visit our fees and bursaries page.

Home students can apply for a student loan for tuition and maintenance fees. In addition students may be eligible for maintenance or special support grants. More information on the funding for Initial Teacher-Training courses can be found on Gov.uk and the Teaching Agency (formerly TDA) website.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement Course (SKE)

If your degree content does not meet the requirements you may be eligible for a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course, which will give you the necessary subject knowledge prior to undertaking the PGCE. 

The vocational nature of the PGCE Secondary and the fact that successful completion of the course leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means that graduates are ideally placed to pursue a career as a teacher in a secondary school or college.

School/college experience is central to the course and at least 24 weeks are spent on placement in at least two different secondary schools or colleges. During the first phase, two days of school or college experience each week for three weeks are spent in school leading up to a six-week block placement. Trainee teachers are gradually given more responsibility and increase their contribution in both the classroom and to the corporate life of the school.

The second phase begins with a two day, weekly attachment for the first three weeks of the spring term, leading up to the final assessed 13-week block placement. In both placements the training programme is planned by mentors to allow progressive acquisition of the skills, knowledge and understanding students need to be recommended for the award of QTS.

Students are formally observed on a regular basis by their subject mentor as well as receiving a number of visits from the University, to monitor their progress, support their development and undertake their assessment.

Entry requirements

• A good UK honours degree or equivalent, preferably at a minimum 2.2 in a related subject
• GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C or equivalent, these must have been gained prior to application
• School observation experience is essential as a guideline NTU request that you have at least two weeks experience
• A Disclosure and Barring Service check (formerly known as a Criminal Records Bureau, or CRB disclosure)
• Applicants will need to undertake an interview as part of the selection process
• English language requirements for International and EU students

Applications should be made directly to the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). As soon as the completed forms are sent to us from the GTTR, we invite selected candidates to attend for interview.

GTTR code: F1X1

For a hard copy application form 
Telephone: +44 (0)1242 544788 or write to: 

GTTR
Rose Hill
New Barn Lane
Cheltenham
GL52 3LZ

Professional skills tests
If you apply for a teacher training course which starts after 1 July 2013, then you must pass professionalskills tests in numeracy and literacy as part of the application process. You must have passed these tests before you start the course.

Registration and booking for the skills tests will be available from 17 September 2012 on the Department for Education website.

Find out more about the tests and how to prepare for them with our teacher training skills tests FAQs sheet

English language entry requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Education and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University.