Computing with Secondary Education (QTS) BSc (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 104 - 112 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): I123
- Start Date(s): September 2025
- Duration: Three years full-time
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: Clifton Campus
Introduction:
Secondary education covers a crucial period in pupils’ development. They learn about themselves and the world around them, gaining knowledge and skills that set them up for their adult lives. The role of a secondary teacher is to develop specialised subject knowledge, and to support the intellectual and personal development of their pupils. With a significant demand for new secondary teachers, you can be certain that you’ll make a positive impact on society.
This three-year course will deepen your knowledge of computing and how to teach the subject, fast-tracking you to beginning your career as a secondary teacher. Studying at NTU, you’ll develop your own knowledge of computing and a holistic and inclusive approach to teaching. You’ll be taught by computing experts and by former secondary teachers with an enthusiasm for their subject. Plus, you’ll spend plenty of time in the classroom, putting what you’ve learned into practice. Throughout the course, you’ll develop your passion for computing and for professional teaching practice.
You’ll graduate ready to start your career as a confident and effective teacher with the skills, knowledge and experience required in the modern classroom. You’ll be committed to shaping the lives of all our young people – sharing your passion for computing and inspiring theirs.
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Our three-year degree programme fast-tracks you to a career in teaching with recommendation to the Department for Education for Qualified Teacher Status. -
Placement opportunities are in a variety of educational settings through our extensive partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations. -
You’ll be taught by former secondary teachers with a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. -
You’ll develop your subject knowledge and understanding of computing.
of Teacher Training students are positive about the teaching on their course (National Student Survey 2023)
of Teacher Training graduates were in work and/or further study 15 months after completing their studies (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21)
What you’ll study
During the first two years of the course, you will focus on the study of computing, developing your knowledge and skills as a computing specialist. During your third year you will develop the necessary pedagogical and professional skills required of a computing teacher.
In Year One, the course focuses on computing. The modules you will study are:
- Foundations of Computing Technology and Programming (20 credit points)
- Essential Skills (20 credit points)
- Web-based Programming (20 credit points)
- Internet Technology (20 credit points)
- System Analysis and Design (20 credit points)
- Professional Development for Industry (20 credit points)
- Foundational Aspects of Teaching: ITAP1 (non-credit bearing education module)
As you continue to develop your in-depth subject knowledge in Year Two, you will also study a year-long education module which includes a work-based placement. The modules you will study are:
- Information Systems Development (20 credit points)
- Information and Database Engineering (20 credit points)
- Internet Applications Development (20 credit points)
- Interaction Design (20 credit points)
- Digital 3D (20 credit points)
- Learning Computing: Pedagogy, Progression and Practice (20 credit points)
- this module includes placement element
- Foundational Aspects of Teaching: ITAP2 (non-credit bearing education module)
In the final year of your study, the modules focus on you developing an in-depth knowledge of the pedagogical skills, experience in an educational environment, knowledge of the secondary computing curriculum and self-reflection required to be a successful ECT. The modules you will study are:
- Learning to Teach (20 credit points)
This module focuses on the ‘self’ and will cover knowledge of the learner, their characteristics and knowledge of educational purposes, values and philosophies.
- Learning to Teach a Subject One (20 credit points)
This module focuses on the ‘curriculum’ and will cover subject knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.
- Learning to Teach a Subject Two (20 credit points)
This module also focuses on the ‘curriculum’ and will cover subject knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge.
- Learning to be a Teacher (60 credit points)
This module focuses on the ‘learner’ and will cover pedagogical and curriculum knowledge and knowledge of educational contexts. This module includes work-based placement elements.
- Professional Practice
This module comprises of DfE requirements for QTS recommendation.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Learning from experts
Subject specific modules in Year One and Year Two, will be delivered by expert computing lecturers.
Education modules in Year Two and Year Three will be delivered by the secondary education team – former secondary teachers who have a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. Our lecturers are highly respected within their fields of education, working with national associations and partnership schools.
How will I study?
You’ll experience both university-based training and secondary professional practice. The courses consist of a range of teaching and learning activities to support you with appropriate opportunities to succeed. Course tutors recognise their responsibility to provide timely, relevant, engaging and appropriate content and resources to support this.
In all modules, personalisation of the course and independent student learning are encouraged through:
- opportunities to apply and develop the knowledge taught
- interaction with other students through work in small groups
- presentation of ideas and findings to peers and tutors
- placement experiences
- Intensive Training and Practice Experiences
- directed independent learning and project work
- the use of electronic resources
- workshop sessions.
To ensure your progress, inclusive teaching and learning approaches are used which involve staff in providing teaching which meets individual needs. Over the three years, we expect you to move towards more independent learning, to set your own development targets, and to draw on others’ expertise to support you in meeting these targets.
Placement
You’ll be well-prepared for a future in teaching with placements in Year Two and Year Three in a secondary education setting through our extensive network of partner schools and institutions.
During the placement element of the Learning Computing: Pedagogy, Progression and Practice module, you will not only develop your teaching skills but also gain an awareness of the professional attributes required of a qualified teacher. This will prepare you to enter the final year of study, where you will be required to take on the role of a professional teacher during two further placements.
Our close relationships with partnership schools enable you to gain a wide experience of teaching your subject. By the end of your study, we aim to have offered you experience in a range of educational settings that could usually encompasses inner-city, suburban and rural areas.
Placements support both your professional and personal development so that you develop key skills that will make you more employable. They help you understand your subject and its application in real work, enhancing your cultural awareness of learning and teaching.
How you’re assessed
A range of different assessment tasks across the modules provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding and skills, qualities and attributes.
Assessment methods for computing modules includes coursework and formal examinations, while modules with an educational focus will be assessed through assignments, presentations and a portfolio.
Assessment of practical teaching is based on your performance while on placement. You will receive regular feedback from your school mentor and visiting university tutors and are also encouraged to self-assess regularly in relation to the Teachers’ Standards.
Careers and employability
What skills will I develop?
The course is specifically designed for the training of secondary computing teachers developing specific skills relating to both subject specific and educational issues. However, you’ll also gain skills that are useful in a variety of job sectors:
- communication skills - presenting effective oral and written arguments
- IT skills
- research and analytical skills
- interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- problem-solving skills
- organisation and time management skills - prioritising your academic/part-time workloads
- reflecting on and improving personal practice.
QTS – Qualified Teacher Status
Successful completion of this course will lead to recommendation to the DfE for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Once you start your employment as an Early Career Teacher, you will be supported through the Early Career Framework (ECF), a two-year period of professional induction, which will ensure that your teaching career is built on a firm foundation.
Your future career
Upon successful completion of the course, many graduates enter jobs teaching children or young people. Other roles in an educational setting, including supporting, but with less direct contact with children or young people are also available. There are also posts available in other public sector organisations such as local government, the NHS and the civil service.
Campus and facilities
Entry requirements
What are we looking for?
Entry requirements for this course will reflect the same admission criteria as:
In addition, applicants must have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or equivalent, as this is a statutory requirement for anyone intending to enter the teaching profession. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk.
Other requirements
- an interview
- an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and any other safeguarding checks that may be necessary
Alternative qualifications
We welcome applications from mature students, and those returning to education, who have studied appropriate qualifications. We accept a wide range of qualifications gained at the UCAS tariff points above including the following.
- CACHE
- BTEC
- Access.
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
What are we looking for?
Entry requirements for this course will reflect the same admission criteria as:
In addition, applicants must have GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or equivalent, as this is a statutory requirement for anyone intending to enter the teaching profession. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk.
Other requirements
- an interview
- an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and any other safeguarding checks that may be necessary
Alternative qualifications
We welcome applications from mature students, and those returning to education, who have studied appropriate qualifications. We accept a wide range of qualifications gained at the UCAS tariff points above including the following.
- CACHE
- BTEC
- Access.
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Getting in touch
For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.
Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Tuition fees are payable for each year that you are at the University. The level of tuition fees for the second and subsequent years of your undergraduate course may increase in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government. Visit our fees page for more information.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Field trips
All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students completing the four year degree may choose to apply for a study abroad option instead of a work placement (or a mixture of study abroad and work placement) during the third year of the course. If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel and living costs whilst on study abroad/placement. Travel grants may be available to help fund international travel costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
How to apply
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Interviews
All suitable candidates for this course will be required to sit an interview.
Diversity of our students
We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of teacher trainees. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.
All applicants welcome
We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through UCAS.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.
Good luck with your application!
Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.
Writing your application and personal statement
Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Interviews
All suitable candidates for this course will be required to sit an interview.
Diversity of our students
We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of teacher trainees. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.
All applicants welcome
We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through UCAS.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.
Good luck with your application!
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.