Education (Science) PGCE drafted

Program Overview

---

The PGCE in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) is a recognised teaching qualification aligned to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences which affords graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS). The course is aligned broadly with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, supporting graduates in teaching Science across the 11-18+ year age range. The programme aims to develop your competence and confidence in the teaching of Science and in the general professional role of the teacher.

Our PGCE will appeal to you if you wish to move into teaching and if you are a graduate in Science or about to graduate in Science. Applicants should indicate which of Biology, Chemistry or Physics they are interested in when applying.

If you wish to apply for two science subject areas, please submit one application for the Science programme but indicate using the supplementary application form which Science specialism is your preference eg. Biology with Science; Chemistry with Science; Physics with Science. You may nominate more than one on the same supplementary application form.

Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.

There is the option for science students to take a two week alternative placement with an environmental/outdoor learning education provider. This will take place during the last two weeks of the second placement (May time). Students will be invited to apply for this opportunity and must demonstrate satisfactory development in all core competencies before proceeding to this placement.

Further information including an Applicant Guide can be found on the School website at go.qub.ac.uk/pgce23

Education (Science) highlights

Over 83% of research submitted by colleagues based in the Education Unit of Assessment was judged to be ‘World Leading’ or ‘Internationally Excellent' by a peer review panel (REF2021).

---

---

---

---

Professional Accreditations

We are a General Teaching Council (GTCNI) accredited provider of Initial Teacher Education programmes. On completion of the programme you will achieve Eligibility to Teach / Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

---

---

---

---

Career Development

PGCE graduates may transfer 30 credits into one of the School’s Educational Master’s programmes.

---

---

---

---

Student Experience

The Education and Training Inspectorate has assessed the ‘Outcomes for learners’ on the course to be ‘Outstanding’. Students are involved in active, enquiry-based and research-informed learning throughout the course.

Watch a recording of the PGCE Information Session for 2023/24 entry at this link:

https://youtu.be/LByYLMT86Fc

"The PGCE in Science is very highly regarded within Northern Ireland, the UK and beyond. We welcome graduates from a range of science degrees and prepare adaptable, innovative science teachers of the future. The course offers an excellent blend of theory and practice in teaching science using contemporary and research-led teaching approaches. Our students are nurtured on their journey to becoming a teacher and we work closely together to fully prepare students for a fulfilling career in education".

Dr Karen Kerr, Lecturer (PGCE Science)

NEXT

Course content

Program Outline

Course Structure

After enrolment, you will complete an Induction week followed by a one-week placement in a primary school in early September.

The next six week block of the course is devoted to university-based tuition (subject-specific taught sessions and directed independent study) before you commence your first eleven week period of professional placement based in a school.

At the beginning of February, you return to university-based tuition in preparation for your second professional period in a school (12 weeks). A final week of university-based tuition completes the course at the end of May.

Successful completion of the PGCE depends on achieving satisfactory standards in both practical teaching and in University based modules, which are assessed through course work.

The extended placements, which we arrange, are normally in two different schools . This ensures a varied experience of teaching in different schools and working with pupils from the whole ability range.

In the two post-primary schools you will work closely with members of each school’s staff. Your subject lecturer from Queen’s will also maintain close co-operative links with these teachers during your school placements.

There is the option for science students to take a two week alternative placement with an environmental/outdoor learning education provider. This will take place during the last two weeks of the second placement (May time). Students will be invited to apply for this opportunity and must demonstrate satisfactory development in all core competencies before proceeding to this placement.

Course Details

The programme combines university-based tuition, consisting of taught sessions and directed independent study, with professional placements in schools and is organised around three interdependent strands: Professional School-based Experience - focuses on developing practical teaching competence particularly through working closely with experienced teachers during periods of school placement. Subject Studies - focuses on teaching and learning within your subject specialism (and cognate areas). Education and Professional Studies - focuses on common aspects of teaching and the professional role of the teacher, bringing together relevant theory, policy and practice. This  includes issues such as: the Northern Ireland education system,  curriculum theory and policy, theories of learning and assessment, social class and educational disadvantage, special educational needs and barriers to learning, pastoral care and child protection/safeguarding, student voice, mental health and wellbeing of students, positive behaviour management, diversity and inclusion, effective use of technologies and whole school approaches to literacy, numeracy the social and emotional health of young people. Students are also offered a choice of elective course designed to enhance the subjects and skills they can offer to schools. Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.

“The PGCE course is extremely well coordinated and delivered in an engaging, stimulating way. Classes are significantly smaller than undergraduate lectures, allowing relationships between tutors and students to develop and flourish with a real sense of support and community among the cohort... I thoroughly enjoyed my time on school placement and building relationships with pupils, enabling them to develop and blossom within the classroom. I was delighted to be awarded the ‘Excellence in Teaching’ Award 2021.”

Tori Coulter, PGCE Science 2021

---

People teaching you

Dr James Nelson

PGCE Course Director

SSESW

Email: j.nelson@qub.ac.uk Dr James Nelson has oversight of the PGCE.

Dr Karen Kerr

Lecturer and Pathway Convenor

SSESW

Dr Karen Kerr teaches on and co-ordinates the science studies module. Her research interests are in science education. In particular, the areas of outdoor learning, Education for Sustainable Development and professional development for teachers.

---

Teaching Times

Typically Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day.

---

Career Prospects

Introduction

This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS).

Qualified teachers have found employment in secondary schools, progressing through either a subject specialist or pastoral route into middle and senior management. Others have gone on to successfully complete further postgraduate study.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

https://www.facebook.com/178769492624/videos/251478602647133

---

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

---

Indicative Number of Modules per Semester

1.5 modules per Semester (30 CATS points)

Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester

40% lectures, 20% lab, 20% tutorials, 20% private study.

---

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

---

Coursework comprises subject studies assignments, practical teaching and core tasks arising from lectures, workshops and tutorials addressing key educational issues.

---

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:

https://youtu.be/PJeiF24bjxE

The Graduate School

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ_BwOtjXAE

---

Prizes and Awards

Educational and Professional Studies Prize.

Elizabeth M Fulton Prize for top performing student in Science.

Excellence in Teaching Award – competition across all PGCE subject areas.

Overall Best Performing PGCE Student.

---

Resources

You can watch a recording of our post-primary PGCE Information Session for 2023/24 entry on our YouTube channel at this link:

https://youtu.be/LByYLMT86Fc

PREV

Overview

NEXT

Modules

---

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2022/23). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

PREV

Course content

NEXT

Entry Requirements

---

Career Prospects

Introduction

This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS).

Qualified teachers have found employment in secondary schools, progressing through either a subject specialist or pastoral route into middle and senior management. Others have gone on to successfully complete further postgraduate study.

Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.

https://www.facebook.com/178769492624/videos/251478602647133

---

Additional Awards Gained

Students are required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure Check with Access NI costing £33 and are responsible for funding this themselves. Students have two mandatory placements in a post-primary school in Northern Ireland and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence. These costs vary depending on the location of the placement provider. Students will be expected to dress professionally and may incur additional costs for clothing. Additional costs will be incurred for the creation of teaching materials whilst on placement, which may be partly absorbed by the placement school.

---

Prizes and Awards

Educational and Professional Studies Prize.

Elizabeth M Fulton Prize for top performing student in Science.

Excellence in Teaching Award – competition across all PGCE subject areas.

Overall Best Performing PGCE Student.

---

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

PREV

Entry requirements

NEXT

Fees and Funding