Primary NQT Training Programme 2019 – 2020 drafted

Program Overview

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Course overview

Our Primary NQT training programme is made up of seven different sessions. Aimed at supporting Newly Qualified Teachers in Early Years, KS1 and KS2, we want to help you grow and have the opportunity to discuss and reflect on your practice and progress.

"Thank you. I have learnt so much and have applied a lot in the classroom. It is already making a difference"

Zainab (Spring 2018)

Our sessions require active participation, where there is time to discuss individual classrooms issues, share ideas and explore solutions to overcome difficulties.

The staff who deliver the sessions are from a wide range of professional and educational backgrounds, and they support a diverse and exciting educational experience and provide a broad research profile.

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Session 1: Managing Behaviours in the Classroom and Your First Term in Post

This session is in two parts. The first part will build on the idea of reflective practice, not only to build a strong foundation for the NQT year ahead but also into the future as a professional.  With a focus on managing behaviours, this session will enable you to deepen your understanding of relationships within the classroom and beyond.  Open discussions will provide a forum where you can share experiences and develop your expertise. The second part is about reflecting on your first term with your class. Please bring your NQT portfolio to review your Induction Observations, to discuss your targets for the spring term an and to describe the behaviour management strategies you use. Suggested Links to Teachers’ Standards: TS1. TS7. Part Two: Personal and professional conduct.

Date: Monday, 28 October 2019

Time: 1-4 pm

Tutor: Sue Dixon

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Session 2: Teaching and Learning Mathematics

Teaching and learning requires a comprehensive understanding of planning and assessment. This session considers who you are as a teacher and who you are as a mathematician. It also explores how you can maximise learning opportunities for the child and developing good practice in Maths lessons. Please bring you: your NQT portfolio, your second Induction Observation, something that you feel represents you as a teacher and a mathematics lesson plan that you have delivered and assessed. Suggested Links to Teachers’ Standards: TS3. TS4. TS5. TS6.

Date: Monday, 11 November 2019

Time: 1-4 pm

Tutor: Anna Grant

Book onto this session only.

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Session 3: Engaging pupils with poetry

This three-hour session is aimed at supporting you in finding accessible ways for pupils to read, write and talk about poetry, across a range of poets, poetic forms, styles and moods. It will also focus on teaching styles and methods in relation to poetry, favouring a 'dialogic' approach. Suggested Links to Teachers’ Standards:  TS3. TS4.TS5.

Date: Monday, 22 January 2020

Time: 1-4 pm

Tutor: Michael Rosen

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Session 4: Meeting the needs of pupils with SEND

This session will look at ways to support some of the most common SEND found in mainstream schools. These will include dyslexia, ADHD, higher functioning autism (previously known as Asperger’s Syndrome), emotional and behavioural difficulties and foetal alcohol syndrome. We will look at teaching adaptations that can be considered along with taking into account the classroom environment, and the degree they can be used to support those with differing needs. Suggested Links to Teachers’ Standards: TS1. TS2. TS4. TS5. TS7

Date: Monday, 23 March 2020

Time: 1-4 pm

Tutor: Una Coyne

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Session 5: Assessment and Report Writing with a focus on Reading

Why do we assess? We will reflect on the use of formative and summative assessment in schools. We will consider the literature around this, its practical application, and how schools can best impact learning and progress. The second part of this session will focus on the effective teaching of reading and the role of assessment in this. Please bring your NQT portfolio, examples of how you track and assess ‘reading’ in your school, and, if possible, the end of year format of report writing used in your school. Suggested Links to Teachers’ Standards: TS2. TS4. TS5. TS6.

Date: Monday, 18 May 2020

Time: 1-4 pm

Tutor: James Titley

Book onto this session only.

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Session 6: Creative Arts

The Arts are going to have an increased focus in Ofsted inspections, so we will also explore what this might look like. In the first part of the session, we will consider the importance of music in education.  How can music be the initial focus of cross-curricular learning? The second part of this session will suggest ways to approach teaching and learning in and through art. You will develop your art and design subject knowledge. You'll explore different materials and techniques and reflect on why drawing and formal elements have been central to the subject. Suggested Links to Teachers’ Standards: TS1. TS2. TS3. TS5.

Date: Monday, 1 June 2020

Time: 1-4 pm

Tutor: Una Coyne and Neil Walton

Book onto this session only.

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Session 7: Looking to the Future and Supporting Wellbeing

The session will be split into two parts. The first part will be about looking back on your induction year so that you can reflect on your strengths and areas for development. Bring your completed NQT portfolio and a key moment from your NQT year to celebrate with the group. The second part of the session will have a focus on wellbeing. This will explore issues of childhood mental health and your mental health and wellbeing. This part of the session will be experiential.

Date: Monday, 29 June 2020

Time: 1-4 pm

Tutor: Sue Dixon

Book onto this session only.

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Program Outline

Course content

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

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Experimental Physics (20 credits)

This module is an introduction to working in a laboratory environment. You'll learn how to design and undertake simple experiments related to the taught components of the first-year physics curriculum. By the end of the course you will be able to write a formal report, perform simple uncertainty analysis, make dimensional analysis of physical systems, and perform simple data analysis with Python

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Mechanics & Waves (20 credits)

This module will provide you with an understanding of motion of simple mechanical systems, gravitation and simple harmonic motion. You'll also learn about the fundamentals of wave propagation and the superposition of waves as well simple optical phenomena such as diffraction.

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Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)

This module is designed to introduce you to quantum mechanics and electromagnetism. It highlights experimental observations that resulted in the development of quantum mechanics, such as the photoelectric effect and blackbody radiation. In terms of electromagnetism, you'll cover basic electrostatics and magnetostatics and develop an understanding of Maxwell’s equations and the Lorentz force law.

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Mathematics (40 credits)

We will introduce you to the mathematics necessary to support the physics curriculum. The modules will cover topics ranging from differentiation and integration, complex numbers, an introduction to linear algebra and vectors. You will learn how to apply your mathematical knowledge to related problems in physics.

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Computational & Physics Skills (20 credits)

This module will introduce you to the Python programming language and you will start to use Python to write simple programmes to model physical systems. You will also develop your study and communication skills, and interact with the careers service to develop your employability skills. This module will involve a group project.

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Experimental Physics (20 credits)

This module is an extension of Experimental Physics from year 1. You'll undertake more complex experiments that are related to the taught components of the second-year curriculum. You'll see the statistical origin for experimental uncertainties.

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Mechanics & Waves (20 credits)

This module builds on Mechanics and Waves from year 1. You'll be introduced to special relativity, the vector treatment of rotational motion and the behaviour of systems when forced to oscillate. To extend your understanding of wave phenomena you'll be introduced to the wave equation, Fresnel and Fraunhofer diffraction, interference, geometrical optics, and the operation of lasers.

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Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)

This module builds on the material you learned in year 1. You'll be introduced to the probabilistic nature of quantum mechanics, including wave particle duality and Heisenberg uncertainty principle. You'll learn about AC theory, covering inductors, capacitors and transmission lines. You’ll extend your knowledge of Maxwell’s equations to develop a vector model of electromagnetism and the theory of the plane electromagnetic wave in vacuum.

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Mathematics (40 credits)

The topics covered in these modules will extend the mathematics seen in first year. You will cover many different topics including probability distributions, ordinary and partial differential equations, Fourier series and transforms, linear algebra, and complex variables. You will learn how to solve problems relating to the topics covered in your physics modules and build appropriate physical models.

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Computational & Physics Skills (20 credits)

In this module you will build on the Python programming seen in year 1 and be introduced to a range of computational techniques that will make modelling and solving physical system straightforward. Again there will be a group project which will be used to enhance your skills and there will be further interactions with the Careers Service to enhance your employability skills.

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Quantum Physics & Electromagnetism (20 credits)

Building on what you learned in year 2, this module will extend your understanding of quantum mechanics. We'll introduce operators, expectation values and commutation relationships, and advanced concepts like time independent perturbation theory. In electromagnetism you will exploring the wave like nature of electromagnetism as predicted by Maxwell's equations, Poynting’s theorem, reflection and transmission at a dielectric interface, potentials and gauge transformations, and retarded potentials.

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Condensed Matter Physics (20 credits)

Here you'll cover binding forces in solids, bulk material properties, phonons and other forms of collective excitations, crystal structure, elementary concepts of band structure, semi-conductors, magnetic materials and the origins of magnetism, and superconductors.

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Gases, Liquids & Thermodynamics (20 credits)

This module covers the physics of gases and liquids and the fundamentals of thermodynamics. This includes the ideal gas law, hydrostatics, isothermal and adiabatic processes, and the laws of thermodynamics. We also present the basic principles of statistical mechanics, and various distributions such as Maxwellian, Fermi-Dirac and Bose-Einstein.

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Mathematical Physics (20 credits)

This module focuses on introducing new techniques in mathematical physics. You will develop your problem-solving skills through a series of challenging tutorial problems addressing advanced problems both from the topics addressed in this module and from the other core third year modules including quantum mechanics, statistical mechanics and thermal physics, solid state physics and electrodynamics. You will gain an appreciation for how advanced mathematical techniques can be used to aid in solving challenging physics problems and become proficient in applying the techniques you will learn to solve more advanced and previously unseen problems.

Choose either Experimental Physics I or Experimental Physics II, below.

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Experimental Physics I (40 credits)

This module extends the laboratory work developed in years 1 and 2 and involves experiments covering a range of topics relevant to the 3rd year Physics UG taught syllabus. The laboratory work is open ended so you're able to fully explore the experiments in preparation for the final year project. You will develop advanced measurement, data recording and analysis skills and learn how to report experimental outcomes in the form of a journal paper. This module covers 4 experiments.

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Experimental Physics II (20 credits)

This module extends the laboratory work developed in years 1 and 2 and involves experiments covering a range of topics relevant to the 3rd year Physics UG taught syllabus. The laboratory work is open-ended so you're able to fully explore the experiments in preparation for the final year project. You will develop advanced measurement, data recording and analysis skills and learn how to report experimental outcomes in the form of a journal paper. This module covers 2 experiments.

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Optional modules:

If you choose

Experimental Physics I

then you are required to choose one optional module and if you choose

Experimental Physics

II

then you are required to choose two optional modules from the following:

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Communicating Physics (20 credits)

This module will develop your knowledge base and transferable skills in preparation for the project undertaken in years 4 and 5 of the course. It focuses on effective and concise communication of complex information through oral, written and graphical presentations, literature and group-work skills.

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Computational Physics (20 credits)

During this module, you’ll be introduced to the best practises in software development, and the numerical methods that are most commonly used to solve physical problems including linear algebra, partial, ordinary and stochastic differential equations, and Fourier methods.  To undertake this module, a prior understanding of Python is required.

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Physics project (40 credits)

The aim of this module is to help you develop as an enquiring, independent physicist, by undertaking a research project. You'll be under the supervision of a member of staff from the department.

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Research Skills (20 credits)

This module is intended as an introduction to the organisation, management, funding, performance and delivery of research. You'll be introduced to the processes associated with applying for research funds and assessing proposals for research funding along with elements of the ethics of research. You will gain initial experience of writing and assessing research papers, proposals and presenting a case for support, awareness of the importance of generating impact and commercialising research, and familiarity with professional activities and conduct when managing research.

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Plus three Optional classes from:

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Topics in Physics (20 credits)

Here you'll be introduced to state-of-the-art developments in generation and use of charged particles in various forms such as free electron beams, plasmas and astrophysical plasmas. This will include basic plasma physics theory (particle orbit theory, fluid equations, ideal and magnetohydrodynamics, wave equations and kinetic theory), electron optics and electron microscopes, free electron devices and radiation sources. You will also look at the history and geography of our galactic environment, red giants, white dwarfs, supernovae, neutron stars, black holes and physics of the Big Bang.

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Topics in Solid State Physics (20 credits)

Here you'll track the development of key concepts in solid state physics and how these concepts can be exploited to form functional optical and electronic devices. You will look at the chemistry and physics of crystalline and amorphous materials, with a focus on semiconductor materials, optical activity in solid-state materials, the interaction of semiconductors with light, transistors (bipolar and unipolar), quantum wells and microstructured materials.

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Topics in Nanoscience (20 credits)

This module will provide an overview of modern nanoscience. It will discuss basic physics related to low dimensional nanostructures and nanoclusters, nanofabrication including top-down and bottom up approaches, characteristics techniques including electron spectroscopy and microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, and optical spectroscopy and microscopy. Noble metal nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanomaterials will be introduced. In particular it will cover the physical and chemical properties of nanoparticles, their production, applications in physics, chemistry and medicine along with issues relating to nanotoxicity and the ethics of medical nanoscience.

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Topics in Photonics (20 credits)

During this module you'll gain an insight into laser physics, laser optics and nonlinear optics as used in many photonic laboratories. This will include properties of laser radiation, beam propagation and ray transfer matrices, nonlinear polarization, and second and third order nonlinear effects such as second harmonic generation and the optical Kerr effect.

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Topics in Complex and Nonlinear Systems (20 credits)

During this module you will learn about simple systems that exhibit non-linear and complex behaviour. You will find how to analyse non-linear systems and find stationary points , learn to analyse bifurcation diagrams and identify key features on these diagrams , l ook at periodic solutions to non-linear systems and recognise oscillations, and key features of these oscillations , and u nderstand the origin of deterministic chaos and explain key features relating to chaos.

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Topics in Theoretical Physics (20 credits)

In this module we’ll demonstrate the large-scale structure of space-time. You will develop the necessary mathematical concepts (4-vectors, the metric tensor, covariant derivatives, connection coefficients and the Riemann curvature tensor) and use them to derive Einstein's gravitational field equation and look at idealized cosmological solutions for the large-scale structure of the universe, including the standard model. You will study gravitational collapse and the properties of black holes.

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Topics in Quantum Physics (20 credits)

This module will provide a broad foundation in concepts and techniques from quantum mechanics, and provide experience in the practical application of these techniques to describing state-of-the-art experiments and quantum technologies.

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Topics in Atomic, Molecular & Nuclear Physics (20 credits)

This module aims to give a general overview and understanding of atomic and molecular physics and relate these to practical applications and related fields of study. You will learn about optical selection rules, atomic structure, and atom-light interactions, and applications such as Atomic Clocks; Laser Cooling; Ion Traps; Magnetic Trapping; Optical Trapping; Quantum Degenerate Gases; Atom Interferometry; Laser frequency calibration and combs. In molecular physics you will learn about: Diatomic molecules; Rotational Modes; Vibrational Modes; Symmetries and Selection Rules.

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Applied High Performance Computing (20 credits)

This module provides an up-to-date introduction to High Performance Computing (HPC) and the use of modern parallel computers to tackle the most demanding problems in science in general and Physics in particular. It provides an overview of the basic building blocks of High-Performance Computers and how they can be utilised effectively. The practical use of HPC will be demonstrated using application examples drawn from several areas of relevance to 4th year modules offered by the Department.

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MPhys Project (40 credits)

The MPhys project follows on from the BSc project undertaken in Year 4 and will help you further develop as an independent learner. The topic may be experimental, theoretical, or computation physics or a mixture of all three. The work is normally carried out in the research laboratories under the individual supervision of an experienced researcher. You will present your results in the form of a typical high-impact research paper.

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Plus three Optional classes from:

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Advanced Topics in Physics (20 credits)

In this module you will learn about the interaction of intense electromagnetic radiation with plasma and solid matter, of concepts for its description, and of important applications. This will include laser-plasma wakefield accelerators: underdense plasma; ponderomotive force; relativistic effects; laser self-guiding; laser depletion; plasma bubble formation; electron injection and acceleration; electron dephasing. You will also look at radiation sources based on laser-plasma accelerators and high power laser pulse interactions with dense targets.

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Advanced Topics in Solid State Physics (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce advanced concepts associated with the physics of nano-scale structures. This will be underpinned by exposure to relevant key concepts in modern condensed matter physics and optics. You will look at single particles and collective behaviour in solids, carbon nano-structures and their relatives, phases and states of matter, and topologically non-trivial matter.

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Advanced Topics in Nanoscience (20 credits)

The aim of this module is to introduce the advanced imaging and microscopy techniques associated with modern nanoscience. This will be underpinned by the physics required for a thorough understanding of these methods, including the molecular physics of absorption and fluorescence and the optical physics relating to microscopy and imaging in the visible and X-ray regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.

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Advanced Topics in Quantum Physics – Quantum Technologies (20 credits)

This module provides a broad overview of the diverse range of quantum technologies. Students will acquire a firm foundation of the quantum principles upon which quantum technologies are built and which lead to their advantage over conventional "classical" technologies, as well as their practical deployment in various experimental systems and platforms. Students should become aware of the broad scope of quantum technologies, a realistic appreciation of their capabilities, the challenges to the implementation, and the applications to which they can be applied.

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Advanced Topics in Electromagnetism & Plasma Physics (20 credits)

This module introduces you to the primary methods for transmitting and manipulating electromagnetic waves, looking at both theoretical and practical consideration for a range of applications. You will also cover the collective behaviour of plasmas with applications to space physics, magnetic confinement fusion and laboratory experiments. You will learn about the impact of plasma on the propagation of EM waves, the effects introduced by a static magnetic field and the new wave modes that have no equivalent in vacuum. The course will also address wave-particle interactions leading to acceleration and other kinetic effects in plasma.

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Advanced Topics in Quantum Optics (20 credits)

This module introduces methods and applications in advanced modern quantum optics, building on concepts from earlier years. Material covered includes the quantum harmonic oscillator, light-matter interaction, density matrix, Lindblad form, two-level atoms, three level atoms, coherent population trapping, electromagnetically induced transparency, Nonlinear Schrödinger equation, Maxwell-Bloch equations, bistability, solitons, Optical Parametric Oscillators and intracavity Second Harmonic generation, theory of coherence, super radiance, and an alternative derivation of the density matrix form from many-body theory.

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Advanced Computational Physics (20 credits)

This module provides an up-to-date introduction to the use of modern parallel computers to simulate and understand complex physical systems. It focuses on methods and applications that scale from modest desk-top computers to (in principle) world leading supercomputers. Application examples are drawn from several areas of relevance to 4th and 5th year Physics modules in quantum physics, condensed matter and plasma physics.

This module will build on the new Level 4 Computational module ("Applied High Performance Computing") but gives students the tools to develop and use new physical models on these modern architectures.

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Learning & teaching

Teaching methods include lectures, tutorials, interactive learning using both personal response systems and web-based teaching resources, directed laboratory work, group-based learning and self-paced project work.

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Assessment

Assessment methods include exams, continuous assessment, written reports, moderated peer assessment in tutorials and workshops, talks and poster sessions.

The idea of the working of the universe always fascinated me and studying physics is a way to explore some of the biggest questions in science, and help me understand all the phenomenon that has intrigued me since a young age.

Muntaha Naseer More about Muntaha's experience

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Careers

Throughout the course, you’ll develop the key skills that will make you a successful physicist and maximise your career options.

Our graduates find work anywhere from research and development to production and management in every field of science and industry. Some work as medical physicists and environmental physicists, others as petroleum engineers, patent officers as well as research scientists.

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How much will I earn?

Research scientists earn a similar salary with University professors earning between £50,000 and £70,000.*

The starting salary for an NHS medical physicist as a Healthcare Scientist on the graduate-entry NHS Scientist Training Programme at Band 6 is £26,041.* This could increase to £80,000 in a management position.

Your salary in other sectors will vary.

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Where are they now?**

Recent job titles include:

Graduate Training Programme Physicist

Trainee Engineer

Graduate Metering Engineer

Recent employers include:

Baker Hughes

Cascade Technologies

AMEC

Emerson Process Management

University of Birmingham

University of Edinburgh

University of Strathclyde

*Information is intended only as a guide and based on NHS salary scales.

**Based on the national Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education survey.