PGCE Science with Physics

Program Overview

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Postgraduate

Science with Physics

PGCE

Key details

Start date(s)

• September 2025

Study Mode

• Full-time (1 year)

Location

• Main Campus (Horsforth)

School

• Education

About this course

Physics is one of the fundamental sciences that rely upon scientific methods to describe the natural world. Concepts taught in Physics apply continuously to people’s ordinary lives as well as extraordinary research, bridging the particularly small sub-atomic particles to the immensely vast Universe. Physicists are also trained in highly valued skills such as problem-solving, ability to reason clearly, team working and creativity.

Physics-trained students can find job opportunities in lucrative career sectors such as engineering, geophysics, medicine, business and finance, data analyst and project managers. This subject empowers students of all backgrounds to change their life.

Every child deserves to be taught by expert teachers who know not only their subject in detail but more importantly how to teach it. This is your chance to share your passion for your subject and inspire the next generation. We will also train you to be confident in teaching all three sciences thus including Biology and Chemistry to GCSE level. Our PGCE Science courses will give you the opportunity to deliver hands-on practical activities and in-depth explorations of the curriculum to best support your own teaching.

Our vision is to develop skilful and resilient teachers who are experts in science pedagogy, and 21st-century skills driven. We focus on subject-specific knowledge, up-to-date teaching practices which are based on the most recent research, and, most importantly, your specific needs as a trainee teacher.

On successful completion of this degree and having met the Teachers’ Standards, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). All our PGCE Secondary courses lead to the award of a level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Education.

Course modules

Year 1

Stage One - Introduction to Teaching

From September to December you'll complete three months of integrated training, in which you’ll build up to spending four days a week in your stage one school. The other days will be spent learning with your peers, in order to support you in becoming a skilful teacher who is an pedagogy expert in your subject area.

Stage Two – Developing your Knowledge, Understanding and Practice

From January to March you’ll start a second placement in a different school for stage two. Ongoing support from, and fortnightly training days at University will continue until the end of Stage 2. This stage includes targeted support and training to help you secure your first teaching job, alongside the development of your teaching skills.

In this placement, you will continue to be supported by your University subject tutor, your school mentor and a lead mentor who liaises frequently between school and University.

Stage Three - Embedding your Skills and Preparing you for your New Career

From May to July you'll continue to teach in the same school as for stage 2. At this point in the programme, you begin to take much more ownership of your classes. Embedding the skills you have learned in the first two stages you will begin to take on more teaching and only have a small amount of taught University training days.

For the final six weeks of stage three you will have built your timetable up to the equivalent of 80% of a qualified teacher’s timetable. Gaining evidence to show that you have got what it takes to meet the Teachers' Standards by the end of the programme.

Learning and teaching

Assessment methods

Our strategy

At the end of each placement your school mentor, who will have supported you throughout your time in school, will assess your practice, using evidence from the whole of your time in school, including observations, lesson plans and marked work.

You’ll complete a progress portfolio to collate evidence of your teaching practice. At the end of the course, we will use this evidence to show that you have met the Teachers’ Standards.

You’ll also complete two level 7 Master’s assignments to test your ability to be critically reflective and research-led in your approach to teaching.

Learning and teaching

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

• high quality teaching
• an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
• a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

• Student Involvement and Engagement
• Inclusion
• Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
• Digital Literacy and Skills
• Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

• Personalised support
• Expert lecturers
• Strong connections with employers
• An international outlook
• Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

Entry requirements

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

The following information is designed to give you a general overview of the qualifications we accept. If you are taking qualifications that are not included below, please contact our Admissions Office who will be happy to advise you.

• A good honours degree (usually a 2:2 or above) with a significant proportion in Physics. Please note that applicants with third-class honours degrees will be considered on an individual basis, and normally only if applicants have additional qualifications and/or significant relevant professional experience.
• GCSE Grade 4 (or C or accepted equivalent) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics. If you do not already have the appropriate GCSEs, or if you are unable to provide proof of your grades, please refer to the GCSE Equivalency information below.
• The ability to read effectively and communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written standard English.
• Suitable personal and intellectual qualities required for teaching in secondary schools.
• Applicants also need to demonstrate the commitment, attitudes and values appropriate to those of a secondary teacher and the potential to train as a teacher. Strong applicants often have experience in secondary schools, but this is not a requirement.

Applicants who require sponsorship for a student visa will also need to meet the English language requirements.

• Minimum English Language entry requirements: IELTS Academic 6.0 (with no less than 5.5 in any component) or equivalent

You do not need to provide evidence of your English Language if any of the following conditions apply:

• You're a UK national
• You're a national from a majority English-speaking country as specified by the UKVI. For more information, visit the Student Visa Knowledge of English page on the UK government website.
• You've completed a degree either in the UK or in a majority English-speaking country as specified by the UKVI.

If your qualification isn't in English, we will require a translation.

For more information on meeting English language requirements and academic requirements by country, visit our International Applicants page.

Additional entry requirements

In addition to the above essential entry requirements, successful applicants also tend to have:

• Advanced level qualifications (or equivalent) in Physics.
• Experience of observing the teaching in a secondary school in this country.
• You will also need to meet additional entry requirements set by the Department for Education (DfE) for selection. This includes the completion of a health check and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. For further information, please visit our Initial Teacher Training additional entry requirements page.

Interview information

If your initial application is successful, we will invite you to the next available Interview Day. For more information on the interview process, visit our PGCE Secondary Education interviews page.

GCSE Equivalency

If you do not already have the appropriate GCSEs, or if you are unable to provide proof of your grades, we can accept GCSE equivalency tests taken with A Star Equivalency, equivalencytesting.com or Birmingham City University (BCU). Further details are emailed to applicants who accept offers with us.

Fees and finance

Funding

For information about our tuition fees please visit our Student Fees and Finance pages.

Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)

Achieve an additional qualification alongside your PGCE with the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies.

Although the CCRS isn't compulsory, it is recognised across the Catholic school sector as a desirable qualification that can expand on both your expertise and your vocational focus. The course aims to ensure you have the basic knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the beliefs and principles of the Catholic Faith while providing a basis for further study.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

The PGCE Secondary Science with Physics aims to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become effective and confident science teachers in secondary schools. The program focuses on developing subject-specific knowledge, teaching practice, and pedagogical skills aligned with the latest research and curriculum.

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Description:

This one-year full-time program is divided into two stages:

• Stage A (Introduction to Teaching): This three-month period involves a blend of university-based training and school placements.
Students spend three days a week in their designated school, gradually increasing to four days by the end of the stage. The remaining days are dedicated to university sessions focused on subject knowledge, teaching practice, and professional development.
• Stage B (Developing Your Knowledge and Preparing for Your New Career): This stage spans from January to June and involves a second school placement in a different setting.
Students continue to receive support from university tutors and school mentors while further developing their teaching skills and knowledge.

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Key Features:

• Subject-specific focus: The program emphasizes deep understanding of the science curriculum, including physics, and effective teaching strategies specific to the subject.
• Gradual introduction to teaching: The staged approach allows students to progressively gain experience and confidence in the classroom.
• Strong emphasis on professional development: Students receive ongoing support and guidance from experienced tutors and mentors throughout the program.
• Alignment with the latest research and curriculum: The program incorporates the most recent advancements in teaching methodology and curriculum design.
• Preparation for QTS: The program prepares students to meet the Teachers' Standards and achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
## Outline:

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Structure:

The program is structured around a combination of university-based training sessions and school placements.

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Course Schedule:

• Stage A:
• Three days a week in school (initially)
• Two days a week at university
• Stage B:
• Four days a week in school
• One day a week at university

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Modules:

• Subject Knowledge and Applied Pedagogy (SKAP): These sessions focus on deepening subject knowledge and developing effective teaching strategies specific to science and physics.
• Professional Education Studies: This module provides an overview of important topics related to teaching, including classroom management, assessment, and curriculum development.
• School-based Training: Students gain practical experience in two different school settings, applying their knowledge and skills under the guidance of experienced mentors.

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Individual Module Descriptions:

• SKAP: These sessions vary depending on the specific topics covered and the expertise of the tutors.
Examples may include:
• Exploring the science curriculum and its application in the classroom
• Developing effective lesson plans and teaching materials
• Implementing engaging and interactive teaching methods
• Assessing student learning and providing feedback
• Professional Education Studies: This module covers a range of topics such as:
• The role and responsibilities of a teacher
• Effective classroom management techniques
• Assessment and evaluation methods
• Curriculum development and planning
• Ethics and professional conduct in education
• School-based Training: The specific content of the school placements will vary depending on the individual schools and the students' needs.
However, students will typically:
• Observe experienced teachers in the classroom
• Plan and deliver lessons
• Assess student learning
• Reflect on their teaching practice and identify areas for improvement
## Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Formative assessment: Ongoing feedback and guidance from tutors and mentors throughout the program.
• Summative assessment: Final assessment at the end of each stage, including observations, lesson plans, and student work.
• Master's assignments: Two level 7 assignments to demonstrate critical reflection and research skills in relation to teaching.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Subject knowledge: Demonstrating a deep understanding of the science curriculum and physics content.
• Teaching practice: Implementing effective teaching strategies, classroom management skills, and assessment techniques.
• Professional development: Engaging in reflection, seeking feedback, and continuously improving teaching practice.
• Meeting the Teachers' Standards: Achieving the required standards for qualified teacher status.
## Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures and seminars: Engaging students in active learning through discussions, problem-solving activities, and group work.
• Subject-specific workshops: Providing hands-on experience with science and physics concepts and teaching methods.
• School-based observations: Observing experienced teachers in the classroom and receiving feedback on teaching practice.
• Mentorship: Receiving ongoing support and guidance from experienced tutors and school mentors.

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Faculty:

The program is led by experienced and qualified academics who are experts in their respective fields of science and education. They are dedicated to providing students with the knowledge, skills, and support they need to become successful teachers.

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Unique Approaches:

• Focus on subject-specific pedagogy: The program emphasizes developing teaching strategies specifically tailored to the science curriculum and physics content.
• Staged approach to teaching practice: The gradual introduction to teaching allows students to gain confidence and experience progressively.
• Strong emphasis on professional development: Students receive ongoing support and guidance throughout the program to enhance their teaching skills and knowledge.
## Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Secondary school science teacher
• Physics teacher
• Head of Science department
• Science curriculum developer
• Educational consultant
• Science communicator

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Opportunities:

• The program prepares students for a variety of teaching positions in secondary schools, both in the UK and internationally.
• Graduates are highly sought-after due to their subject-specific expertise and teaching skills.
• The program provides opportunities for career progression and leadership roles in the education sector.

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Outcomes:

• Graduates are well-prepared to meet the challenges of teaching in a 21st-century classroom.
• They are equipped with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to make a positive impact on their students' learning.
• The program has a strong track record of producing successful and effective science teachers.
## Other:

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Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS):

Students have the option to pursue the CCRS alongside their PGCE. This additional qualification provides a deeper understanding of the Catholic faith and expands their vocational focus.

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International Students:

The program is open to international students who meet the entry requirements and visa regulations.

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Entry Requirements:

• A good honours degree with a significant proportion in Physics.
• GCSE Grade 4 (or C) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics.
• Suitable personal and intellectual qualities for teaching in secondary schools.
• Additional requirements set by the Department for Education (DfE) for selection.

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Application Process:

• Apply through the Department for Education (Apply for teacher training - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))
• Create an account and complete all sections of the application.
• Search for the course by location, provider, and subject.
• International students applying for a Student Route Visa must apply by the deadline and meet all visa requirements.

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Fees and Funding:

For information on tuition fees, please visit the Student Fees and Finance pages.