Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Physics with Mathematics)

Program Overview

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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Physics with Mathematics) PGCE

Key information

Study mode: Full time Duration: 37 weeks full-time, September to end of June Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 120 / ECTS 60 credits Application status: Open Start date: September 2025

Course essentials

The PGCE Physics with Mathematics at King’s prepares trainees to become thoughtful, creative and engaging teachers, through understanding both the research which underpins and advances science teaching, and a wide range of practical approaches. The course is taught by an internationally recognised science education group with over three decades of acclaimed research.

Key benefits

• PGCE courses at King’s are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. One reason is the strong research base which informs the course. In the last research assessment exercise, the department was rated as the leading education institution for research in London (REF, 2021).
• A working partnership with a broad range of schools in London and beyond, providing unique opportunities to learn how to teach diverse groups of students.
• Preparing students to teach outside the classroom: there is a residential field-trip and several other opportunities to make best use of what London has to offer the science teacher.
• Across all PGCE subjects, 92% of our PGCE trainees who applied for teaching posts after graduation were employed as Early Career Teachers (ECTs) at schools in the UK and abroad (JISC Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
• Two assessed pieces of coursework give you 60 Master’s-level credits – a third of an MA – which puts you well on the way to a Master’s degree in your chosen profession.

Entry requirements

UK applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:2 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• Programme-Specific Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree with at least 2:2 honours (or overseas equivalent) usually in the subject you wish to teach.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the subject you intend to teach.
  • GCSE grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification) in English language and mathematics.

International applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view equivalent qualifications
• English language requirements: English language band B

Teaching & structure

Teaching methods - what to expect

• Seminars
• Self-Study
• Academic sessions
• One-to-one tutorials
• Teaching placement

Location

• Lectures and seminars are primarily taught at the King’s College London Waterloo Campus.
• Students undertake placements in secondary schools that work in partnership with King’s College London.

Assessment

• The 45-credit honours-level module will be assessed by a combination of written (online) portfolio documents and continuous assessment of your teaching practice.
• The 30-credit master’s-level modules will each be assessed by a 6,000-word written assignment heavily based on in-school research.
• The 15-credit honours-level module will be assessed by an assignment focusing on data collection methods in the school environment.

Structure

• Required modules:
  • Professional Practice in Education (45 credits)
  • School Data (15 credits)
  • Studying Policy & Professional Practice (30 credits)
  • Focused Pedagogical Studies (30 credits)

Careers

Employability

• The majority of trainees go into teaching or other areas of education; many become heads of departments or members of senior management teams; some take up careers in educational administration in the advisory or inspection services.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• UK: Full time: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International: Full time: £25,500 per year (2025/26)

Deposit

• If you receive an offer with us at King’s, you must accept your offer within your DfE Apply account and within their prescribed timescales. You will not be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the PGCE programme.

Bursaries and Scholarships

• The Department for Education provides tax free bursaries for teacher training courses. You may be eligible for a bursary or scholarship when training to teach.

Additional Costs

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
• Course packs, which are a vital part of your learning at King’s and normally contain extracts from books and other useful documents that will inform your study.
• Library fees and fines.
• Personal photocopies.
• Printing course handouts.
• Society membership fees.
• Stationery.
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
• Travel expenses in getting to and from placement schools.
• Three-day residential field trip to Juniper Hall.
• Graduation costs.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Overview:

The PGCE Physics with Mathematics at King's prepares trainees to become thoughtful, creative, and engaging teachers through understanding the research underpinning and advancing science teaching and a wide range of practical approaches.

• Cultivate analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
• Master the planning, delivery, and assessment of engaging lessons that cater to diverse learners.
• Become a reflective and passionate educator committed to continuous professional development.
• Gain experience in classroom management, curriculum development, and assessment.
• Develop interpersonal and communication skills for effective collaboration and leadership.
• Rated Outstanding by Ofsted.
• Strong research base informs the course content.
• Partnership with 150 schools across London and beyond offers unique opportunities to learn with diverse students.
• Prepares students to teach outside the classroom with a residential field trip and other opportunities to engage with London's scientific resources.
• Two assessed coursework pieces result in 60 Master's-level credits, a stepping stone towards a Master's degree.

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Outline:

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Modules:

• Professional Practice in Education (45 credits): Covers teaching practice, lesson planning, observation, student assessment, and continuous reflection on teaching performance.
• Studying Policy & Professional Practice (30 credits): Examines educational policy, professional standards, and ethical issues in education.
• Focused Pedagogical Studies (30 credits): Explores specific pedagogical approaches, strategies, and methods for teaching physics and mathematics.

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Teaching:

• Seminars, tutorials, self-study, academic sessions, one-to-one tutorials, and teaching placements.
• A balance of face-to-face teaching and innovative technology integration.
• Experienced and passionate faculty with international recognition in science education.
• Individualized support through tutorials and mentoring during placements.

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Assessment:

• Continuous assessment of teaching practice benchmarked against the DfE's Core Content Framework.
• Written assignments based on in-school research for the Master's-level modules.
• Focus on demonstrating professional development and meeting the Teachers' Standards.

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Careers:

• Majority of trainees become teachers, heads of departments, or members of senior management teams.
• Opportunities in educational administration, advisory roles, and inspection services.
• Requires a minimum of a 2:2 undergraduate degree, usually in Physics and Mathematics.
• Applicants without the required qualifications may be considered with significant relevant work experience or a related graduate qualification.
• Requires GCSE grade C or above in English language and mathematics.
• Bursaries and scholarships are available.

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Application Process:

• Applications are submitted through the DfE Teacher Training application system.
• Interviews are conducted within 40 days of application submission.
• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (criminal conviction check) and Occupational Health check are required.
• Selection is based on application materials, interview performance, and references.

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Additional Notes:

• The program runs for 37 weeks full-time, from September to the end of June.
• The course is reviewed regularly to ensure curriculum updates and innovation.
• Students are expected to travel to their placement schools, which may be located outside their immediate area.
• A short placement at a state primary school is included in the program.
• Some of the modules have a practical component and may be capped due to educational requirements.

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Conclusion:

The PGCE Physics with Mathematics at King's offers a comprehensive and rigorous program for aspiring teachers seeking to develop their expertise and make a meaningful impact in the field of science education.

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UK:Full time: £9,250 per year (2024/25) International:Full time: £23,820 per year (2024/25)