Program Overview

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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Biology) 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 Description

The PGCE Biology 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 and recent classroom teaching experience.

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 a diverse mix of students.
• Biology lecturers who are very enthusiastic and experienced teachers with recent classroom experience who can provide up to date insights into the profession and valuable teaching tips.
• Across all PGCE subjects, 92% of our 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).
• Preparing students to teach outside the classroom: we offer a variety of trips to develop teaching outside the classroom and environmental education. We run trips to Kew gardens, the Science Museum, the Natural History Museum and London Zoo to make use of London-based attractions for schools. We also run a residential fieldtrip to Juniper Hall in Dorking where you will learn ecological sampling techniques and then teach these in groups to year 12 pupils on the last day where you will be given feedback.
• 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.

Course Essentials

Base Campus

Waterloo Campus

Regulating Bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• A minimum 2:2 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree
• If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).

Programme-Specific Requirements

• Bachelor's degree with at least 2:2 honours 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

English Language Requirements

• English language band: B
• To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment.

Selection Process

• All applications should be made through DfE Apply, the Department of Education’s Teacher Training application portal.
• Before you can be offered a place on a PGCE programme, you will need to attend an online or in-person interview, usually within 40 days of your application submission date.

Personal Statement and Supporting Information

• When you apply you will be asked to give us details of your educational background and to provide a personal statement.
• We will be looking for evidence that your subject knowledge is both broad and deep as well as being up to date.

Teaching Methods

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

Location

• Lectures and seminars are primarily taught at the King’s College London Waterloo Campus.
• Students undertake teaching placements in secondary schools selected by their lead school.

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 written assignment heavily based on in-school research that trainees undertake.
• 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)

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.

Tuition Fees

UK

Full time: £9,535 per year (2025/26)

International

Full time: £25,500 per year (2025/26)

Additional Costs

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
• Clothing for optional course related events and competitions.
• 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.
• Kew Gardens visit – travel expenses.
• Natural History Museum visit – travel expenses.
• London Zoo visit
• Graduation costs.