Program Overview

Education (Science)

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.

Course Structure

After enrolment, you will complete an Induction week followed by a short 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 period of professional placement based in a school (11 weeks) after a short mid-term break. 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 beginning of June.

Modules

Educational and Professional Studies

Aims: to provide some of the essential background that students will need to understand when working in classrooms and schools; to encourage students to reflect on pedagogy as a systematic discipline that can be theorised and researched with a view to developing more effective practice; to encourage students to reflect on how children learn with a view to optimising their learning through effective pedagogical approaches.

• Knowledge and Understanding: develop their knowledge and understanding of wider educational issues and practices; analyse and reflect on aspects of school organisation encountered during school experience; consider issues related to teaching as a career (e.g. appointment procedures and career development, membership of professional associations, legal issues in education, child protection issues); understand how the curriculum is designed and assessed; understand how schools interact with and serve society.
• Skills: identify and evaluate educational concepts and issues related to education and to engage in critical debate about current educational issues, drawing on evidence from theory, research and practice; reflect on classroom and group management issues; discuss and reflect on educational issues with other students in other subject areas; discuss and reflect on school experience placements including issues related to preparation.
• Cognitive Skills: critically evaluate the relevance of learning theory to practice; synthesise relevant literature in support of an argument; use research data in support of an argument.
• Transferable Skills: manage their own learning development; learn effectively and be aware of their own learning strategies; systematically develop their skills in essay writing at masters level; express ideas and opinions, with confidence and clarity, to a variety of audiences for a variety of purposes using appropriate technology, including ICT; work productively in different kinds of groups (formal, informal); identify the main features of a given problem and to develop strategies for its resolution.

Science Studies

This module aims to develop students' confidence and competence in the teaching of their chosen specialist subject area (Science) and in the general professional role of the teacher. Students completing this module should have an informed understanding of curriculum and teaching methodology, subject knowledge and subject application and assessment of pupils' learning in the specialist subject area(s).

• Knowledge and Understanding and Subject Specific Teaching Competence: demonstrate knowledge, understanding and competence in the application to their own teaching: of the requirements of the Northern Ireland curriculum in relation to this subject, current and revised, and associated examination specifications; of teaching methodologies and how pupils learn; of subject specific pedagogical content knowledge from Key Stage 3 to A level; of the use of ICT in teaching and learning in this subject; of strategies for managing teaching and learning effectively in the classroom; of assessing pupils using a variety of strategies; of various approaches to learning and teaching the subject; of contextual factors which may influence the quality of teaching and learning; of the teaching competences mandated for Northern Ireland; of the importance of continuing professional development.
• Cognitive Skills: reflect on their classroom practice through lesson evaluations; reflect on their school experience through their Formative Profile and Career Entry Profile; critically evaluate broader educational issues raised in General Lectures, tutorials and workshops in the context of teaching their subject; reason and think creatively about the teaching and learning of their subject.
• Transferable Skills: develop competence in relation to: written and oral communication; learning with and from others - peer tutoring and team work; managing personal / independent learning; ICT-related skills.

Entry Requirements

• An Honours degree (and/or higher degree) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, relevant to teaching Science at Key Stage 3 and at least one of Physics or Chemistry or Biology to A- level.
• At the time of application, GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent qualification.
• We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria if the course is over-subscribed.
• Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.

International Students

• Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required.
• *Taken within the last 2 years.

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI) £4,750
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) £4,750
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB) £9,250
• EU Other £20,800
• International £20,800

Additional Course Costs

• Students are required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure Check with Access NI costing £32 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.
• 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.

Career Prospects

• This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+).
• 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.

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.