Program Overview

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PGCE - Secondary Chemistry with QTS (11-16)

Inspire the next generation of scientists by sharing your passion for Chemistry with young people. In this specialised PGCE pathway, you can instil a love of the fascinating world of Chemistry within the children you teach.

Course Overview

Grounded in the learning of our PGCE Secondary programme, this Chemistry pathway allows you to develop the skills to teach in the secondary school setting, delivering engaging Chemistry lessons. This unique specialism gives you the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists.

You’ll learn through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, working within the National Curriculum Framework. You'll explore the key concepts and themes of the PGCE curriculum, confidently devising and delivering engaging lessons to children and young people, aged 11-16 years old.

Over half the course will be spent working in the classroom on assessed placement, with school-based enrichment activities alongside your university-based study. You'll take two placements across a variety of schools and settings, building a wealth of experience to help advance your future career.

On this course you will...

• Inspire young people to explore the world of chemistry.
• Benefit from high-quality support from our academics and staff on a programme designed around you.
• Learn from an experienced, highly qualified programme team, working at the forefront of the academic field.
• Enjoy the intimate feel of our course delivery, with small class sizes and your own personal tutor.

Key Details

• Recruiting to: UK / RoI / Settled in UK, EU / EEA / International
• Course Location: Lancaster or School Based
• Institute: Institute of Education, Arts and Society
• DFE Code: F1X1
• Delivery Style: In-person
• Course Duration: Full-time: 1 Year
• Course Start Point: September
• Award: PGCE

Minimum entry requirements

• A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check and Occupational Health check prior to starting the course.
• A satisfactory academic (University) reference, or, a satisfactory professional reference if it is more than 3 years since academic study.

What we're looking for

• Motivated applicants with the potential to work at a Masters level.
• Evidence of commitment and appropriate professional values.
• A strong personal statement conveying an enthusiasm for the subject, for working with young people and for teaching and learning.
• Graduates with a 2:2 or above degree classification.
• Aspiring teachers who can bring their passion for Chemistry to the classroom setting.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees

• £9,535 - UK (2025-2026)
• £14,900 - International (2025-2026)
• £9,250 - UK (2024-2025)
• £13,575 - International (2024-2025)

PGCE Alumni Scholarship

Scholarship fund worth up to £2,000

We're offering a PGCE Alumni Scholarship worth up to £2,000 to alumni of University of Cumbria.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses.

Funding

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us.

Course Structure

What you will learn

Our course ensures that you learn all the skills you need for effective teaching, from the basics of structuring and planning lessons to developing personal skills and confidence.

Modules

• PGSC7011 Investigating Teaching and Learning in Chemistry
• PGSC7012 Investigating Teaching and Learning Across and Beyond the School Curriculum
• PGSC9011 Developing Professional Skills, Knowledge and Practice

Teaching & Assessment

How you will learn

As a student at the University of Cumbria, you are part of an inclusive learning community that recognises diversity.

How you will be assessed

Assessment loosely follows two forms; summative and formative.

Progression

The programme also recognises that gaining a PGCE and achieving QTS is not the end of your professional learning journey.

Additional Costs

• Books and Journals: £50 - £100 per year
• Stationery: £30 - £40 per year
• Clothing and Equipment: £300 - £400 (optional)
• Field Trips: students will need to fund their own transport to their placement.