Subject Knowledge Enhancement (8 weeks) - (SKE)

Program Overview

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (8 weeks) - (SKE)

Overview

The Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course develops subject knowledge in graduates wishing to enter the teaching profession whose degree level knowledge, whilst strong in itself, needs to be further developed, enhanced and applied to the requirements and expectations of the secondary school curriculum including, where appropriate, examination specifications.

What's covered in this course?

The course enables you, in the context of your subject knowledge enhancement, to develop a deeper understanding of the content and concepts required to teach your subject in schools. In doing so, you will sharpen your understanding of your specialist subject to deliver the required curriculum in the secondary school. The understanding you gain about your own learning will give insight into the processes that might be happening in school learners and will be valuable preparation for your forthcoming studies when you will apply theories of learning and corresponding pedagogies for your subject in the classroom as part of your initial teacher training.

Why Choose Us?

• The SKE course is undertaken before starting an initial teacher training course. It is important that you have a conditional offer of a place on an initial teacher training course either at Birmingham City University or another provider before you start a SKE course.
• There are no course fees. SKE bursaries may be funded by the Department for Education (DfE) subject to eligibility criteria.
• We have a long and successful track record in developing secondary teachers.
• You will be taught by experts in your chosen subject field and work alongside your peers in an online environment.
• This course will boost your knowledge and understanding of this subject.
• Our course provides the ideal stepping stone to further study and achieve full Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• The SKE course is suitable for graduates with a good degree from a UK higher education institution (or a recognised equivalent) who have sufficient subject knowledge to commence the course.
• This could be through holding an A-level in the subject, (not essential) having an element of knowledge in your degree course and/or occupational experience of the subject.
• Applicants must also meet the Department for Education (DfE) requirements for Initial Teacher Training, which means being medically fit and completing successfully an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
• In addition to academic qualifications, candidates will be expected to have good communication and organisational skills, possess a desire to learn more about the subject and demonstrate a commitment to teaching the subject.
• To be eligible to start this course you MUST hold a conditional offer of a place on an initial teacher training course, for example a PGCE.

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

• Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament.
• Award: (SKE)
• Starting: Feb 2025
  • Mode: Distance Learning
  • Duration: 8 Weeks
  • Fees: TBC
• Starting: Mar 2025
  • Mode: Distance Learning
  • Duration: 8 Weeks
  • Fees: TBC
• Starting: Apr 2025
  • Mode: Distance Learning
  • Duration: 8 Weeks
  • Fees: TBC
• Starting: May 2025
  • Mode: Distance Learning
  • Duration: 8 Weeks
  • Fees: TBC

International students

• Sorry, this course is not available to International students.

Course in Depth

Course in Depth

• The SKE course is designed to help you to discover and appreciate the areas of subject teaching that need to be refreshed in order to teach successfully within the School Curriculum.
• It forms part of a flexible suite of Subject Knowledge Enhancement and practical skills at KS3, KS4 and bridging the gap to KS5 (where suitable), which offers you a variety of possibilities and combinations to help you develop your own personal SKE to aide your needs.

Subject(s) offered for this 8 week SKE

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Computer Science

University's accreditation

• Pre-initial teacher training Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are intensive programmes, which have been accredited by the Department for Education.
• As a provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Birmingham City University is regularly inspected by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted).

Employability

Enhancing your employability skills

• After you have successfully completed a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course and then an initial teacher training course, for example a PGCE, you will be ready to begin your career as a teacher in the secondary sector.

Facilities & Staff

Our facilities

• Although this course is online, you can still access a range of facilities and support.
• Library
  • Our Mary Seacole Library is a large library with a diverse collection of books, journals, and teaching materials, as well as specialist subject support.
  • There are also numerous eBooks available online, which the library will help you access.
• IT Support
  • The IT HelpDesk can be contacted via telephone, email or an App (online self-service portal).
  • IT HelpDesk can offer remote support and cover a range of matters, including email, Office 365, Moodle, MS Teams, saving work and IT Security.

Our staff

• Martin Duke
  • Senior Lecturer in Mathematics
  • Martin completed a Bed in Mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University and began his teaching career at a Secondary school in Sandwell.
  • Martin then moved onto work as a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Birmingham City University, teaching on the PGCE and SKE courses for four years, before taking up a post as Assistant Principal at a...