Program Overview

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Introduction to the PGCE Biology Program

The University of York offers a PGCE Biology program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to become effective biology teachers. This program is part of the university's commitment to excellence in education and its mission to foster a community of critically thinking and passionate educators.

Program Overview

The PGCE Biology program is a one-year, full-time course that combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in school settings. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who wish to teach biology at the secondary level, with a focus on developing the skills and expertise required to inspire and educate the next generation of students.

Key Features of the Program

• The program includes two-thirds of learning time spent in school settings, with the remaining time spent at the university receiving training.
• Students will have the opportunity to work with different age groups, including gaining some post-16 experience.
• The program covers key practical techniques such as microbiology and dissection, teaching ethics, teaching evolution, and handling controversial issues.
• Students will participate in a primary placement to develop their understanding of primary and secondary transition issues.
• The program includes a professional enrichment placement, which provides experience in areas not already worked in, such as curriculum-based projects in schools or non-mainstream education settings.

Accreditation and Recognition

Upon successfully completing the PGCE Biology program, students will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is awarded by the Department for Education (DfE). The University of York's PGCE program has been rated "Good" by Ofsted, and the Department of Education is ranked 72nd in the world for education (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2025).

Course Content

The PGCE Biology program is designed to ensure that students' study at the university and their practical experience in schools work together to help them develop the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to be successful teachers. The course content includes:

• Planning, resourcing, and delivering lessons
• Creating an inclusive and stimulating learning environment
• Assessing learning and progression
• Reflecting on and developing classroom practice
• Communicating effectively with teaching colleagues, pupils, parents, and external agencies

Learning Outcomes

The program is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes that will enable students to:

• Independently and creatively plan, resource, and deliver lessons
• Create an inclusive and stimulating learning environment
• Effectively assess learning and progression
• Critically reflect on and develop their own classroom practice
• Communicate clearly, confidently, and professionally

Fees and Funding

The annual tuition fees for the PGCE Biology program are:

• £9,535 for UK (home) students
• £26,900 for international and EU students Additional costs include:
• Transport to and from placements
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check (£49.50)
• Living costs, which can be estimated using the university's living costs guide

Teaching Bursaries

The government offers teaching bursaries and scholarships for eligible students. More information can be found on the government's website.

Teaching and Assessment

The program is taught through a combination of university-based sessions and school placements. Students will be guided by mentors in their placement schools and supported by university tutors. The program includes three academic assignments:

• Lesson observation
• Evaluation of teaching and learning
• In-depth focus study

Careers and Skills

The PGCE Biology program is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to become effective biology teachers. However, the skills learned on the program can also be applied to other careers, such as:

• Educational administrator
• Education consultant
• Learning mentor
• Youth worker
• Science writer The program develops a range of transferable skills, including:
• Ability to articulate complex ideas
• Learning/teaching methods and strategies
• Managing time and setting priorities
• Assimilating, analyzing, and evaluating complex information
• Computer literacy for teaching and learning
• High standards of personal and professional conduct
• Presentation and communication skills

Entry Requirements

To be eligible for the PGCE Biology program, students must have:

• A 2:2 or equivalent undergraduate degree in biology or a related subject
• GCSE Mathematics grade 4 (C)
• GCSE English grade 4 (C)
• If English is not the first language, students must provide evidence of their English language ability, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores

Additional Requirements

Students may be required to undertake a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course prior to starting the PGCE program if their undergraduate degree is not in biology or a related subject. More information can be found on the university's website.