Program Overview

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Introduction to the PGCE (Biology) Program

The Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a one-year course that offers students the opportunity to train to teach the secondary age group in one of the leading educational establishments in the country. The University of Oxfords Department of Education has a long history in initial teacher education, dating back to 1892, and has consistently received the highest possible designation (Outstanding) from Ofsted in inspections.

About the Course

The course aims to produce high-quality teachers of the sciences across the 11-19 age range who will not only become competent teachers but will quickly become innovative leaders in their field. Interns will gain expertise in the different strategies for teaching science and will get insights into the way that pupils learn across the whole range of attainments, aptitudes, and pupil differences.

Course Structure

The course begins with an orientation experience in September, spending three days in a primary school of the student's choice. This is followed by the first week in the University of Oxfords Department of Education. The rest of the autumn term is made up of joint weeks with two days spent in the University and three days in school. Students will be attached to the same state secondary school for the majority of the year, which makes it possible for them to get to know teachers and pupils in the school and to understand the schools policies and practices.

Attendance and Resources

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements. As a graduate student, students will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.

Supervision and Assessment

Interns are supported in their professional development as teachers by both a university curriculum tutor and a general tutor, as well as by a mentor and a professional tutor in each school placement. Academic guidance for assignments is given by curriculum and general tutors. Assessment of progress and achievements are jointly carried out by schools and the university, and students take part in informal and formal discussions about this.

Course Components

There are two interrelated course components: curriculum subject work and the professional development programme (PDP). Curriculum work includes a range of activities related to the teaching of a specific subject in the secondary school. The professional development programme involves a range of activities related to important educational issues.

Entry Requirements

Applications are welcomed from candidates who have not studied Biology, Chemistry, or Physics but have completed a degree in a related area. The full PGCE entry requirements can be found on the University's Department of Education website.

Funding and Costs

The Department of Education website provides details about funding opportunities for this course. The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis, and the annual course fees for the academic year are Ł9,790 for Home students and Ł40,710 for Overseas students.

Additional Costs

The course involves traveling to placement schools for approximately 130 days, and reasonable school travel costs of around Ł1,300 should be budgeted. In addition to course fees and any additional course-specific costs, students will need to ensure that they have adequate funds to support their living costs for the duration of their course.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the PGCE (Biology):

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Christ Church
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Jesus College
• Keble College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Magdalen College
• Mansfield College
• New College
• Pembroke College
• The Queen's College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St Peter's College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Graduate Destinations

The numbers of interns going into teaching at the end of the course are high, with most interns having secured a teaching post in a state-maintained school. As of August 2024, 90% of the student cohort had accepted positions as teachers or were seeking teaching roles.

Changes to the Course

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration.