Program Overview

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Overview

The PGCE Secondary Science with Chemistry course at the Institute of Education, University of Reading, is designed to develop teaching skills and qualify students as secondary chemistry teachers. The course recognizes the importance of teaching children to explore, understand, and make sense of their world through science.

How You'll Learn

Training to teach science at the University of Reading is an immersive experience, utilizing many modes of delivery and participation, with active learning at its core. The learning environment includes:

• Practical seminars and workshops in purpose-built science laboratories
• Interactive and discussion-based techniques to encourage engagement, reflection, and challenge
• Presentations by subject experts
• Group tasks
• Individual tutorials
• Assignments on aspects of teaching and professional studies
• Visits to schools, education settings, museums, and other sites of interest

QTS Status

This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Secondary Science course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying students to teach the 11 to 18 age group in secondary schools in England and Wales.

Your Learning Environment

The University of Reading offers a diverse and experienced community of academics with extensive school teaching and academic experience. Students are taught by staff who are nationally renowned for their expertise in science education, alongside University-trained school mentors.

Partnership with Schools

The course is designed in collaboration with a strong schools partnership, ensuring it meets the needs of both students and the children they will teach. The University of Reading has relationships with around 90 schools in the local and surrounding area.

Placements

Placements enable students to develop skills and knowledge valued by employers, building confidence in the classroom and gaining practical teaching experience. Students carry out school placements in contrasting educational contexts, covering the full 11–18 age range, and visit at least one primary school.

Links with the Science Industry

The PGCE science courses have links with the Association for Science Education, the Royal Society of Chemistry, the Institute of Physics, and the Faraday Institute. Other academic departments at the University of Reading provide guest speakers for education sessions.

Climate and Sustainability Education

The University of Reading believes that climate and sustainability education is everyone's responsibility. Students are given access to training that enables them to incorporate climate education into their teaching, as part of the National Climate Education Action Plan.

Research

98% of the University of Reading's research is of international standing (Research Excellence Framework 2021, combining 4, 3, and 2* submissions – Education).

Entry Requirements

• Students are normally required to have at least a 2:2 honors degree (or equivalent from a university outside the UK) in a subject related to the subject they intend to teach.
• IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5.
• Students need to have achieved Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE Mathematics and English Language or equivalent qualifications.
• As part of the application process, students are required to attend an interview.
• Students will also need to demonstrate competence in Fundamental English and mathematics by the end of the course.

Structure

The following modules have been approved in principle for delivery:

• Core modules:
  • Shared Implementation Secondary
  • Guided Implementation Secondary
  • Independent Implementation Secondary
  • The Reflective Teacher
  • Investigating Practice

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,790
• New international students: £26,450

Careers

The majority of graduates go into schools and inspire children to develop into happy, confident, and well-informed individuals. Others have taken their educational skills into the worlds of business, culture, art, healthcare, human resources, and adult learning. The support and training provided enable students to develop into resilient and creative teachers with the ability to adapt.