PGCE (Secondary): Science Education (Biology, Chemistry or Physics)
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Why study PGCE (Secondary): Science Education (Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at Goldsmiths
Becoming an effective teacher is more than just transmitting knowledge. We'll support and encourage you on your journey to becoming a science teacher who can inspire a new generation of world-changers.
- You’ll be encouraged to form your own opinions on education through first-hand experience and reflective thinking.
- You’ll develop qualities that will enable you to not only be an outstanding classroom practitioner, but also be in a position to participate in and influence the future development of science education for the future.
- The programme focuses on modelling the science classroom in workshops – and you’ll be encouraged think critically about what you see and experience. You’ll also be encouraged to reflect on ‘what works for you’, and incorporate some of these ‘active’ teaching and learning strategies into your own practice.
- What is science? What is subject knowledge? What knowledge do we need to teach a scientific idea well? Do theories link with our own personal viewpoints? We want you to make informed decisions in your teaching practice, and so you’ll be encouraged to discuss and question your thoughts on a range of issues central to science teaching.
- The programme is designed to make you a secure, reflective and questioning science teacher – one who encourages pupils to think, question and understand.
- You’ll observe, participate in, and take responsibility for lessons in one of our partnership schools. This will involve being allocated a school mentor who will be your “go to” person to facilitate your learning and progress in the classroom.
- You’ll have access to a strong professional network of school and University-based colleagues who will support you throughout the programme and school placements.
Part-time study
It is possible to study for the PGCE in Science Education on a part-time basis. You can find out more on the page for our part-time PGCE programme.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions, contact David Dennis.
Teacher Training Code
Bio: C1X1 (FT), CX11 (PT); Che: F1X1 (FT), FX11 (PT); Phy: F3X1 (FT), FX31 (PT).
Length
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £TBC
Home - part-time: £TBC
International - full-time: £TBC
Department
Our vision and mission
The programme is driven by the desire to support the development of exceptional teachers for world-class schools and in doing so is committed to:
- Promoting reflection, to help you develop a strong sense of identity that is built upon a close connection between research and experience
- Recognising inclusivity, to be rights-respecting, and recognise and challenge the political, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of practice
- Celebrating creativity, taking informed risks, and using innovative strategies to support learning
- Developing confidence and engagement, enabling you to participate fully in steering the course of the teaching profession locally, nationally, and globally
What you'll study
There are three modules in the PGCE:
-
Studies in Professional Issues and Research in Education (SPIRE) (30 credits)
-
Subject Studies (30 credits)
-
School Experience (60 credits)
Read more about these in the programme specification.
Learning and teaching
A range of teaching methods is employed across all our PGCE programmes, including:
- Taught subject sessions
- Practical workshops
- Compulsory lectures
- Seminars
- Group and individual tutorials
- Individual and group presentations
- Supported self-study
How to apply
You apply for this PGCE through the Department for Education’s Apply for Teacher Training website.
More information about the process can be found on the Get into Teaching website and the UCAS teacher training web pages.
Please take a look at the information on applying, including the specific qualifications or experience you need for this course.
There's no closing date for primary or secondary applications, but we advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PGCE fees for students starting their programme in the 2024/2025 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £TBC
- Home - part-time: £TBC
- International - full-time: £TBC
If your fees are not listed here, please contact the Fees Office - registry (@gold.ac.uk).
Funding opportunities
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for prospective students - please use the Scholarship Finder below.
Find out more about funding your studies with us.
Get into Teaching funding
The Department for Education offers tax-free scholarships and bursaries to trainees on eligible PGCE programmes. Bursary amounts vary depending on your previous qualifications and the subject in which you're training to teach.
For more information about PGCE funding visit the Get into Teaching website.
Please note: these bursaries are not controlled by Goldsmiths and are subject to change.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Entry requirements
You'll need:
- To meet our fitness to train requirements
- A GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English and Mathematics. Please note, we can only accept some UK and international GCSE equivalent qualifications (see the list of accepted UK GCSE equivalencies). If you have a non-UK qualification that you believe is GCSE equivalent, you must check this with the Admissions team.
- An undergraduate honours degree, at 2:2 or above from a university in the United Kingdom or an international equivalent in a subject related to the science that you wish to teach. If you have done a degree that goes across the sciences then 50% of your degree must comprise of the science subject you wish to study. Psychology may be acceptable depending on the modules you have chosen during your degree and your A-level qualifications. If your degree does not have the 50% required in your chosen science you can still submit an application as you may still be able to gain a place subject to completing a subject enhancement course (mainly for Chemistry and Physics).
Some applicants may be referred to a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course. For more information about Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses, please visit the government guidance page.
