PGCE Secondary Chemistry

Course Summary

This course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for the 11-to-16 age range, which qualifies you to be a teacher in secondary schools in England and Wales. Where possible, we also give you the chance to gain experience in the 11-to-18 age range.

Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects are integral to the success of the UK economy and STEM education has long been identified as a major priority for schools. Teaching chemistry challenges you to find creative ways of ensuring all pupils have the same opportunities to understand the subject and its importance in everyday life.

By training to teach such an important subject, you could be eligible for the highest range of tax-free training bursaries – or a prestigious scholarship from the Royal Society of Chemistry if you have a top degree.

There are three elements to secondary training at the University of East London: subject studies, general professional studies and school-based training. It differs from courses offered by other universities in that it is very much subject-based. Our ethos is based on collaboration, not competition. We encourage you to work collaboratively just as you will when you qualify and start working in a school.

Your Future Career

The Secondary PGCE course at the University of East London was designed in 2001 in conjunction with the local authorities to address the secondary education teacher shortage in east London. The partnership works with input and support from the London Boroughs of Barking & Dagenham, Newham, Tower Hamlets, Hackney, Waltham Forest and Redbridge. It means that our graduates are represented in virtually every secondary school in east London. Some are now deputy heads or in senior management roles in schools that are taking our current trainees for their placements. Across all subjects, from maths to modern languages, our teacher training graduates are acting as mentors to those following in their footsteps.

The partnership means that you have a head start when it comes to securing a teaching post in east London at the end of your training. Both local authorities and individual schools visit our campus regularly to meet our trainees and advertise available vacancies. You may also decide to undertake further study at the University of East London, either at the end of your course or after gaining teaching experience, perhaps specialising in Special Educational Needs or taking our MA Leadership in Education.

Students should have minimum 2.2 Honours degree or above in the subject area applicant plans to teach. All applicants MUST have GCSE English and Maths grade A*-C.