You are successfully registered
Thanks for telling us about yourself, ! Now we know who we're talking to, and can create content you'll love
We use cookies for three reasons: to give you the best experience on PGS, to make sure the PGS ads you see on other sites are relevant , and to measure website usage. Some of these cookies are necessary to help the site work properly and can’t be switched off. Cookies also support us to provide our services for free, and by click on “Accept” below, you are agreeing to our use of cookies.You can manage your preferences now or at any time.
We use cookies, which are small text files placed on your computer, to allow the site to work for you, improve your user experience, to provide us with information about how our site is used, and to deliver personalised ads which help fund our work and deliver our service to you for free.
The information does not usually directly identify you, but it can give you a more personalised web experience.
You can accept all, or else manage cookies individually. However, blocking some types of cookies may affect your experience of the site and the services we are able to offer.
You can change your cookies preference at any time by visiting our Cookies Notice page. Please remember to clear your browsing data and cookies when you change your cookies preferences. This will remove all cookies previously placed on your browser.
For more detailed information about the cookies we use, or how to clear your browser cookies data see our Cookies Notice
Strictly necessary cookies
These cookies are necessary for the website to function and cannot be switched off in our systems.
They are essential for you to browse the website and use its features.
You can set your browser to block or alert you about these cookies, but some parts of the site will not then work. We can’t identify you from these cookies.
Functional cookies
These help us personalise our sites for you by remembering your preferences and settings. They may be set by us or by third party providers, whose services we have added to our pages. If you do not allow these cookies, then these services may not function properly.
Performance cookies
These cookies allow us to count visits and see where our traffic comes from, so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. They help us to know which pages are popular and see how visitors move around the site. The cookies cannot directly identify any individual users.
If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site and will not be able to improve its performance for you.
Marketing cookies
These cookies may be set through our site by social media services or our advertising partners. Social media cookies enable you to share our content with your friends and networks. They can track your browser across other sites and build up a profile of your interests. If you do not allow these cookies you may not be able to see or use the content sharing tools.
Advertising cookies may be used to build a profile of your interests and show you relevant adverts on other sites. They do not store directly personal information, but work by uniquely identifying your browser and internet device. If you do not allow these cookies, you will still see ads, but they won’t be tailored to your interests.
Full time
1 year
SEP-25
PGCE - Postgraduate Certificate of Education
Biology (General) Sciences Teaching Teaching In Secondary Schools
Taught
Course description
PGCE Secondary School Direct Science: Biology (11-16 or 11-18) provides you with the practical training and theoretical knowledge required to become an outstanding Biology teacher.
Compared with non-School Direct teacher trainees, you will benefit from additional time in school before the PGCE starts and follow a modified version of the course. Throughout, you will focus on the 11-16 age range in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), learning to teach the National Curriculum and related national strategies surrounding GCSE, AS and A2-level study.
The majority of the course focuses upon practical training in teaching and learning-related skills. You will enjoy extended periods of school experience, which will provide opportunities to work in a Primary setting and to teach in at least two different Secondary schools. In total, 25 weeks of your PGCE will be spent experiencing and working in different types of school.
This practical training is underpinned by the development of your knowledge and understanding of educational theories, ideas and concepts, including current issues and developments.
We work with numerous schools in Greater Manchester to offer the School Direct route into teaching.
School Direct allows schools to recruit and select their own trainees, with the expectation that they will go on to work within the school, or group of schools, in which they were trained (although there is no guarantee of employment).
School Direct follows a PGCE course structure but on a modified timetable including increased contact with the School Direct school.
The School Direct salaried route is an employment-based route and you will earn a salary whilst you train. Trainees who complete their course will be recommended for the qualification of PGCE School Direct and recommended for qualified teacher status (QTS).
Aims
You will:
gain quality teaching experience in our partner schools and colleges;
study current, challenging educational issues;
receive careers planning and early professional development guidance and support from experienced tutors and mentors;
receive opportunities for reflective practice and research.
Career opportunities
Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a fully qualified teacher. This form of teacher training is recommended for anyone with an undergraduate degree who is looking to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
You need QTS to teach in a state-maintained or special school in England and Wales. Whilst other routes to gain QTS exist, they do not all come with the postgraduate qualification of a PGCE. A PGCE from The University of Manchester is a valued qualification regionally, nationally and internationally.
When you study a PGCE with us, we help you prepare for a successful career in education. You will be given clear direction, advice and support when making applications for teaching posts and our employment rates are consistently high.
In addition to this, a PGCE qualification can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a Master's degree, and The University of Manchester offers a range of postgraduate Education courses should you wish to continue your professional development by completing a Master's as you progress further in your career.
For this course (per year)
£9,250
For this course (per year)
£22,500
Minimum 2:2 honours degree in a biological science with at least half of the content strongly related to biology (if you are unsure, please contact us to discuss your qualifications). Grade B in biology at A-level (or equivalent), or grade C if you can demonstrate sustained academic progression since A-level, and at least one other science or maths A-level. Minimum grade C or 4 at GCSE (or equivalent) in English language and mathematics.