PGCE Chemistry

Our Chemistry PGCE initial teacher education programme blends continuous hands-on school experience with a thorough understanding of the school science curriculum.

You'll learn all the latest developments in science education and be guided by dedicated and knowledgeable tutors who have extensive experience teaching science. Some of the top science teachers and senior leaders in our area will also contribute to the high-quality training you receive.

Chemistry will be your PGCE specialism but you'll graduate with the skills, knowledge, and experience to teach all 3 sciences at Key Stage 3 and GCSE. You'll also be ready to teach chemistry to post-16 students in schools or colleges.

You'll be awarded a PGCE and QTS once you've completed this subject-specific programme. A specialism in chemistry will enhance your employability throughout a wide range of schools and colleges in the UK.

Chemistry PGCE curriculum

The programme covers all elements of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) set by the Department for Education (DfE) for initial teacher training.

You'll explore:

• the different types of knowledge in school science
• effective sequencing across science topics
• how to make explanations of abstract science concepts clear and engaging
• how to incorporate socio-scientific issues (like climate change, genetic engineering, and evironmental questions) into your teaching
• how to use practical work effectively
• how to make science accessible to all

You'll also have structured opportunities to prepare and conduct fieldwork experiences and get an introduction to post-16 teaching in your chemistry specialism.

Youll need a 2:2 degree (UK honours degree or equivalent) in an appropriate science subject and GCSEs (minimum grade 4/C) in English language and maths; if you don't have the required GCSEs, we'll ask you at the offer stage to take equivalency tests at your own expense. Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country. Classroom experience or evidence of working with young people may strengthen your application. If your science qualifications dont meet our requirements, we might ask you to attend a Science Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course as an offer condition. Before applying, you should read the National Curriculum for Science and the standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status. We do not accept IELTS in lieu of the English Language GCSE requirement.