PGCE Secondary Science: Biology with QTS (11-16) at Birmingham City University

Programme overview

Are you passionate about inspiring young people to learn about the human body to the natural world? Then our PGCE Secondary Biology is the course for you. With so many important careers in healthcare and science dependent on people with skills and knowledge in this area, your ability to get your students excited about Biology is vital.

What you will study

Our aim is to help you become a committed, confident and creative teacher so we’ll train you in the essential tools you need to kick-start your career in education, covering the 11-16 age range, in secondary age phase, with post-16 enhancement. As you progress, you’ll increase your ability to handle the ever-evolving teaching environment, and by the time your course is complete, you’ll be in a position to continue developing your understanding, knowledge and skills throughout your professional life. Modules include Secondary Professional Studies, Secondary Subject Pedagogy: Science: Biology, Professional Enquiry, School Experience 1, School Experience 2*.

Career pathways

Two-thirds of your course takes place in school and we ensure that you are offered a number of placements in a wide range of educational establishments. You will do work placements in at least two different schools and also visit others – including a primary school and or a post-16 setting where appropriate.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 honours degree or a Master’s degree in a relevant subject from a UK higher education institution or equivalent. Please note: If you are a graduate and wish to train as a Science with Biology teacher but your degree did not provide any or enough biology content for you to gain automatic entry on to a secondary Science with Biology teacher training course, you may be required to complete an appropriate Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course. Applicants will also need to complete the relevant safeguarding checks for this course. All applicants will be interviewed; see 'interview arrangements' below. Applicants for this course also need GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above prior to enrolment. We accept a range of qualifications in lieu of GCSEs for our Initial Teacher Training courses. Please see a full list of GCSE equivalencies for Initial Teacher Training.

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). full-time, 1 year; annual tuition for the first year of study Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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