PGCE (Secondary) Biology at University of Brighton

Programme overview

Biology teachers help students to understand the living world – from cells and ecosystems to human anatomy and genetics. As they explore the natural world they’ll reflect on their place in the environment and consider their impact on the world. Our Secondary Biology PGCE leads to QTS – the professional teaching qualification.

Faculty: School of Education | Department: Teaching (postgraduate) | Duration: full-time: 1 year | Study mode: full-time | Location: Brighton, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Two-thirds of your year will be spent teaching under supervision in schools. Our tutors and mentors will advise and support you throughout each placement. You will receive comprehensive feedback during this time, enabling you to see what you are doing well and where you might need to improve. The university works in partnership with schools and colleges to provide a high-quality programme of support, ensuring a sound relationship between theory and practice. You will benefit from undertaking two placements in two schools or colleges, with the opportunity to visit additional schools or colleges as part of the peer observation programme.

Career pathways

A (Secondary) Biology PGCE at Brighton prepares you for a career teaching biology in secondary schools. Leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the course develops the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to help young people understand the living world, from cells and ecosystems to human anatomy and genetics, while exploring their relationship with the natural environment.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree and experience. Normally an honours degree or equivalent qualification in biology or a subject that is closely related. GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4). At least English language and maths. If you don’t have the required GCSEs, an equivalency test demonstrates that you have achieved the same standard as a traditional GCSE grade C or level 4. At Brighton, we accept equivalency tests from A Star Equivalency. If you have equivalency test results from another provider, contact us at [email protected] to see if we can accept them. We cannot accept Functional Skills for teaching courses. Training to teach in England as an international student. If you’re not a UK citizen, with the exception of those training to teach physics or modern languages, you are unlikely to get help funding your training unless you have permission to live permanently in the UK. You can find information about your options on the UK government’s Get into Teaching website. Interviews. Interviews for this course are online. If we invite you to an interview, you’ll be able to choose a date that suits you best. Experience. While experience in a school is not a condition of entry for initial teacher education courses, we recommend that you take up opportunities to gain a realistic understanding of whether teaching is right for you.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,790 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

International applicants: GBP 18,108 a year (2026/27). First-year tuition fee, full-time; fees may rise in later years. Source

Duration: full-time: 1 year

Apply through the official page: https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-teacher-training

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