PGCE (Secondary) Physics at University of Brighton

Programme overview

Physics teachers help their students to understand the fundamental principles that govern the universe – from forces and motion to electricity and energy. Physics helps them to conduct experiments, working on their analytical skills, developing curiosity and a deeper understanding of how the world works. Our Secondary Physics 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) Physics PGCE at Brighton prepares you for a career teaching physics in secondary schools.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Degree. Normally an honours degree or equivalent qualification in physics or a subject that is closely related. If your degree was awarded more than five years ago, isn’t in the subject area you wish to teach or you have relevant professional experience but need to learn how to apply that to teaching, you may be suitable for a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course. If you pass the SKE it qualifies you to start a PGCE. 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. International student application deadline. The deadline for international applicants is late May. This deadline is in place to ensure sufficient time for the visa process to be completed before the course starts in early September. 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.

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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