PGCE Secondary with Biology (with QTS) at University of Warwick

Programme overview

The one-year PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status prepares graduates to teach Biology in secondary schools, covering the 11-18 age range. The course is designed for graduates in the biological sciences. The course is led by the Centre for Teacher Education, rated Outstanding by Ofsted in 2024, and is built on the Warwick Teacher Values of social justice, intellectual curiosity and creativity.

Department: Centre for Teacher Education | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: 1 September 2026 | Study mode: full-time | Location: Coventry, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Three modules run through the year: Subject Studies (evidence base, subject knowledge and teaching of the specialist subject), Professional Enquiry (adaptive teaching, including neurodiversity, anti-racist pedagogy and socioeconomic disadvantage) and Professional Practice (linking taught sessions to placements, reflective practice, wellbeing and safeguarding). Trainees spend a minimum of 120 days in school, with two main placements (one for a term and one for two terms) on the university-led route, plus 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice. Assessment is by Master's-level assignments and against the Teachers' Standards.

Career pathways

Career progression can be through a specialist curriculum or pastoral role or into management, for example heads of Key Stage, coordinators of cross-curricular areas, or subject and professional mentors for trainee teachers. Completion leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Bachelors degree with Honours at 2:2 or above, or equivalent level. At least Grade C or the new Grade 4 in GCSE English and Mathematics. Approved third-party equivalency tests are accepted in place of GCSEs. Usually an honours degree in the subject or a directly relevant subject is accepted. If the degree is not in the teaching subject or a directly relevant one, a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course may be recommended (typically 8 to 28 weeks), completed preferably before the course starts and at the latest by October half term. An enhanced DBS check is a condition of any offer. Applicants who graduated in the last two years need an academic reference, and original qualification certificates are required. Classroom experience in mainstream UK schools is strongly recommended but not required. English language (international applicants): IELTS 7.0 minimum if English is not the first language.

Domestic applicants: GBP 9,535 a year (2025/26). Full-time, university-led and partner-led routes; School Direct Salaried route is £2,100 Source

International applicants: GBP 27,680 a year (2025/26). Full-time EU/Overseas, university-led and partner-led routes Source

Intake: 1 September 2026

Duration: 1 year

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