PGCE Physics with QTS at University of York

Programme overview

A one-year full-time PGCE that prepares graduates to teach National Curriculum science, specialising in physics, at KS3 and KS4 (ages 11-16) with a post-16 enhancement, leading to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Two-thirds of the time is spent in schools, with the rest in university training; the course carries 60 Masters-level credits.

Department: Department of Education | Duration: 1 year full-time | Intake: September 2027 | Study mode: full-time | Location: York, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Two secondary placements in contrasting schools (including some post-16 experience), a primary placement on transition issues, and a one-week professional enrichment placement are combined with university sessions, including physics-specific teaching of forces, electricity and energy. Assessment comprises a lesson observation, an evaluation of teaching and learning, and an in-depth focus study.

Career pathways

Physics teacher, laboratory technician, higher education research and teaching, education consultant, training and development executive, systems analyst.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Undergraduate degree at 2:2 or equivalent in Physics or a related subject such as Engineering; combined honours degrees accepted where Physics (or a related subject) is at least 50% of the award. Applicants without a Physics degree may still be offered a place with a postgraduate degree in Physics or A level Physics grade B; degrees with under 50% Physics may require a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course before starting. GCSE Mathematics grade 4 (C) and GCSE English grade 4 (C). English language (international applicants): IELTS Academic 6.5 overall with at least 6.0 in each component (other tests such as PTE Academic 60, Duolingo 120 and LanguageCert Academic 70 also accepted).

Domestic applicants: GBP 10,050 a year (2027/28). Tuition for the first year of study, 1 year full-time; fees in later years are subject to confirmation Source

International applicants: GBP 27,800 a year (2027/28). Tuition for the first year of study, 1 year full-time; fees in later years are subject to confirmation Source

Intake: September 2027

Duration: 1 year full-time

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