Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) Science: Biology PGCE

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom, Birmingham

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Home/United Kingdom/Birmingham /University of Birmingham/Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) Science: Biology PGCE

University of Birmingham

United Kingdom , Birmingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Certificate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Birmingham (Edgbaston)

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 36 week(s)

Tuition Fee

GBP 28,080 / year

Next Intake September-2026

Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) Science: Biology PGCE

About

Course overview

Start your teaching journey with our specialist programme. Receive expert education and support to inspire young minds in the 11-18 age range, through close partnerships with schools.

Our PGCE Biology (QTS) programme is designed to challenge you to make informed and justified decisions about your teaching approach, laying the foundation for ongoing professional development. Upon successful completion of the course, you will also have the opportunity to return for part-time study and complete a Master’s in Teaching Studies with us.

Course Structure

The PGCE Biology (QTS) programme will include the study of subject-specific teaching techniques as well as wider professional topics. You will also work in schools for a total of 28 weeks.

Semester 1: September - December (14 weeks)

4 weeks University-led teaching
8 weeks on school placement
2 weeks ITAP (intensive training and practice)
1 week half-term

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Train to Teach Biology at the University of Birmingham, one of the UK's leading institutions for excellence in teacher training.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

Holders of a Bachelors degree of four years duration from a recognised university in the Saudi Arabia will be considered for postgraduate study. Holders of Bachelors degree will normally be expected to have achieved a GPA of 3.0/4, 3.75/5 or 75% for 2:1 equivalency or 2.8/4, 3.5/5 or 70% for 2:2 equivalency.

Applicants for postgraduate research programmes should hold a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree, with a GPA of 3.0/4.0 or 75% from a recognised institution to be considered. Applicants with lower grades than this may be considered on an individual basis.

English Program Requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Career

Career opportunities

Our Biology Secondary Teacher Training course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands.

We are proud of our strong track record of student employment following course completion, with many of our alumni progressing to roles such as classroom teachers, Heads of Departments, Senior Leaders, and SENDCos. Our comprehensive career services and support equip you with the skills and confidence needed to excel in the teaching profession and beyond.

#1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.

Careers and employability