- Become an outstanding secondary school Biology teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
- Enjoy extensive periods of classroom experience supported by outstanding tutors and mentors.
Graduate Certificate in PGCE Secondary Biology at The University of Manchester
University Rank:#35
Graduate Certificate in PGCE Secondary Biology at The University of Manchester
Study PGCE Secondary Biology at The University of Manchester, a Graduate Certificate degree offered at its main campus in Manchester, United Kingdom. This Full Time program is delivered on campus in English and takes approximately 1 year to complete. Students benefit from a structured learning experience designed to build both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. The tuition fee is USD 33,209 / year, with the next intake scheduled for September 1, 2026.
About Graduate Certificate in PGCE Secondary Biology
PGCE Secondary Science (Biology) will train you to become a biology teacher across the 11 to 16 or 11 to 18 age range. You will be trained to teach across all sciences up to KS3.
The course will prepare you to teach the National Curriculum and related national strategies, GCSE and A-level. Completion leads to both a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for qualified teacher status (QTS).
University-based sessions will enable you to reflect on teaching methods and engage critically with the Science curriculum.
Experienced teachers will work alongside PGCE tutors, plus visitors from exam boards and the Royal Society of Biology.
Some sessions are run with the University's science departments to benefit fully from the University's resources, and with Manchester Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester.
Find out more about your university Science tutors Rob Buck , Zahra Alijah , Naina Kotecha and Andy Howes.
Disciplines
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in PGCE Secondary Biology at The University of Manchester
Entry Requirements
- Minimum 2:2 honours degree in a biological science with at least half of the content strongly related to biology (if you are unsure, please contact us to discuss your qualifications).
- Grade B in biology at A-level (or equivalent), or grade C if you can demonstrate sustained academic progression since A-level, and at least one other science or maths A-level.
- Minimum grade C or 4 at GCSE (or equivalent) in English language and mathematics.
All places are subject to availability. Due to increased competition, please be advised that there is no guarantee an offer will be made, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 5.5
- TOEFLMin 72
English Program Requirements
In addition to a grade C at GCSE in English Language, applicants whose first language is not English are required to meet the following language requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing, no sub-section below 6.0, or
- TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in writing and 20 in the other sub-sections, or
- Pearson PTE overall score of 62 with a minimum score of 62 in writing and 59 in the other sub-sections, or
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169.
Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Certificate in PGCE Secondary Biology
Career opportunities
Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a fully qualified teacher. This form of teacher training is recommended for anyone with an undergraduate degree who is looking to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
You need QTS to teach in a state-maintained or special school in England and Wales. Whilst other routes to gain QTS exist, they do not all come with the postgraduate qualification of a PGCE.
A PGCE from The University of Manchester is a valued qualification regionally, nationally, and internationally.
When you study a PGCE with us, we help you prepare for a successful career in education. You will be given clear direction, advice and support when making applications for teaching posts and our employment rates are consistently high.
In addition to this, a PGCE qualification can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master's degree, and The University of Manchester offers a range of postgraduate Education courses should you wish to continue your professional development as you progress further in your career.
Visit our careers and employability page for more information.
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .
Fee Information
Tuition Fee
33,209 / year
Graduate Certificate in PGCE Secondary Biology at The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
United Kingdom, Manchester