Description
The PGCE Science with Biology Secondary Education degree will qualify you to teach biology at secondary level in any state-maintained school in England and Wales.
This one year PGCE Biology course blends theoretical knowledge with carefully supervised teaching experience. You will attend placements in a variety of educational settings to gain a broad understanding of the realities of secondary level teaching.
Through the teachers' student loan reimbursement scheme, all eligible biology teachers will be able to apply for a reimbursement on their student loan payments made in the first ten years of their careers. Read more about the eligibility criteria.
Why us?
Funding for trainee teachers is available with tax-free bursaries of up to £27,000 for Mathematics trainees
All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £28,000, and this will be higher for teachers working in London
You will be taught by tutors with proven expertise as effective teachers
The course is designed to enable you to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution
Career Ready
This degree awards Qualified Teacher Status, which means that when you graduate you’ll be qualified to teach in any state-maintained secondary school in England and Wales. Most graduates from this course go on to become a secondary school teacher.
Good teachers area always in high demand. All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £28,000, and this will be higher for teachers working in London. The amount you earn will then increase until you reach the top end of your pay scale, after which you can choose to progress into more senior roles, such as leading practitioner or head teacher.
The teachers’ pension scheme is also one of the most generous public sector pension schemes in the UK, one of the few guaranteed by the Government.
School placements
The University of Sunderland has partnerships with over 650 schools, colleges and other educational establishments across the North East and beyond. The course is designed to enable you to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution. We’ll work with you to try and find you the perfect teaching placement – schools that can nurture and support your aspirations and interests and help you become the best secondary school teacher you can be. When you’re ready to start searching for a teaching job, you will already have valuable first-hand teaching experience, as well as a wide network of professional contacts who can help you find the right career opportunities.
Requirement
Bachelor's degree 2:2 or GPA 2.40 /5
If you already hold a postgraduate qualification, please see our Applying for additional postgraduate degrees Help and Advice article.
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
We usually require applicants to hold at least a second-class honours degree (usually a 2:1) or equivalent.
If English is not your first language, you must achieve an academic IELTS score of 6.5, with a minimum of 5.5 in all elements.
Structure
Placements are an important part of the PGCE Mathematics course. During that time, you will benefit from practical learning and be supported by school-based trainers and University-based tutors.
Your progress will be assessed with written assignments, case studies and assessments of your teaching practice.
This course is a mixture of University-based learning and in-school training. The course is designed to enable you to spend 120 days in a school or other educational institution.
Fees
Full-time fees are:
£9,250 if you are from the UK/Europe*
£14,000 if you are an international student
*European Union (EU), EEA (European Economic Area), and Swiss nationals who do not qualify for the EU Settlement Scheme are classed as international, however, for 23/24 admission you will receive a European student fee scholarship and will pay the home tuition fee rate for the duration of your studies. The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.
Take a look at the Your Finances section to find out about the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
Tuition Fee £14,000 annually
Application Fee £95
Acceptance Fee £300
Housing Fee £700- £1,200 monthly
Living Fee £300- £500 monthly