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Secondary Chemistry with QTS (PGCE) at University of Cumbria - UCAS

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

7Dec
Brampton Road Open Day
Postgraduate

Course summary

Inspire the next generation of scientists by sharing your passion for Chemistry with young people. In this specialised PGCE pathway, you can instil a love of the fascinating world of Chemistry within the children you teach. Our well-respected PGCE Secondary with QTS supports you through your journey from student to Early Career Teacher (ECT). Moreover, as the PGCE programme includes QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) you'll apply for your first teaching position whilst studying with us. Accreditation for the award of QTS is through our accredited partner. All academic awards are made by the University of Cumbria. COURSE OVERVIEW Grounded in the learning of our PGCE Secondary programme, this Chemistry pathway allows you to develop the skills to teach in the secondary school setting, delivering engaging Chemistry lessons. This unique specialism gives you the opportunity to inspire the next generation of scientists. You’ll learn through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, working within the National Curriculum Framework. You'll explore the key concepts and themes of the PGCE curriculum, confidently devising and delivering engaging lessons to children and young people, aged 11-16 years old. Over half the course will be spent working in the classroom on assessed placement, with school-based enrichment activities alongside your university-based study. You'll take two placements across a variety of schools and settings, building a wealth of experience to help advance your future career. ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...

  • Inspire young people to explore the world of chemistry.
  • Benefit from high-quality support from our academics and staff on a programme designed around you.
  • Learn from an experienced, highly qualified programme team, working at the forefront of the academic field.
  • Enjoy the intimate feel of our course delivery, with small class sizes and your own personal tutor.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Our course ensures that you learn all the skills you need for effective teaching, from the basics of structuring and planning lessons to developing personal skills and confidence. Our school-based programme is delivered through dedicated sessions with trainees and school mentors, and allows you to learn from working alongside experienced school colleagues. Working with individual groups of pupils in school, you will gradually build up to teach whole classes about topics such as particle theory, acids and alkalis, the reactivity series and many other exciting topics. You will learn how to organise practical work and also carry out many of the practical activities that are common in schools. You will also receive training in key stage 3 Physics and Chemistry, reflecting the fact that in most schools you will be expected to teach all three sciences at key stage 3. MODULES There are two distinct phases to teaching on this course; September-December and January-June. In the September-December phase, you will develop your understanding and implementation of key teaching strategies. During this phase you will take your first teaching steps by working with individual groups of pupils in school, gradually building up to the teaching of whole classes. The key focus in this initial phase is that of helping students to understand the needs of individual learners. In the January-June phase, you will hone your whole-class teaching experience, fostering achievement and a love of learning in students, in correspondence to the requirements of the Teachers’ Standards. Year one
  • PGSC7011 Investigating Teaching and Learning in Chemistry
  • PGSC7012 Investigating Teaching and Learning Across and Beyond the School Curriculum
  • PGSC9011 Developing Professional Skills, Knowledge and Practice

Assessment method

Assessment loosely follows two forms; summative and formative. ‘Summative Assessment’, involves making some sort of judgement on your work that is recorded, such as essay writing. 'Formative assessment', is carefully crafted feedback that does not count towards your final grade but helps you develop your professional learning.

Entry requirements

You are welcome to apply if you have achieved a 2:2 or above in a Chemistry degree, GCSE English Language, and GCSE Maths at grade C/4. A satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) background clearance check and Occupational Health check prior to starting the course. A satisfactory academic (University) reference, or, a satisfactory professional reference if it is more than 3 years since academic study.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
EU £13575 Year 1
International £13575 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/studentfinance for more information about student fees and finance, and for details about our alumni discount.
Secondary Chemistry with QTS (PGCE) at University of Cumbria - UCAS