Course summary
Swansea University Schools Partnership's integrated and rigorous PGCE programme will challenge you academically and professionally. The PGCE Biology programme aims to develop critical understanding of the nature of Biology and its position in the school curriculum. You will be encouraged to research and test your own approaches to Biology pedagogy to find those techniques that work best for you and for the pupils you teach. Students will be taught in our cutting-edge laboratory facilities on our campuses. Swansea University Schools Partnership is committed to developing research-informed reflective practitioners who can demonstrate creativity and flexibility in their teaching so that learners develop their Biology competence in an environment that cultivates enjoyment of the subject. Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study at Swansea University.
Modules
The SUSP ITE programme comprises two modules: Research-informed Reflective Practice (EDPM30) is largely university-based and will comprise the following: • Core Studies: focusing on the overarching issues that drive policies within the Welsh cultural context • Subject Studies: focusing on the specifics of pedagogy in your subject area, lesson planning, understanding your subject's place in the Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLE) • Subject Knowledge Enhancement: Focusing on reviewing the curriculum requirements in your subject area and preparing you for the topics you may be teaching • Professional and Pedagogical Studies: focusing on the implications for your subject area on whole school issues such as provision for children with additional learning needs, differentiation and assessment. • Research Methods in Education: focusing on research methodologies suitable for educational purposes and preparing you for your close-to-practice research project. EDPM30 carries 60 level 7 credits. Student teachers who complete 60 Level 7 credits can carry over the credits to our MA Education programme if they enrol within five years of successfully completing the module. Professional Practice (EDP300) is designed to ensure that all student teachers develop a deep understanding of the how the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership link to the Four Purposes of the new Curriculum for Wales. This module leads to the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Student teachers will spend a minimum of 120 days on Professional Practice in two schools in the network within which they are placed, with additional opportunities in a range of complimentary settings. EDP300 integrates research with classroom practice through a Practice and Theory course delivered jointly by Subject Tutors and expert teachers in network schools. Subject Mentors and Subject Tutors will provide strong individualised support for student teachers working towards meeting the Professional Standard for Teaching and Leadership.
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Secondary
Entry requirements
Applicants for the Secondary PGCE are required to have achieved the following prior to admission to the programme: • An honours degree at a minimum of 2:2 in a relevant subject, or a related subject with at least 50% relevant subject content; • Grade B GCSE in English Language or Literature/Welsh (students applying for the Welsh medium programme will be required to have a GCSE in Welsh); • Grade B GCSE in Maths The GCSE Grade B in English Language or Literature/Welsh and Mathematics are a requirement set by the Welsh Government. However, we welcome applications from those with a GCSE Grade C in English Language or Literature/Welsh and/or Mathematics. Applicants with a grade C in GCSE English Language or Literature/Welsh or Mathematics who meet all other entry criteria may be accepted if they complete successfully an equivalency test. Due to the current COVID-19 situation, we are unable to follow our planned timetable of equivalency testing. Therefore, applicants will be expected to sit their equivalency test(s) during the PGCE academic year where they will be given up to 3 attempts. Should the situation change, we will restart our programme of tutorials and tests before the beginning of the academic year. Please note that applicants must pass their equivalency test(s) in order to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). All interviews will be held virtually (using Microsoft Teams) with a PGCE subject specialist through the medium of English or Welsh as desired. The format will consist of a short interview and professional discussion. All PGCE students will complete a Digital Competence audit on enrolment and have digital competence training embedded into their PGCE programme of study. All applicants must meet the requirements of the Education Health Standards (Wales) confirming their health and physical capacity to teach. All applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. Applicants must not have been excluded from teaching or working with children nor be registered with the DBS as unfit for working with children or young persons.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9000 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9000 | Year 1 |
| EU | £17500 | Year 1 |
| International | £17500 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
For the latest fee information, please check the individual course page on our website. Our full range of programmes are listed here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/courses/
Further information on tuition fees can be found here: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/tuition-fees/
Sponsorship information
The Welsh Government offer the following incentives to eligible students: *Welsh Government Teacher Training Incentives are available to eligible students who are studying PGCE Biology. The incentive amount is based on your degree classification and/or Masters, PhD. *The Welsh Government Iaith Athrawon Yfory Incentive Scheme is available to eligible students studying through the medium of Welsh. *For more information on both schemes, please visit: https://www.swansea.ac.uk/undergraduate/fees-and-funding/student-loans-and-grants/post-graduate-certificate-in-education-pgce/
Provider information
Swansea University
Singleton Park
Swansea
SA2 8PP