Course summary
Develop the knowledge, skills and experience you need to become a biology teacher in secondary schools.
- Benefit from our excellent partnership with local and regional schools, where you can gain experience of Secondary teaching in a supportive environment.
- Study a broad range of Biology topics, such as microbiology, ecology, animal behaviour, medical biology, plant biology and food studies.
- Build skills that employers look for, including research, teamwork, and the ability to understand and interpret complex information.
Modules
Year one The first year introduces key concepts and skills that underpin the study of education. A placement module provides you with a sound introduction to secondary schools. Interacting with students, teachers, and administrators will give you an insight into the various roles and responsibilities within the school environment. In your Biology modules, you’ll explore fundamental biological topics through hands-on classes. Topics include cell biology, genetics, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, evolution, classification, and ecosystems. Year two In your second year you’ll be introduced to the key ideas and theories needed to understand contemporary educational issues. You’ll undertake a second placement in a secondary school, which this year will focus on developing your professionalism. Biology modules cover a range of concepts including biological systems and the importance of Biology in real life. You'll explore the most cutting-edge ideas in Biology and get the chance to choose from a range of topics for your optional module. Themes include ecology, environmental management, microbiology, human pathophysiology, biodiversity and food analysis. You could also develop your research skills to a higher level through a dedicated research module. Year three Your third year is your Professional Placement Year. Year four In your final year Education Secondary modules, we focus on everything you need to prepare for the PGCE. You'll meet PGCE staff and students as we ease your transition into this next phase of your studies. In Biology you can choose two of three modules: Animal Behaviour, Environmental Practice and Medical Biology. Your dissertation in either Education or Biology will complete your studies. If you choose to focus on Education, you'll get the chance to explore an issue of your choice and develop a learning resource to address it. If you choose Biology, you'll undertake an independent research project in an area that interests you. Some of our students have blended the two disciplines to form their dissertation. For example, you could explore teaching in forest schools, science communication, or the impact of nature on learning.
Assessment method
Assessment methods vary, depending on the modules you choose. You could submit essays, scientific papers, blog posts, reports, posters, video presentations, group presentations, or sit exams. You might take an even more creative approach, such as producing a graphic novel to communicate public health information. We’ll provide regular guidance on how to improve your skills, knowledge and understanding so that you can enter the workplace with confidence.
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:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- 39P3
- Institution code:
- B20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
A level - BBB - BCC
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM - DMM
Access to HE Diploma - M: 45 credits
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
T Level - M
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Students must complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with us prior to school placements. Further information will be supplied to students on course.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS 6.0 - for visa nationals, with a minimum score of IELTS 5.5 in each element. |
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | 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
Provider information
Bath Spa University
Newton Park
Newton St Loe
Bath
BA2 9BN