Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.
Masters Compare - Find your perfect masters course.
Study Details: 1 year full-time
Remember the first time you looked at cells under the microscope? Or how you unravelled the process of photosynthesis? Bring that enthusiasm into your own classroom as a secondary school biology teacher.
During our PGCE Secondary Science (Biology), you’ll study the latest teaching theory and how to apply this in practice. Find out how to spark your pupils’ curiosity about the world around them while building their practical and analytical skills.
You’ll develop in-depth subject knowledge in your specialism of biology. We’ll also make sure you’re prepared to support with teaching chemistry and physics, especially at key stage 3. Throughout the course, we’ll encourage you to reflect on your learning to help you become the best biology teacher you can be.
Boost your skills in lesson planning, managing the classroom, teaching methods, and more. Then put what you’ve learnt into practice in a real classroom. During your school placements, you’ll plan, teach and assess biology lessons with support from your school-based mentor.
We’ll be there for you every step of the way as you work towards taking the lead in the classroom. Turn to your Personal Tutor whenever you need advice or help overcoming hurdles.
To join this PGCE, you will be expected to have:
For the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language and Mathematics.
An interview forms part of the interview process.
If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to meet the Department for Education’s standards for physical and mental fitness to teach and clearance to work with children. Further information, including a Declaration of Health questionnaire and details of how to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.
English Language Requirements
International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.
If your current level of English is half a band lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.
Good biology teachers are always in demand, so your career prospects will be fantastic following graduation.
This PGCE in accredited by the Department for Education. Successful completion of the course will enable you to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You’ll be ready to progress into employment as an early career teacher at secondary school level in science, specialising in biology.
With your academic credits and classroom-based experience you will be well-placed to progress into MA, MRes or MSc study and onto a PhD.
Compulsory modules:
Evidence-Informed Practice (Secondary Science)
ITE Curriculum and Practice (Secondary)
Principles of Learning and Curriculum Design (Secondary Science)
Since 1885, we’ve been inspiring minds and changing futures. Today, we’re a UK Top 35 University – one of the highest climbers in this year’s Guardian...
Tue 21 Apr 2026