PGCE Secondary - Biology

The Durham PGCE Secondary is a full-time programme with a strong practical focus. You will spend a significant part of the year (a minimum of 120 days) based in schools through the Durham University Schools Partnership. In addition, there are 20 days of Intensive Training and Practice sessions that will strengthen the link between evidence and classroom practice.

School-based activities support your development to meet the Government's Teachers' Standards and the recommendation for QTS.

The course comprises four modules that enable you to explore ideas in the field of education. Learning methods include a combination of readings and preparation for teaching in school, teaching in schools, teaching time in lectures and workshops, professional studies days, independent study, and assignments.

Assessment

Assessment of the PGCE takes the form of three 2,500-word assignments and evidence portfolios of 1,500 words.

For all your assignments, you will be supported by the module convenor, your tutor, and the academic services within the University.

The equivalent of a UK 2:2 honours degree of which at least 50% should be in the subject you wish to teach. We may accept closely related degree subjects.

GCSE English and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or equivalent). We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSE’s. We’ll consider candidates who need to take an equivalency test in English and/or Maths.

If your qualifications are from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from ENIC

For International Applicants for whom English is not their first language, a minimum IELT|S score of 7.0 is required with no individual component less than 6.5.

It is highly recommended that any foreign nationals applying "have spent six months living in the UK", have had employment or volunteered as a teaching assistant in a state school in England or in an International school following the English national curriculum, have some knowledge of, or experience in working with, the English National Curriculum

Your interpersonal qualities and your potential to achieve professional skills relating to the Teachers' Standards will be considered when making an admissions decision. Candidates who meet the criteria, will be invited to an interview which will be held online consisting of a range of questions and a series of tasks designed to illustrate your potential to meet the Teachers' Standards by the end of the course.

Successful candidates will receive an offer conditional upon successful Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and medical assessment. This is for “fitness to teach” before starting the course.

English language requirements

Full Time Fees

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase and are expected to rise throughout the programme of study. The fee listed above is for the first year of the course only. More information is available here: Tuition fees - how much are they - Durham University

Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.

The consistently high ranking of the School gives us a worldwide reputation for the quality of not only our teaching but the skills and knowledge of our postgraduate community. The delivery of the subject by relevant academic experts brings together world class research, innovative teaching and exceptional support.

Your time as a member of our student community places you in the strong position to pursue a successful career in a range of different sectors. Career opportunities in education are numerous, rewarding, and far reaching.

Most of our PGCE graduates go directly into teaching whilst MA graduates progress into a wide range of roles including educational research, publishing, education administration, policy making and management plus jobs in commercial or public sectors.

The School of Education offers both teacher training and non-teacher training education programmes, set within a vibrant and engaged learning community of around sixty academic staff and 350 postgraduates. We are a leading educational research centre with strong international ties and numerous partner relationships with schools and colleges.

Our postgraduate courses are flexible and allow you to follow a particular interest. They include MAs in Education, Educational Leadership and Change and Intercultural Communication and Education. We also offer a range of PGCE qualifications at primary and secondary levels and in specific school subjects.

We provide opportunities for learning from academic staff who are leading research and teaching experts in their fields. They underpin our School’s commitment to conducting research that contributes to shaping educational practice and policy, develops educational research and methodologies, informs school improvements and supports the professional development of teachers around the world.

Our portfolio of research projects attracts interest and financial support from important bodies who have a key role in developing education in the UK. They include the Economic and Social Research Council, the Nuffield Foundation, the Sutton Trust, and the Education Endowment Foundation, as well as a range of other organisations and charities.

Facilities

The School of Education is characterised by its diversity and vibrancy and the enthusiasm and commitment of its postgraduate community to improving the provision of education in the UK and across the globe.

The School is located at Lower Mountjoy on the main University campus and is not far from the centre of Durham with its UNESCO World Heritage status and the beautiful cathedral.

Our facilities are modern and comprehensive and include a well-resourced library, study areas and the state-of-the-art Confluence Building which plays host to events such as seminars and lectures by guest speakers.

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