Education - Science

Overview

The PGCE in Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics) is a recognised teaching qualification aligned to the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland professional competences which affords graduates ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS). The course is aligned broadly with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, supporting graduates in teaching Science across the 11-18+ year age range. The programme aims to develop your competence and confidence in the teaching of Science and in the general professional role of the teacher.



The PGCE will appeal to you if you wish to move into teaching and if you are a graduate in Science or about to graduate in Science. Applicants should indicate which of Biology, Chemistry or Physics they are interested in when applying.



If you wish to apply for two science subject areas, please submit one application for the Science programme but indicate using the supplementary application form which Science specialism is your preference e.g. Biology with Science; Chemistry with Science; Physics with Science. You may nominate more than one on the same supplementary application form.



The programme combines university-based tuition, consisting of taught sessions and directed independent study, with professional placements in schools and is organised around three interdependent strands:



Professional School-based Experience - focuses on developing practical teaching competence particularly through working closely with experienced teachers during periods of school placement.



Subject Studies - focuses on teaching and learning within your subject specialism (and cognate areas).



Education and Professional Studies - focuses on common aspects of teaching and the professional role of the teacher, bringing together relevant theory, policy and practice. This includes issues such as: the Northern Ireland education system, curriculum theory and policy, theories of learning and assessment, social class and educational disadvantage, special educational needs and barriers to learning, pastoral care and child protection/safeguarding, student voice, mental health and wellbeing of students, positive behaviour management, diversity and inclusion, effective use of technologies and whole school approaches to literacy, numeracy and the social and emotional health of young people. Students are also offered a choice of elective courses designed to enhance the subjects and skills they can offer to schools.



Extra places are reserved to prepare those who are interested in teaching their subject through the medium of Irish in Irish-medium schools. An additional certificate in Irish Medium Education (IME) is awarded in conjunction with St Mary's University College.



There is the option for science students to take a two week alternative placement with an environmental/outdoor learning education provider. This will take place during the last two weeks of the second placement (May time). Students will be invited to apply for this opportunity and must demonstrate satisfactory development in all core competencies before proceeding to this placement.



Course Structure

After enrolment, you will complete an Induction week followed by a one-week placement in a primary school in early September.



The next six week block of the course is devoted to university-based tuition (subject-specific taught sessions and directed independent study) before you commence your first eleven week period of professional placement based in a school.



At the beginning of February, you return to university-based tuition in preparation for your second professional period in a school (12 weeks). A final week of university-based tuition completes the course at the end of May.



Successful completion of the PGCE depends on achieving satisfactory standards in both practical teaching and in University based modules, which are assessed through course work.



The extended placements, which we arrange, are normally in two different schools . This ensures a varied experience of teaching in different schools and working with pupils from the whole ability range.



In the two post-primary schools you will work closely with members of each school’s staff. Your subject lecturer from Queen’s will also maintain close co-operative links with these teachers during your school placements.



There is the option for science students to take a two week alternative placement with an environmental/outdoor learning education provider. This will take place during the last two weeks of the second placement (May time). Students will be invited to apply for this opportunity and must demonstrate satisfactory development in all core competencies before proceeding to this placement.

Core Modules

Educational and Professional Studies (10 credits)

Science Studies (30 credits)

Graduate

All applicants must possess the following:

- An Honours degree (and/or higher degree) or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, relevant to teaching Science at Key Stage 3 and at least one of Physics or Chemistry or Biology to A- level. Degrees in cognate areas may be considered if 50% or more of the modules studied are deemed currently relevant to teaching the chosen science for which you have applied (either Physics, Chemistry or Biology).



- At the time of application, GCSE Mathematics grade C/4, and GCSE English Language grade C/4 or equivalent qualification. (Please note Essential Skills Level 2 qualifications are not regarded as equivalent for entry to this professional course as the professional accrediting authority, the GTCNI, does not recognise them as equivalent).



We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria if the course is over-subscribed.



Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.

Please note the closing date for 2024 entry to this programme is 1st November 2023.



Applications received after the closing date will be regarded as LATE and will be considered only if vacancies exist when all applications received by the closing date have been processed. Normally we do not consider ‘late’ applications before June at the earliest.



How to Apply

Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Coursework comprises subject studies assignments, practical teaching and core tasks arising from lectures, workshops and tutorials addressing key educational issues.

36 weeks (Full Time)



Teaching Times

Typically Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day.

Entry Year: 2024

Commencement date: Monday 2nd September 2024

Career Prospects

This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain ‘Eligibility to Teach’ (referred to in some other jurisdictions as 'qualified teacher status', QTS).



Qualified teachers have found employment in secondary schools, progressing through either a subject specialist or pastoral route into middle and senior management. Others have gone on to successfully complete further postgraduate study.



Career Development

PGCE graduates may transfer 30 credits into one of the School’s Educational Master’s programmes.