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University of Gloucestershire
Postgraduate taught

Secondary Education Physics

PGCE

Course options

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Study type
Full Time
Course length
1 Years
Campus
City Campus, Gloucester
Course code
PGSPHY16

Course overview

The PGCE programme is taught in partnership with secondary schools and colleges. It will prepare you for entry to the teaching profession through developing your expertise in teaching pupils aged 11-16, with post-16 enhancement.

The Physics subject knowledge programme aims to support and develop you to become a confident and competent educator. As a part of our distinctive and ambitious curriculum you will understand and apply knowledge of:

  • Science capital
  • Science in society
  • Science outside the classroom
  • Health and safety processes

You’ll learn how to teach key concepts of physics through exploring ways in which the curriculum can be delivered. Subject sessions will take place in a laboratory classroom to encourage modelling of classroom teaching skills and active exploration and trialling of common enquiry types.

You’ll look at how to decolonise the science curriculum and embed sustainability issues, while appreciating how young people develop key concepts over time, identified within statutory guidance and GCSE specifications.

You’ll develop a critical understanding of how to design sequences of learning to support and encourage pupil progress. You will also be introduced to essential aspects of Biology and Chemistry, so that you’re prepared to teach science across the curriculum.

There are many opportunities to observe excellent practice, working alongside teachers and pupils in a range of school settings. In addition to the focus at Key Stages 3 and 4, you’ll gain an insight into KS2 transition and KS5 teaching. You’ll develop research-informed understanding of curriculum design and have an excellent understanding of safeguarding practice. Through careful reflection and target-setting you will be supported to become increasingly adaptive to a range of student needs.

Study style

The course is split into 3 phases which allow trainee teachers to gain knowledge and learn skills related to their teaching practice.
Developing – From September
Broadening – From January
Enhancing – From April

During the Developing phase of the curriculum, trainees will attend university-based lectures and be introduced to the following Curriculum Key Themes:

  • Behaviour Management and High Expectations
  • Subject Knowledge and Curriculum Design
  • Adaptive Practice and Inclusion
  • Children’s Learning, Classroom Practice
  • Assessment
  • Professional and Ethical Practice.

During the Developing phase, trainee teachers experience their first Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) which is focused on behaviour. Here, from week 3 of the course, trainee teachers gain experience in one of our Lead Partner Schools exploring how classroom routines and use of behaviour policies support effective learning.

Trainee teachers get practical experience delivering sessions and receiving feedback in order to feel prepared for their first school placement in October.

During school-based training, trainees will revisit specific Curriculum Key Themes and attend university-based training sessions to support and develop their teaching practice.

During the Broadening phase, trainees will build upon and extend the knowledge and skills gained from school experiences and the university-based taught programme. Trainees will be expected to revisit and broaden their knowledge and practice of the 5 curriculum areas and Curriculum Key Themes introduced at the Developing Phase, and will engage with new Curriculum Key Themes, such as:

  • Curriculum Design
  • Subject Knowledge
  • Sustainability
  • Employability
  • Research Informed Practice

In addition, trainees will take part in their second ITaP with a focus on adaptive practice. All trainees will gain experience in an SEND school and explore how to support and challenge all learners in their subject.

During this phase of the curriculum, trainees will be supported to take on wider responsibilities as a part of the role of a trainee teacher and have opportunities to discuss, analyse and observe expert colleagues to support their progression through the Broadening Phase.

Trainees will broaden their knowledge and experience of decolonising the curriculum, sustainability for education and other contemporary issues in education.

During the Enhancing phase, trainees will enhance and extend the knowledge, skills and experience gained previously. During the Enhancing Phase, trainees will be expected to revisit and extend their knowledge and practice of all 5 curriculum areas:

  • Behaviour Management
  • Pedagogy
  • Curriculum
  • Assessment
  • Professional Behaviours

During this phase trainees will take part in their final ITaP with a focus on assessment, as well as developing a greater understanding of the KS2 and KS5 curriculum for their subject and taking part in a ‘Learning outside the classroom’ enhancement project.

At the end of the secondary programme, our highly employable trainees will be able to further enhance their professional development and draw upon the skills gained throughout the course to become:

Graduate Ambassadors of Education

Leaders of Learning

Outstanding Teachers

Subject Experts

It’s planned that this course will be taught at UoG’s new campus in Gloucester city centre from September 2025.

The vibrant campus will be at the heart of the regeneration of Gloucester city centre. It will bring an iconic building back to life as a modern centre for teaching, learning and community partnerships, through placements, research and outreach activity, and provide cutting-edge facilities for your course.

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Entry requirements

    • An honours degree, normally at 2.2 or above (or equivalent) in a relevant subject.

      If you do not hold a 2.2 or above, we may be able to consider your application but will require additional information.

      If you do not hold a degree in a relevant subject we will be able to consider your application if you have other qualifications, such as A Levels or postgraduate qualifications in the subject.

    • GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or above, or an equivalent qualification.

      If you don’t have a traditional GCSE, get in touch with our admissions team who will be able to advise you.

    • If you are offered a place on the programme you will be required to complete a health declaration, which will be assessed by the University Doctor.

    • The University of Gloucestershire is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all our trainees to share this commitment.

      If you are offered a place it will be subject to:

      • Satisfactory Safeguarding checks including the receipt of a ‘satisfactory’ Enhanced DBS return including children’s barred list information
      • Satisfactory completion of suitability form
      • Verification of two references
      • Satisfactory Certificate of Good conduct, where applicable, for those who have lived or worked abroad

Course modules

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Fees and costs

You're viewing fees for the course option. Choose a different course option to see corresponding course fees.

Start date Location Course code Fee (UK)
Fee per year
Fee (international)
Fee per year
Aug 2025 City Campus, Gloucester E670 £9,535 £17,425
Sep 2026 City Campus, Gloucester E670 TBC TBC

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UoG Career promise

At UoG we create a climate for bravery and growth. We instil confidence in all our students, so you can graduate career-ready and meet your ambitions.

96% of our graduates are in work or further study*, but if you’re not in a job 6 months after graduating we’ll guarantee you 6 months of free support, followed by the offer of a paid internship to kickstart your career – plus we’ll commit to lifetime career coaching. Eligibility conditions apply.

*Graduate Outcomes Survey published 2024 and based on 2021/22 leavers

Discover our promises

Careers

Our vision is for all of our students to become graduate ambassadors for education, leaders of learning, outstanding teachers and subject experts.

Employment rates have been consistently high for graduates and we offer you the opportunity to gain Master’s credits which count towards a full Master’s degree. This can be used to take your career in secondary education to the next level at a subsequent time.

All students undertake Master’s level modules in addition to other compulsory modules. If you pass all elements of the course at Master’s level, the award title will carry Master’s credits and QTS.

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