If you have relevant qualifications or academic credit and want to teach science in secondary schools, this course is designed for you. There is a shortage of qualified science teachers and a need for graduates with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The course includes science and education based study to bring you up to degree level and increasing experience of teaching in schools from early on in the course. You study biology, chemistry and physics to prepare you to teach at Key Stages 3 and 4, and then go on to specialise in one science. You develop a deep understanding of the scientific content, typical misconceptions and the ways in which the subject can be effectively taught in schools. You also develop your skills in information communications technology, mathematics for scientists and the practicalities of teaching science in schools. You study your specialist science subject at a higher level in preparation for teaching post-16 school students. This course offers an alternative and faster path into teaching compared with the usual degree-PGCE route. It is particularly suited for those who want to study science teaching in more depth. A government bursary (currently £9000) may be available for some students on this course. **Work experience and placements** During the first year of your course, you have some school experience that gradually builds your confidence to work with secondary pupils. Longer placements in the second year and your final year help you gain the teaching skills and experience you need to gain QTS. In total you spend at least 24 weeks in two or more schools refining your teaching and transforming your subject knowledge into sound education practice. We have strong partnerships with local and regional secondary schools to ensure that you receive high quality training. You may even find employment, as many of our trainees do, at one of your placements. **Facilities** Our laboratories are purpose built to reflect the types of labs you will experience in schools. For subject specialism modules you also have access to the industry-standard university research laboratories. **Teaching and support** A personal, school-based, trained mentor is assigned to you to help develop your teaching skills through working with individual pupils, small groups and whole classes.
