The PGCE in Science is broadly aligned with the Northern Ireland Curriculum, training graduates to teach 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.
Our 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.
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.
Our educational research has been ranked 4th within the UK in relation to research intensity with 87% assessed as ‘internationally excellent or world leading’ (REf, 2014).
“The PGCE at Queen’s attracts a lively mix of students from different parts of the UK and Ireland, from a variety of local and national universities and colleges, and from different academic disciplines. We prepare confident, innovative and high quality teachers who find employment both in Northern Ireland and the UK as well as in international schools worldwide.”
Dr Pamela Cowan, Pathway Convenor (IT/Computing)
Information on the implications of Brexit for prospective students.
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Course content
After enrolment in early September, you will complete an Induction week followed by a two-week block experience in a primary school.
The next 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 eleven week professional period in a school. A final week of university-based tuition completes the course at the beginning of June.
Successful completion of the PGCE depends on achieving satisfactory standards in both practical teaching and in course work.
The extended placements, which we arrange, are in two different schools, normally one spent in a school catering for 11 – 16 age range or a non-selective school, and the other in an 11 – 18 age range or a selective grammar school. 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.
| Course Details | 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 - how to teach Science. Educational Studies including the Professional Role of the Teacher - common aspects of teaching and the professional role of the teacher, including the Northern Ireland Curriculum, the education system, assessment and recording, theories of learning, educational disadvantage, the social context of teaching, pastoral care and child protection, general management issues, relationships with other professionals, promotion of inclusion, effective use of technologies, digital safeguarding, and, literacy and numeracy in the classroom. The programme also offers workshops on a variety of topics including special educational needs, classroom management, pastoral care, diversity and inclusion, and children's rights. 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. |
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SSESW
Dr Billy McClune coordinates and teaches on the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Science programme. His research interests lie in the areas of educational management and science education with a specific interest in scientific literacy.
SSESW
Email: j.nelson@qub.ac.uk
Dr James Nelson has oversight of the PGCE.
| Typically Monday to Friday from 9am-5pm. School-based placements are dependent on the host school's timetable for the school day. |
Introduction
This PGCE prepares students for teaching in secondary-level schools (age 11-18+). You will gain 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.
Queen's postgraduates reap exceptional benefits. Unique initiatives, such as Degree Plus and Researcher Plus bolster our commitment to employability, while innovative leadership and executive programmes help our students gain key leadership positions both nationally and internationally.
Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:
Indicative Number of Modules per Semester
1.5 modules per Semester (30 CATS points)
Indicative Proportional Mix of Time in Classes, Tutorials/Seminars/Labs, and Private Study in a Teaching Semester
40% lectures, 20% lab, 20% tutorials, 20% private study.
Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:
Coursework comprises subject studies assignments, practical teaching and core tasks arising from lectures, workshops and tutorials addressing key educational issues.
The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aJ_BwOtjXAE
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Overview
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Entry requirements
Graduate
Please note the closing date for 2020 entry to this programme is 1st November 2019 at 5pm.
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.
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, and GCSE English Language grade C or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University.
We reserve the right to enhance the shortlisting criteria if the course is over-subscribed.
Shortlisted applicants will be interviewed.
Further information is available at https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/ssesw/Study/PostgraduateTaught/PGCE/
For information on international qualification equivalents, please check the specific information for your country.
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
INTO - English Language Course(QSIS ELEMENT IS EMPTY)
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Course content
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Fees and Funding
| Northern Ireland (NI) | £4,395 |
| England, Scotland or Wales (GB) | £9,250 |
| Other (non-UK) EU | £4,395 |
| International | £16,900 |
All tuition fees quoted are for the academic year 2020-21 and relate to one year of study only. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
More information on postgraduate tuition fees.
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Education (Science) costs
"Students are required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure Check with Access NI costing £33 and a Fitness to Teach assessment costing £45.
Students have two mandatory eleven week placement and are responsible for funding any travel, accommodation and subsistence. These costs vary depending on the location of the placement provider. Students will be expected to dress professionally and may incur additional costs for clothing. Additional costs will be incurred for the creation of teaching materials whilst on placement, which may be partly absorbed by the placement school.
Applicants are eligible for Undergraduate related funding, rather than Postgraduate. Please see the following sources for more information:
Information on scholarships for international students, is available at http://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/International-scholarships/.
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Entry requirements
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Apply
Apply using our online Postgraduate Applications Portal go.qub.ac.uk/pgapply and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.
The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.
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Fees and Funding
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