PGCE Secondary Chemistry

The University holds regular events throughout the year, including webinars and the annual on-campus Master’s Expo, all of which offer the opportunity to find out more about our facilities and courses from our academic and admissions staff.

We also attend a number of education fairs both in the UK and overseas throughout the year.

For more details on how you can meet us, visit out events page: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/masters/meet-us/

Apply through the government website

You must apply through  DfE Apply .

Applications or CVs sent directly to the University will not be considered.

You must submit the following with your completed application form:

• contact details for two referees who can provide a written reference supporting your suitability for teaching
• a personal statement which should be between 500-1000 words in length in a good standard of written English. Here are some examples you could write about (they are just a guide, you do not need to write about all of them):
  • skills you have that are relevant to teaching
  • any experience of working with young people
  • for secondary teacher training: your interest in the subject you want to teach
  • your understanding of why teaching is important
  • your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher
  • any activities you’ve done that could be relevant to teaching like first aid courses, sports coaching or volunteering

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able to, once applications open. It is possible that we may need further evidence of qualifications in order to make a decision on your application, so please ensure that all relevant documents are available on request.

Before submitting your DfE application, please make sure that the information you enter regarding your qualifications is correct and accurate. We have the right to cancel your application if we determine (having carried out any necessary checks), or have reasonable belief, that your application contains false information. If you have any reason to believe that the information we hold about you is untrue, incomplete or inaccurate, you must tell us immediately.

Develop the knowledge, skills and classroom experience to teach secondary Chemistry.

Our PGCE Secondary Chemistry course prepares you to teach Chemistry across the 11-16 or 11-18 age range. You will also be trained to teach across all sciences up to Key Stage 3 (age 14).

The course is designed to help you teach the National Curriculum, including GCSE and A-level Chemistry. Successful completion leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

University-based sessions give you space to reflect on teaching methods and engage critically with the science curriculum. You will learn with PGCE tutors, experienced teachers and visitors from exam boards and the Royal Society of Chemistry.

You will also benefit from sessions linked to the University’s science departments and Manchester’s learning resources, including Manchester Museum and the Museum of Science and Industry. This helps connect subject knowledge, curriculum thinking and practical classroom teaching.

You will:

• develop a critical awareness of lesson and curriculum planning, spending time on each with school-based mentors and University tutors;
• develop skills and knowledge in inclusive Science teaching, considering how to include marginalised narratives in the curriculum;
• develop pedagogy and gain an understanding of a range of different teaching strategies in the Science classroom, and in activities beyond the classroom;
• develop subject and curriculum knowledge for KS3 Science and KS4/KS5 Chemistry

• We have links with more than 200 schools, academies and colleges, and you will benefit from significant school-based teaching experience.
• Our leading experts in education have trained more than 5,000 teachers in the last 15 years.
• Our students come from all over the globe and a variety of backgrounds - from recent graduates to mature learners.
• Contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goal for Quality Education by helping to expand access to high-quality learning and inspire future generations.

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity. SEED will consider:

• changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
• a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
• changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
• changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
• the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
• the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
• where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
• where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement. Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or due to poor conduct, a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged.

The University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Your school and University experiences are formally assessed. Both your mentors and tutors will help you to record your achievements and set targets from week to week and from placement to placement. 

During each placement, a University tutor will observe you teach and discuss your progress with you and your mentor. 

At the end of each school experience, you will receive a progress report from your mentor. The report will provide clear feedback and targets in the following areas: 

• subject and curriculum knowledge;
• planning and teaching;
• assessment;
• wider professional responsibilities. 

These reports, together with your record of achievement and development, facilitate your progression as a teacher. 

The written assignments will allow you to gain a maximum of 60 master's-level credits, and guidance and support to complete these assignments will be available from your University tutors.

The highlight has been meeting the other trainees on the course and the support we gave each other and the support we received from our tutors. The tutors at Manchester are always friendly and approachable.

Will Jones, PGCE Secondary Science Student

Find out more about Will's experience on the PGCE Secondary Science PGCE in his student profile

The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE), with most PGCE University days based in the University's Ellen Wilkinson building, on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons and the Students Union.

Career Opportunities

Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a fully qualified teacher. This course is designed for graduates who want to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status and teach Chemistry in secondary schools, including GCSE and A-level. QTS is needed to teach in state-maintained or special schools in England and Wales. A PGCE can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master’s degree.

Careers support

As a PGCE Secondary Chemistry student, you will receive support to help you prepare for teaching applications and a career in education. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University's dedicated Careers Service .

As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.