PGCE - Secondary Physics with QTS (11-16)

How you will learn

As a student at the University of Cumbria, you are part of an inclusive learning community that recognises diversity. You will have opportunities to learn by interacting with others in a collegiate, facilitative and dynamic learning environment. Teaching, assessment and student support will allow equal and equitable opportunities for you to optimise your potential and develop autonomy. We seek to create a stimulating and innovative community of learning, whether encountered on campus or at a distance, on placement or in the workplace. Facilitated by our expert practitioner staff, you will experience a learning environment that is well equipped, flexible, and stimulating.

THE SECONDARY PGCE CURRICULUM OVERVIEW.

During your studies, you will follow our Secondary PGCE Curriculum. The curriculum has 6 themes:

• Behaviour
• Curriculum
• Pedagogy
• Assessment
• Professional Behaviours
• Challenging Disadvantage.

The first 5 themes are informed by and align with the 5 themes of the Core Content Framework (CCF), a Department for Education (DfE) publication outlining the minimum entitlement that you can expect from your Initial Teacher Education (ITE) course. These 5 themes are linked to the 8 Teachers’ Standards that you must meet by the end of your course.

Access Core Content Framework

The latter theme, Challenging Disadvantage, is a key focus for the Institute of Education at the University of Cumbria, allowing you to learn from an ambitious PGCE Curriculum that goes above and beyond.

Our PGCE Curriculum is delivered through taught sessions that include students from all PGCE subjects. These occur alongside Pedagogy for Learning (PfL) sessions where you will be taught in specific subject groups led by expert tutors. These sessions will equal twelve full days of training.

The training and skills you learn throughout the generic and PfL sessions are known as Learn That and you will put them into practice during a school placement, known as Learn How To. 

How you will be assessed

Assessment loosely follows two forms; summative and formative. ‘Summative Assessment’, involves making some sort of judgement on your work that is recorded, such as essay writing. 'Formative assessment', is carefully crafted feedback that does not count towards your final grade but helps you develop your professional learning.

Progression

The programme also recognises that gaining a PGCE and achieving QTS is not the end of your professional learning journey. It is with this in mind that the contributory modules have been planned to allow you to undertake a seamless transition to a University of Cumbria MA in education. The learning outcomes of the modules have been mapped to the learning outcomes of the MA and the credits that you accrue on the PGCE are recognised as part of the MA.

Tuition Fees

2025 - 2026

• £9,535 - UK
• £14,900 - International

 2024-2025:

• £9,250 - UK
• £13,575 - International

PGCE Alumni Scholarship

Scholarship fund worth up to £2,000

We're offering a PGCE Alumni Scholarship worth up to £2,000 to alumni of University of Cumbria. Find out more on our Scholarships and Bursaries webpages.

For more information click here.

The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs.

Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

International Finance

At the University of Cumbria, we offer affordable tuition fees for international and EU students looking to study at one of our main four campuses. No matter your choice of course or career path, our International Team is here to support you.

Funding

We have a wide range of scholarships, bursaries, grants and funds available to support you throughout your studies with us.

As when you study for an undergraduate degree, on a PGCE programme most applicants are eligible for student finance support provided by the UK government. This support includes a loan which covers all of your tuition fee, as well as a maintenance loan, which takes into account your personal situation to provide the support you need to live comfortably whilst on your course.

If you train to teach in a shortage subject - Chemistry, Computing, Maths or Physics - you could be eligible for up to £28,000 over the course of your training period. Specialising in Languages, Geography, or Biology could entitle you to £25,000, and English, Music, and Art and Design provides around £10, 000 in tax-free bursary.

In Languages and Physics, trainees starting courses in the academic year 2024/25 will not need to be eligible for student finance to be eligible for a bursary or scholarship. In all other subjects, trainees are only eligible for a bursary or scholarship if they are entitled to support under the student finance criteria.

Scholarships also come with a range of additional benefits, including membership to a relevant professional body, subject specialist events and webinars, subject specialist mentors and coaching, access to classroom resources and subject specialist networks, and continuing professional development (CPD) and networking events during your ITT year.

For more information click here.

Additional Costs

There will be some additional costs. For example all students will need to purchase stationery and may wish to purchase some text books. Extra costs may also be applicable to cover field trips, membership fees etc. although such features are usually options within the course.

Books are reviewed annually and are therefore subject to change, course welcome information will provide you with an indicative list for the year.

Books and Journals

Most core text books are available via the University's library, however students may wish to buy copies of any texts used to support your learning on your course. This could cost between £50 - £100 per year.

Stationery

Students should budget for stationery and consumables for your own personal use. This should include notebooks, pens and pencils for taking notes in class and/or in the field. Students should also budget for the purchase of USB pen drives, as well as occasional printing and photocopying costs incurred in the preparation or submission of coursework. Whilst you will choose how much you need, expect to pay around £30 - £40 per year for these items.

Clothing and Equipment

Students may wish to have their own computer or laptop for undertaking their assignments. This is not however a requirement for access to the programme as the University does make such facilities available across all of its main sites and learning gateway buildings. Should students wish to purchase a computer then an entry-level laptop would suffice, £300 - 400. Placement will require sensible, professional clothing and footwear as appropriate to the setting.

Field Trips

Students will need to fund their own transport to their placement. There is the possibility that a university arranged placement will require travelling time, and any expenses incurred are to be met by the student. Therefore, the student should budget for these travel costs.