PGCE Chemistry

University College London

The Chemistry PGCE prepares chemistry student teachers to teach the 11-16 age range. We are committed to creative and interactive approaches to teaching science to promote engagement and learning. Students will acquire a critical understanding of current debates and issues relating to science education, and will be guided and supported in developing their subject knowledge. We expect students to engage with reading and research into science education and to regularly reflect upon their own progress, towards meeting the teaching standards across the 11–16 age range.

Graduates of this programme are currently working across a broad range of areas. Some are working as lecturers in science education, while others have posts as school leaders, heads of year and advanced skills teachers. They can also be found working as chemistry teachers, science teachers and heads of department.

Graduates of the Secondary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme. Graduates of the programme also have great career prospects, with many becoming Head of Department or a Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers. Many of our graduates become senior teachers (such as Assistant Headteachers or Head of a Faculty) in 5-8 years of graduating, and some are now Headteachers. Others have developed their careers as subject specialist teachers and educators, both becoming lead teachers in the classroom and researching, writing and advising other teachers themselves. The Secondary PGCE Programme is a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader.