Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) in Chemistry or Physics, Short Course Programme

This course is designed for those wishing to enhance their current subject knowledge before transferring to a PGCE or Graduate Teacher Programme.

Key Information

Entry requirements

A good UK honours degree or equivalent, preferably at a minimum 2.2 in a related subject
GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C or equivalent
Evidence of acceptance onto a PGCE or GTP course
School observation experience is essential, as a guideline NTU request that you have at least two weeks experience
Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) check
Applicants will need to undertake an interview as part of the selection process
English language requirements for International and EU students

Course length

Nine months full-time

Study location

Clifton campus

Fees and funding

Home UK / EU full-time students have no fees. This is a Teaching Agency funded course.

Start date

September

Schools

Visit the School of Education site

Overview

We offer Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses in both Chemistry and Physics. If you would like to become a Chemistry or Physics teacher, are a graduate but do not have the relevant degree requirements, completion of a SKE in your chosen subject will permit you entry onto a PGCE or GTP course.

Your experience could have been gained through holding an A-level in the subject, having an element of it in your degree course and/or occupational experience. The objective of the course is to ensure you have sufficient knowledge to begin initial teacher-training.

Any questions?

Email
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 4200
Visit the School of Education website

Course

Whether you opt for a Chemistry or Physics Subject Knowledge Enhancement course, you will experience a mix of theoretical and practical sessions on the subject. A variety of teaching strategies will be used with the emphasis on the development of practical investigative and group work, all with a problem-solving approach. Progress on each module will mostly be assessed through formal assignments. You will also spend a short time in school. For either subject you will also participate in sessions on the mathematical and ICT skills needed to become a teacher. These topics will be revisited and developed throughout the course.

Chemistry

Includes a mix of theoretical and practical sessions in Physical Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry and Organic Chemistry. This also includes a student-led small scale research project that is based on a chemical theme.

Physics

Includes a mix of theoretical and practical sessions on Mechanics, Electricity, Waves, Astrophysics, Materials, Further Mechanics, Particle Physics, Fields, Nuclear Physics and Further Radio astronomy. This also includes a student-led small scale research project that is based on a Physics theme.

For both subjects, extra sessions on the mathematical and ICT skills needed to become a teacher are also taught. The subject knowledge, ICT and mathematical skills will be taught as a spiraling curriculum, where topics will be revisited and developed throughout the course.

Funding

SKE trainees may be entitled to a tax free bursary from the TDA. For further information please visit the Teaching Agency (formerly TDA) website.

Careers

This course is designed for graduates with a degree in a subject other than Chemistry or Physics who wish to train as secondary Science teachers. Trainees that continue and successfully complete either a PGCE or GTP course which leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) are ideally placed to pursue a career as a teacher in a secondary school or college.

Placements

School or college experience is central to the course and short time will be spent in schools during the year. Students are formally observed by their subject mentor.

How to apply

Applications should be made directly to the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). As soon as the completed forms are sent to us from the GTTR, we invite selected candidates to attend for interview.

For a hard copy application form

Telephone: +44 (0)1242 544788
Or write to: GTTR, Rose Hill, New Barn Lane, Cheltenham, GL52 3LZ

English language entry requirements

Please see the English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Education and a full list of all English language qualification accepted by the University.