Mathematics and Secondary Mathematics Education Teacher Degree Apprenticeship BSc (QTS)
Our undergraduate Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) programme prepares apprentices to teach mathematics up to and including A-level in secondary schools and colleges.
Key information
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 years
Programme starts
September 2025
Entry requirements
This apprenticeship is ideal for individuals with a passion for mathematics and a desire to pursue a career in teaching mathematics. We welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds, including:
- sixth-form/college leavers aspiring to enter the teaching profession
- current school staff looking to advance their careers, and
- career changers seeking to transition into teaching mathematics.
You do not need to have a degree to do a teacher degree apprenticeship.
You need the following or equivalents:
GCSEs – Grade 4 (C) or above in English Language and Mathematics. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Mathematics may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency and achieving at least a grade 4. For Mathematics, equivalency tests in Mathematics Foundation or Mathematics Higher with grade 4 are accepted. BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications are not accepted in place of GCSEs.
Note: Apprentices without GCSE Grade C/4 or higher in Mathematics and English or an accepted equivalent qualification who meet the entry requirement by taking a GCSE equivalency test will also be required to achieve Functional Skills in English and Maths at Level 2 or GCSE grade 4-9 as part of the apprenticeship exit requirement.
- For A-levels – BBB: grade B in A-level Mathematics and two other A-level subjects should be taken from UCL's list of preferred A-level subjects at grade B.
- For Scottish Highers – Advanced Highers at grades BB, including Mathematics at grade B; or Advanced Highers at grades BB, including Mathematics at grade B, plus Highers at grades BBB; or Advanced Highers and GCE A-Levels at grades BBB, with Mathematics at grade B.
- For Welsh Baccalaureate – WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A-Levels, at grades BBB.
- For IB – International Baccalaureate 32 points overall, and a combined score of 15 achieved in three higher level subjects, including a 6 in HL Mathematics.
- Candidates offering equivalent qualifications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
To be eligible for the TDA applicants:
- need to be a resident of England for the last three years or more
- must not have an existing mathematics-related degree
- need to be aged 16 years or over.
Student visas are not accepted.
Course overview
This Teacher Degree Apprenticeship (TDA) prepares apprentices with the knowledge, behaviours and skills needed to teach mathematics up to and including A-level in secondary schools and colleges. It combines paid work with study at UCL. Modules are led by expert tutors from UCL’s internationally renowned Department of Mathematics and Department of Statistical Science, and the UCL Institute of Education (IOE). IOE has been ranked number one in the world for Education since 2014 (QS World Rankings by Subject) and has a long and proud history of educating teachers. It has also recently been rated Outstanding across all phases of teacher education by Ofsted (2024).
The apprenticeship is for aspiring teachers who may not yet have a degree qualification. In addition to receiving their undergraduate degree, graduates will gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon successful completion of the course’s End-Point Assessment.
Through this programme, you will:
- gain a deep understanding of mathematics, enabling you to confidently teach the subject up to and including A-level
- explore how students learn mathematics and how you, as a teacher, can best support their learning
- engage in practitioner enquiry as a form of ongoing teacher learning and development
- learn how to adapt your teaching to meet the needs of all students, including those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Because this is an apprenticeship programme, you will be employed in a secondary school for the duration of the programme. You will:
- be employed as an unqualified teacher and gradually take on teaching responsibilities as your skills and knowledge grow
- spend some days each week at work and some days at UCL or completing independent study.
What this TDA will give you
The apprenticeship model of integrated work and learning has several benefits for aspiring teachers:
- You will learn both off-the-job (at UCL and in directed, independent studies) and on-the-job (at work, in your employing school).
- You will learn from expert academics and practitioners at UCL and in your employing school and be supported by an expert mentor who will be a mathematics specialist.
- You will be making an impact on pupils in your employing school as soon as you start the programme.
Because you are working as well as learning throughout this programme, you will be exceptionally well-prepared to move smoothly into your first job as a qualified teacher on graduation.
In this apprenticeship, you will be an active member of multiple UCL departments, with access to seminars and talks within each one. The UCL Institute of Education (IOE) is one of the UK's largest and most respected education providers. It has a rich programme that can connect you to top education experts from around the world. IOE also offers excellent networking with fellow student teachers and future educators.
In the third year of the programme, you will join postgraduate PGCE students for some shared lectures and seminars. Working together in this way will help you to build connections with future teachers across and beyond London.
Tutors on this programme are experts in their fields. Their specialist knowledge and passion will support your growth as a future mathematics teacher.
Teaching and learning
Over the four years, apprentices will spend 40% of their time studying for their degree at UCL, and 60% of their time gaining practical, on-the-job experience at an employing school. The programme is primarily taught face-to-face during Years 1 to 4.
This apprenticeship combines teaching of undergraduate modules from UCL’s internationally renowned Department of Mathematics and Department of Statistical Science with modules on Mathematics Education and Professional Practice at the UCL Institute of Education.
Off-the-job learning will consist of campus-based study days and additional directed learning. You will attend lectures, seminars, and tutorials at UCL. You will also complete independent study, including some online learning, to deepen your understanding of key concepts. You will sometimes undertake off-the-job learning at your employing school during UCL-directed time.
You will also learn on-the-job at your employing school. Here, you will apply your academic knowledge in real-world settings, undertaking work as directed by your employing school. In turn, these work-based experiences will inform your learning at UCL.
Programme structure
Our four-year, full-time TDA leads to a fulfilling career as a secondary school or college mathematics teacher. You will earn a salary, gain experience, and get a degree and teaching qualification. It is not possible to complete this programme as a part-time or flexible student.
As an apprentice on this programme, you will be both a UCL student and an employee at a London secondary school. The course includes 40% university-based off-the-job learning and 60% practical, on-the-job experience.
Learning at UCL
The taught part of the apprenticeship has three key strands:
- Undergraduate mathematics.
- Mathematics education.
- Professional practice.
These strands draw on IOE’s expertise in Mathematics Education and Initial Teacher Education. They also draw on the strengths of your employing school and the UCL Departments of Mathematics and Statistical Science.
This course has been carefully designed so that your learning in mathematics is directly connected to what you learn about mathematics education and your work in school. In this way, you are supported to connect what you learn, thereby bridging university learning with classroom experience. Year 4 of the TDA includes a specific focus on working with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
School-based learning
You will be employed as an unqualified teacher during the programme. You will gain valuable classroom experience. Each year, you will spend time in your employing school, where experienced maths teachers will mentor and guide you. UCL, together with your employing school, will tailor your on-the-job learning. This will support your professional growth and benefit the school.
In your employing school, you will start by teaching small groups and individuals. This will build your confidence and expertise. Over time, you will take on greater responsibility, progressing to teaching full classes. You will also undertake other roles such as supporting pupils with SEND, or mentoring pupils as part of whole-school initiatives around attendance, behaviour or attainment. These roles will vary according to the school you work in.
You will be assigned a university tutor who will visit regularly to support you, monitor your progress, and work closely with the mathematics mentor at your school.
All modules across the four years are compulsory.
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. For further information, see Module descriptions.
Year 1
- Differential and Integral Calculus
- Linear Algebra for Data Science
- Introduction to Learning and Teaching Mathematics
- Professional Practice 1
Year 2
- Calculus and Linear Algebra
- Mathematical Analysis
- Introductory Statistical Methods and Computing
- From Learning Mathematics to Teaching Mathematics
- Professional Practice 2
Year 3
- History of Mathematics
- Critical Perspectives on Mathematics Learning
- Professional Enquiry Project
- Professional Practice 3
Year 4
Types of assessment
You will complete a series of compulsory modules (worth 15, 30, or 45 credits) in each year of your study. You will be assessed in a variety of ways. These include portfolios, assignments, exams, presentations, projects, and both individual and group work.
Your progress through the course will depend on the successful completion of assessments in each year.
To be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), an End Point Assessment will test your readiness. UCL, in partnership with your school, will conduct this. The assessment will evaluate your knowledge, skills, and behaviours in relation to the Teachers’ Standards.
Contact hours
This is a full-time programme which mirrors teachers’ working lives. This means that during term-time, you should expect to work at least 40 hours a week. This combines work at your employing school, taught hours and directed self-study. During school holidays you will not be expected to complete directed work.
Your working days in school increase each year. In Year 1 of the programme you will be in school for two days a week (40%). In Year 4 you will spend 90% of your time in school.
It is not possible to complete this programme as a part-time or flexible student.
Employability
Graduates will be ready to begin a career as a mathematics teacher in a secondary school or college. They will have the necessary knowledge and classroom expertise to inspire the pupils they teach, being able to teach mathematics across the full secondary age range, including to A-level.
Graduates can progress in different ways across their teaching career, including:
- school teaching and senior leadership
- curriculum materials designer
- education consultant
- teacher educator
- university lecturer.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
There are no tuition fees to pay for this programme.
Apprentice salary
The salary you will earn as an apprentice will depend on the type of school you work in and where the school is. Apprentices in maintained schools will be paid at least at point 1 of the Unqualified Teachers scale (UQT1).
Funding your studies
As an employment-based initial teacher training route, apprentices are not eligible for either student finance or an ITT training bursary.
Additional costs
Entry to this programme is subject to Occupational Health and enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. The cost of these checks will be covered by your employing school when you have signed your contract of employment.
You will need to travel to your place of work (employing school) throughout the four years of this programme. This is in addition to travelling to UCL’s Bloomsbury campus for learning as part of your degree. You will be responsible for the costs of this travel.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
How to apply
Applications for this programme must be submitted via DfE Apply. Applications open on 7 October 2025. The application deadline is 22 July 2026. When applying, you will need to choose a school from the list of UCL employing schools. Please note that this list will change as apprenticeship posts are advertised (schools added to list) and filled (schools removed from list).
Alternatively, if you have a school which has agreed to sponsor your apprenticeship with them, do not apply through DfE Apply yet. Instead let us know the name of the school, a contact person there and your name and we will take it from there. Email us this information to mathstda@ucl.ac.uk. The school will then inform you when they are added to the list of UCL employing schools. Once this is confirmed, you can submit your application via DfE Apply.
For further information, please read the information for applicants interested in becoming an apprentice below.
Further information
Information for potential applicants: UCL Secondary Mathematics Teacher Degree Apprenticeship
This guidance is designed to be read after attending a webinar for potential applicants to the UCL Secondary Mathematics Teacher Degree Apprenticeship.
Information for schools interested in employing an apprentice
Are you a secondary school in or near London which offers mathematics from KS3–KS5? Then you can become an employing school and partner with UCL.
