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Science: Physics with Mathematics PGCE

London, Bloomsbury

The Physics with Mathematics PGCE prepares you to develop the professional knowledge and skills you need to teach all aspects of the science curriculum and the mathematics curriculum to pupils in the 11-16 range. You are also supported to develop your knowledge and understanding of teaching Physics at A Level. We are committed to creative and interactive approaches to teaching science to promote engagement and learning.

UK students International students

Study mode

Full-time

UK tuition fees (2026/27)

£9,790

Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)

£29,500

Duration

1 academic year

Programme starts

September 2026

Applications accepted

Applicants who require a visa: 07 Oct 2025 – 01 Mar 2026

Applications closed

Applicants who do not require a visa: 07 Oct 2025 – 13 Apr 2026

Applications closed

Have you considered teaching Science: Physics with Mathematics in the further education and skills sector? Please see our Further Education PGCE course.

Skills

This course will give you everything you need to face the classroom, both the pedagogical theory and the practical skills to be an inspiring teacher.

Support

Our gradual immersion approach will introduce you to the classroom progressively, from one pupil to the whole class.

A unique gradual approach to teaching

Experience

Placement in very diverse, carefully chosen schools will allow you to learn from different contexts and be prepared to teach in any school.

Read our placement guide

Start teaching

With a PGCE you can start teaching as soon as you complete the course and are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject since 2014.

Entry requirements

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor’s degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard in Physics or a Physics-related subject.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) tests

A Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course in Physics may be recommended as a condition of being offered a place on the course. This happens if we think you would benefit from a formal course to support you in developing your subject-specialist knowledge further before joining the PGCE. Students undertaking SKEs may be eligible for a DfE bursary to help complete the course.

A levels

Mathematics at grade D or above, or equivalent, required where there is insufficient Mathematics within the first degree.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4. 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.

School experience

We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.

Skills tests

Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.

Relevant experience and background

Applicants whose degree qualifications are below a lower second-class standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background at Master's level and above and/or significant postgraduate experience in the relevant field.

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This course is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.

DBS and occupational health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The Occupational Health Check is £100 and, depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee between £12.75 to £25.50, depending on the number of documents checked, if you submit your DBS Enhanced Disclosure check via a UK Post Office. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.

If you have lived, worked, studied or travelled in any single country outside of the UK for six continuous months or more, in the last five years, you will be required to obtain a Certificate of Good Conduct from the relevant country/countries. The cost of this check varies by country and is payable by the student. More information on how to obtain these can be found on gov.uk.

For more information about the DBS application process, please contact the UCL ITE Admissions team.

About this course

You will acquire a critical understanding of current debates and issues relating to science, physics and mathematics education, and will be guided and supported in developing your subject knowledge. We expect you to engage with reading and research into science and mathematics education and to regularly reflect upon your own progress teaching across the 11–16 age range.

The Physics with Mathematics PGCE will feature four Intensive Teaching and Practice (ITAP) sequences designed to establish and develop your Physics teaching through the year. Closely linking theory and practice, and enabling you to observe, deconstruct, plan, practise and progress in specific areas of teaching, these focus on:

Establishing positive learning environments.
How to use models and analogies in Science education to develop and evaluate conceptual understanding in Science.
Teaching Science skills and ideas through practical work.
Fieldwork in Science learning.

The course will also explore teaching for social justice, facilitating small group discussions, meeting pupils' special educational needs, and assessment. Our facilities include a suite of laboratories.

Who this course is for

The course is suited to those wishing to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for teaching in a UK maintained (state-funded) school and who have fulfilled the appropriate entry requirements.

Read more about the requirements for teacher training

What this course will give you

Students on the Physics with Mathematics PGCE work with a team of expert subject tutors who have all previously been classroom teachers and are actively involved with science education research, curriculum development and consultancy. We are committed to creative and interactive approaches to teaching science to promote student engagement and learning.

During teaching practice, student teachers benefit from the support of subject specialist mentors within our network of over 300 partner schools across Greater London. This support gives every student the opportunity to become a skilled and confident teacher.

Our approach to ITAP is proudly subject-specific. Our ITAP sequences are embedded through the Physics with Mathematics PGCE and will give you the opportunity to build your practice and confidence in pivotal areas of Physics-specific pedagogy.

The Physics with Mathematics PGCE offers unique opportunities to plan and teach outside the classroom (e.g. at museums and Kew Gardens). This develops students' understanding of how learning happens beyond the classroom environment.

Read more about teacher training at the IOE

The teacher you want to be

Graduates of the Physics with Mathematics PGCE 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 course. Our graduates also have great career prospects in the long term. Many become Head of Department or Head of Year within 2-5 years, often acting, in their schools, as mentors to new PGCE student teachers and later becoming senior leaders and indeed 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.

The Physics with Mathematics PGCE aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader. The course is designed to help our graduates lead meaningful professional lives grounded in the contribution they make to young people's understanding of the world and their place in it.

The tools of a great educator

Understanding of theory and subject or phase pedagogy
Creating a successful climate for learning, including behaviour management
Planning and teaching classes that engage pupils
Using assessment to inform planning
Working with the wider school community, including parents

Employability

Graduates of this course are currently working across schools in London and around the UK as teachers, heads of departments and heads of year. Some graduates decide to pursue an academic science education route by pursuing Master’s or doctoral level study.

Accreditation

When you successfully complete this course, UCL will recommend you for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). QTS is awarded by the Teaching Regulation Agency in England.

Structure

The course is taught through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, (including keynote lectures and debates, presentations, discussions, and classroom group tasks), and a practical teaching element based in two schools. You are required to read widely and to carry out written assignments in your own time.

You will also take part in activities that provide the opportunity to focus on developing specific, pivotal areas of teaching through our ITAP sequences. These opportunities (totalling 20 days, 4 of which are school-based) will strengthen the link between theory and practice and provide you with specific feedback to support your progress in these pivotal areas.

Assessment is by practical teaching, assignments and portfolio tasks.

The PGCE is a full-time course, designed so you learn to teach in schools for approximately two-thirds of the course (124 days) and through IOE-based learning in the other third.

When you are not undertaking teaching and learning activities at IOE or in other forms outside of schools, they will spend at least 124 days of study and practice in a range of school settings – including two longer placements in IOE partnership schools. Because actual placement dates are determined by partner school term dates, the exact number of days spent in school for any given student may vary slightly.

Contact hours vary throughout the year depending on whether you are on placement or attending IOE.

University sessions typically run from 9.00am (earliest) to 5.30pm (latest). During school placements, you will be expected to attend according to the school’s policy. This will typically involve attending at least 30 minutes before the start of the school day and leaving at least 30 minutes after the school day ends (with additional time expected if there are particular departmental or other meetings you need to attend). You will have readings and additional self-directed study to complete in addition to these contact hours.

Modules

You will undertake two modules at level 7 (Master’s level) of 30 credits each and one Professional Practice module at level 6. The level 7 credits can be carried forward onto some full Master’s courses at UCL Institute of Education (check individual course requirements). You will be awarded a PGCE when you successfully complete all three modules.

Throughout the year, you will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. Our ITAP sequences (totalling 20 days with at least 4 of these days in school) will help you to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that your progress is supported in these pivotal areas.

Compulsory modules

Secondary - Professional Practice

Subject Studies - Science

Wider Educational Studies - Science

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 are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Physics with Mathematics.

School placements

You will undertake at least two placements at a school or college, during which time your teaching practice will be supported by a school mentor. During school placements, you may teach:

Key Stage 3: science (including elements of physics, chemistry, biology) and mathematics
Key Stage 4: science (all areas) or physics (depending on school placement)
Key Stage 5: A Level physics (if available at placement school)

The Professional Practice module is assessed through these placements, associated tasks and a portfolio built up throughout the year.

During placement periods, you will need to travel to and from each school placement. Please be aware that not all schools have parking and that there is variation in how accessible schools are. However, if you let us know of any particular accessibility needs you have, we will endeavour to accommodate them.

We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:

A dedicated team who will identify the best schools for your placements
Support and guidance from your university tutor and your school-based mentor
School experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
Reasonable travel times from your home to your school

Making the most of your placement

Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about school placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and school-based mentor will help you navigate your school experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Secondary PGCE Overview and Subject Talks

The Secondary PGCE Overview session helps you to discover UCL’s world-leading Teacher Training courses in Secondary and explore the various routes into teaching.

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Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Teacher Training Student Funding Overview

Watch the recording to hear about funding information for our teacher training courses at UCL.

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Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students

Fee description	Full-time
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£9,790
Tuition fees (2026/27)	£29,500

UK Teacher Training fees for 2026/27 entry are to be confirmed and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases.

International Teacher Training students benefit from a cohort guarantee, meaning that their tuition fees will not increase during the course of the programme, but UCL reserves the right to increase tuition fees to reflect any sums (including levies, taxes, or similar financial charges) that UCL is required to pay any governmental authority in connection with tuition fees.

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For some IOE sessions you will need to bring your own lab coat (£15-30). If purchasing a lab coat presents difficulties, please consult your tutor or subject lead.

You are responsible for covering the costs of travel to and from placements (these are typically located within the M25) and travel costs for visits organised by the course.

The cost per day, as of July 2025, if you are using Oyster pay as you go varies between £8.90 (zones 1 and 2 only) and £23.30 (zones 1 to 9) based on current prices. Costs can be reduced by purchasing a weekly or monthly travelcard as well as applying for an Oyster Student photocard which allows up to 30% off travel when purchasing a travelcard.

The trips for the fieldwork are within the London area so, other than expenses for travel and refreshments, there are no additional costs.

You also require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check plus an Occupational Health check prior to beginning the course. Information about costs is available on our entry requirements page for teacher training courses.

The Financial Assistance Funds provide support to UCL students who are in unexpected financial need.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible to receive a training bursary for living costs. For Secondary, this depends on your PGCE subject (not all attract a bursary) and your degree classification or highest relevant academic qualification. Scholarships are available in some subjects.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

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