Physics with Secondary Education (QTS)

Secondary education covers a crucial period in pupils’ development. They learn about themselves and the world around them, gaining knowledge and skills that set them up for their adult lives. The role of a secondary teacher is to develop specialised subject knowledge, and to support the intellectual and personal development of their pupils. With a significant demand for new secondary teachers, you can be certain that you’ll make a positive impact on society.

This three-year course will deepen your knowledge of physics and how to teach the subject, fast-tracking you to beginning your career as a secondary teacher. Studying at NTU, you’ll develop your own knowledge of physics and a holistic and inclusive approach to teaching. You’ll be taught by physicists and by former secondary teachers with an enthusiasm for their subject. Plus, you’ll spend plenty of time in the classroom, putting what you’ve learned into practice. Throughout the course, you’ll develop your passion for physics and for professional teaching practice.

You’ll graduate ready to start your career as a confident and effective teacher with the skills, knowledge and experience required in the modern classroom. You’ll be committed to shaping the lives of all our young people – sharing your passion for physics and inspiring theirs.

Why study Physics with Secondary Education at NTU?

• Our three-year degree programme fast-tracks you to a career in teaching with recommendation to the Department for Education for Qualified Teacher Status.

• Placement opportunities are in a variety of educational settings through our extensive partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations.

• You’ll be taught by former secondary teachers with a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching.

• You’ll develop your subject knowledge and understanding of physics.

Course accreditation

We are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then complete your induction period.

This course is recognised by the Institute of Physics (IOP), ensuring it meets high standards of teaching and assessment. When you graduate, you'll be eligible for membership of the IOP.

Course Modules

During the first two years of the course, you will focus on the study of physics, developing your knowledge and skills as a physics specialist. During your third year you will develop the necessary pedagogical and professional skills required of a physics teacher.

Here’s a breakdown of the core and optional modules you’ll be studying across your course:

Year One modules include:

• Classical and Quantum Mechanics

• Introduction to Programming for Physics

• Concepts of Astronomy

• Properties of Matter

• Instrumentation and Physics Skills

• Mathematical Techniques

• Intensive Training and Practice 1

Year Two modules include:

• Fundamental Forces

• Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics

• The Quantum World

• Modern Optics and Image Processing

• Learning Physics: Pedagogy, Progression and Practice

• Intensive Training and Practice 2

• Optional modules include: Stars and Galaxies; Anatomy and Diagnostic Imaging; and Nuclear Materials Science.

Final Year modules include:

• Learning to teach

• Learning to teach a subject 1

• Learning to teach a subject 2

• Learning to be a teacher

• Professional Practice (QTS)

A range of different assessment tasks across the modules provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding and skills, qualities and attributes.

Assessment methods for physics modules includes coursework and formal examinations, while modules with an educational focus will be assessed through assignments, presentations and a portfolio.

Assessment of practical teaching is based on your performance while on placement. You will receive regular feedback from your school mentor and visiting university tutors, and are also encouraged to self-assess regularly in relation to the Teachers’ Standards.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Has qualified teacher status