In the modern world, science is essential for everyone. Physics is key to our understanding of the structure and dynamics of the universe.
At UWTSD you will be based in the IQ building where you will learn alongside your fellow students in the field of Science and Technology. This course will prepare you to teach science to Y7 and Y8 pupils and to specialise in teaching Physics up to A-Level.
Delivered in the Environmental Lab in the IQ Building, our secondary physics programme supports you in using your passion and expertise for physics to inspire young people and complement their natural curiosity.
If you are trained as an engineer (for example mechanical, electrical and others) you can use your knowledge and practical experiences to inspire the next generation of engineers and help address the UK’s growing need for engineering talent. A child’s first insight into engineering could well be in the physics classroom and that is where talented teachers such as YOU can make a difference! If you prefer more practical opportunities, you could look at our course, PGCE Secondary Design and Technology with QTS.
For Maths graduates who want an alternative to teaching Maths why not consider teaching Physics? If you like being hands-on, we promise you’ll have so much fun teaching a practical subject. You will also be working alongside computer scientists in the Science and Technology area of learning.
Physics teaching is diverse and uses every skill you have to give. Schools need more specialist physics teachers than ever before therefore employability in your chosen location and promotional prospects are excellent.
The programme highlights the importance of science education in an increasingly technological world. Financial support is available through bursaries and scholarships. This course has been identified by the Welsh Government as a high-priority subject area, and £20,000 bursaries are available. Further information is available here: https://www.gov.wales/initial-teacher-education-ite-priority-subject-incentive-guidance-students-2026-2027
The PGCE is a comprehensive, full-time academic and professional programme designed to prepare you for a successful teaching career. The programme spans 36 weeks, with approximately 12 weeks of university-based provision and at least 24 weeks based in schools.
Core Curriculum
Our newly accredited and innovative core curriculum forms the backbone of our Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme, it includes:
Compulsory Modules: These essential modules cover fundamental aspects of teaching and education.
Research Skill Development: You will develop critical research skills that are vital for reflective practice and continuous professional development.
Professional Pathway for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS): This pathway ensures you meet the professional standards required for QTS.
Welsh Language Development Pathway: Enhance your ability to teach and communicate in Welsh, a valuable skill in our bilingual education system.
Bridging: Activities that seamlessly integrate theory with practical application, reinforcing your learning experience.
Electives: Choose a school-based experience in an area of interest to deepen your expertise and practical skills.
Alternative Setting: Gain insights by experiencing educational settings outside traditional schools, such as special education environments.
Modules:
The Learner: who am I teaching? (20 credits)
Leading the Learning (with QTS): what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits)
Welsh in Professional Practice (10 credits)
Learners, Schools and Communities: where am I teaching? (30 credits)
Researching the Learning: what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits)
The programme offers 60 credits at Masters level and 60 credits at Graduate Level. These are awarded on successful completion of module assessments which include:
Case studies
Portfolios
Video presentation
Research Project
All assessments are closely linked to practice and are designed to offer you the opportunity to develop teaching and learning that has a positive impact on children and young people.
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:
The following entry points are available for this course:
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship. For full information read our visa application and guides. Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study.
Undergraduate Degree
Applicants are required to hold a good honours degree (2:2 minimum) in an area related to chosen secondary subject.
GCSE qualifications
Grade C (grade 4 in England) or above in GCSE English Language or Welsh Language or a standard equivalent.
Grade C (grade 4 in England) or above in GCSE Mathematics or GCSE Numeracy or a standard equivalent.
Student teachers studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE grade C or above in Welsh (First Language).
A-Levels/Level 3 Vocational Qualifications
If applicants do not hold an undergraduate degree in a curriculum subject, successful study at appropriate higher levels must be evidenced.
Work Experience
You should be aware of the realities of being a teacher and life in a classroom and so we ask for recent and relevant experience in a secondary educational setting. This may be through employment or volunteering in a school and should be for a minimum period of two weeks.
Gaining experience in a school classroom will help to strengthen your application and better critically inform your personal statement. It will also prepare you for our selection process and give you some experience from which you can draw in your interview.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
If accepted into our programme, you will be required as soon as possible to obtain a clearance check via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS, formerly known as CRB, Criminal Records Bureau). Please note there is a fee associated with the service and you should ensure also that you opt for the ‘update’ service to maintain the validity of your clearance check.
For further information please contact PGCE secondary admin: 01792 482111 at TeacherEd@uwtsd.ac.uk
What we are looking for?
A positive view of education as a means to transform lives
Motivation towards becoming an excellent teacher
An empathetic desire to make a difference to young people’s lives
Positive attitudes to social justice, inclusion and equity
Ability to work individually and as part of a team
Energy, enthusiasm and flexibility
Resilience and reliability
Professional attitudes and behaviour
Willingness to be a life-long learner
How we select our student teachers?
Quality of personal statement
Evidence of subject expertise
Recent and relevant experience in an educational setting
Quality of individual interview
Performance in selection tests – e.g. literacy, numeracy and dispositions
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
Acceptable Evidence of Englishhttps://www.uwtsd.ac.uk/apply/international-applications/english-language-requirements
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
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Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Email:admissions@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone:0300 500 5054
Email:admissions@uwtsd.ac.uk
Phone:0300 500 5054
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP
At University of Wales Trinity Saint David
