Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Chemistry) PGCE

Key Information

Study mode: Full time

Duration: 37 weeks full-time, September to end of June

Credit value (UK/ECTS equivalent): UK 120 / ECTS 60 credits

Application status: Open

Start date: September 2025

Course Description

The PGCE Chemistry at King’s prepares trainees to become thoughtful, creative, and engaging teachers, through understanding both the research which underpins and advances science teaching, and a wide range of practical approaches. The course is taught by an internationally-recognised science education group with over three decades of acclaimed research.

Key Benefits

• PGCE courses at King’s are rated Outstanding by Ofsted. One reason is the strong research base which informs the course. In the last research assessment exercise, the department was rated as the leading education institution for research in London (REF, 2021).
• A working partnership with a broad range of schools in London and beyond, providing unique opportunities to learn how to teach a diverse mix of students.
• Preparing students to teach outside the classroom: there is a residential field-trip and several other opportunities to make best use of what London has to offer the science teacher, from the South Bank to the Natural History Museum.
• Across all PGCE subjects, 92% of our PGCE trainees who applied for teaching posts after graduation were employed as Early Career Teachers (ECTs) at schools in the UK and abroad (JISC Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
• Two assessed pieces of coursework give you 60 Master’s-level credits – a third of an MA – which puts you well on the way to a Master’s degree in your chosen profession.

Course Essentials

The PGCE Chemistry is a full-time course that consists of four required modules and two blocks of teaching experience based in secondary schools within London and Greater London. You will complete the course within ten months, studying September to June. You must take modules totalling 120 credits to meet the requirements of the qualification. You’ll engage in education, pedagogy and professional studies sessions and curriculum workshops. These will take place in both university and school settings and will develop your expertise in general educational and professional issues, as well as subject pedagogy. You’ll gain the skills and understanding to take up positions in schools as a teacher of your subject with the potential to contribute fully to the life of the school. The course carries the Accreditation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Base Campus

Waterloo Campus is home of the Florence Nightingale Faculty of Nursing & Midwifery and facilities for other faculties. Please note that locations are determined by where each module is taught and may vary depending on the modules you study.

Regulating Bodies

King's is regulated by the Office for Students.

Entry Requirements

UK Applicants

• Standard requirements: A minimum 2:2 undergraduate Bachelor’s (honours) degree.
• If you have a lower degree classification, or a degree in an unrelated subject, your application may be considered if you can demonstrate significant relevant work experience, or offer a related graduate qualification (such as a Masters or PGDip).
• Programme-Specific Requirements:
  • Bachelor's degree with at least 2:2 honours usually in the subject you wish to teach.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the subject you intend to teach.
  • GCSE grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification) in English language and mathematics. Applicants without these English or mathematics qualifications at the time they apply may be considered, but they must obtain them, or pass an equivalent test approved by King's, before the course starts.

International Applicants

• Equivalent International qualifications: Select a country to view the equivalent qualifications.
• English language requirements: English language band B. To study at King's, it is essential that you can communicate in English effectively in an academic environment. You are usually required to provide certification of your competence in English before starting your studies.

Teaching and Structure

• Teaching methods: Seminars, Self-Study, Teaching placement, Academic sessions, One-to-one tutorials.
• You can typically expect:
  • The equivalent of over 50 days of academic sessions at King’s (typically three hours in the morning and/or afternoon spread throughout the academic year).
  • Approximately 120 days of teaching placement. This includes a short period of placement in primary schools (typically four days).
  • Four Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks placed at strategic points across the year.
  • A number of one-to-one tutorials totalling five to seven sessions across the year.
  • Two visits from a tutor whilst on placement to observe lessons and monitor progress.
  • Regular meetings with a mentor, who will be a member of staff at your placement school, whilst on placement.
  • Written feedback on all credit-bearing assignments within four weeks of the deadline.

Assessment

• The 45-credit honours-level module will be assessed by a combination of a written (online) portfolio documents and continuous assessment of your teaching practice benchmarked to the DfE's Core Content Framework. Your progress will be tracked through three progress reports that will be completed by staff at the placement school. Successful completion of this module will indicate that you have met the DfE's Teachers’ Standards.
• The 30-credit master’s-level modules will each be assessed by a written assignment heavily based on in-school research that trainees undertakes.
• The 15-credit honours-level module will be assessed by an assignment focusing on data collection methods in the school environment.

Structure

Courses are divided into modules. You will normally take modules totalling 120 credits.

Required Modules

You are required to take the:

• Professional Practice in Education (45 credits)
• School Data (15 credits)
• Studying Policy & Professional Practice (30 credits)
• Focused Pedagogical Studies (30 credits)

Employability

The majority of trainees go into teaching or other areas of education; many become heads of departments or members of senior management teams; some take up careers in educational administration in the advisory or inspection services.

Tuition Fees

UK

Full time: £9,535 per year (2025/26)

International

Full time: £25,500 per year (2025/26)

These tuition fees may be subject to additional increases in subsequent years of study, in line with King’s terms and conditions.

Deposit

If you receive an offer with us at King’s, you must accept your offer within your DfE Apply account and within their prescribed timescales. You will not be required to pay a deposit to secure your place on the PGCE programme.

Bursaries and Scholarships

The Department for Education provides tax-free bursaries for teacher training courses. You may be eligible for a bursary or scholarship when training to teach. For information on rates and eligibility, please visit Get Into Teaching or contact the King’s Admissions Office by message on King’s Apply. King’s will automatically assess your eligibility for a bursary when a place on a PGCE course is offered. King’s will apply for the funding on your behalf once the terms of your offer have been met and you have enrolled on the course.

Additional Costs

In addition to your tuition costs, you can also expect to pay for:

• Books if you choose to buy your own copies.
• Clothing for optional course-related events and competitions.
• Course packs, which are a vital part of your learning at King's and normally contain extracts from books and other useful documents that will inform your study.
• Library fees and fines.
• Personal photocopies.
• Printing course handouts.
• Society membership fees.
• Stationery.
• Travel costs for travel around London and between campuses.
• Travel expenses in getting to and from placement schools.
• Three-day residential field trip to Juniper Hall.
• Graduation costs.

Funding

To find out more about bursaries, scholarships, grants, tuition fees, living expenses, student loans, and other financial help available at King's, please visit the Fees and Funding section.

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Degree Overview:

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PGCE Chemistry at King's College London

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Overview:

The PGCE Chemistry program at King's College London prepares graduates to become confident and engaging teachers, equipped with the research knowledge and practical skills to effectively teach Chemistry in diverse settings. The program draws upon the expertise of an internationally recognized science education group with decades of research experience and a strong network of up to 150 schools in London and beyond.

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Objectives:

• To equip graduates with the knowledge, skills, and understanding necessary to become effective and inspiring teachers of Chemistry.
• To cultivate a deep understanding of the research underpinning science education and a diverse range of practical approaches to teaching.
• To contribute to the development of students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.

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Program Description:

The PGCE Chemistry is a full-time, 37-week program commencing in September and concluding at the end of June. It is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter, pedagogical approaches, and professional skills required for successful teaching. The program consists of four required modules, two blocks of teaching experience in secondary schools, and individual and group work. Upon completion, graduates earn 120 credits, fulfilling the requirements for the PGCE qualification and accreditation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

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Outline:

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Program Content:

• Education, pedagogy, and professional studies
• Curriculum development and assessment
• Subject-specific pedagogy for Chemistry
• Classroom management and behavior
• Inclusive education and special educational needs
• Professional development and lifelong learning

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Program Structure:

• The program is divided into four modules, each with specific learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
• Modules are delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, individual study, and school placements.
• School placements provide students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge and skills in real-world classroom settings.
• Students are supported by experienced tutors and mentors throughout the program.

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Course Schedule:

• The program typically runs from September to June, with a combination of university-based sessions and school placements.
• The exact schedule may vary depending on the modules selected and the specific school placements.

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Individual Modules:

• Professional Practice in Education (45 credits): This module focuses on the practical aspects of teaching, including lesson planning, delivery, assessment, and classroom management.
• School Data (15 credits): This module explores the use of data in education, including data analysis, interpretation, and application to improve teaching and learning.
• Studying Policy & Professional Practice (30 credits): This module examines the policy landscape of education, professional standards for teachers, and the ethical and legal considerations involved in teaching.
• Focused Pedagogical Studies (30 credits): This module delves into the specific pedagogical approaches and strategies for teaching Chemistry effectively.

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Assessment:

• The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including written assignments, presentations, portfolios, and practical teaching observations.
• The 45-credit Professional Practice module is assessed through a combination of written portfolio documents and continuous assessment of teaching practice.
• The 30-credit master's-level modules are each assessed by a 6,000-word written assignment based on in-school research.
• The 15-credit School Data module is assessed through an assignment focusing on data collection methods in the school environment.

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Teaching:

• The program is delivered by a team of experienced and qualified educators, including academics, researchers, and practitioners.
• A variety of teaching methods are employed, including lectures, seminars, workshops, individual and group work, and school placements.
• The program utilizes innovative technology to enhance the learning experience, including online resources, digital learning platforms, and virtual reality simulations.

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Careers:

• Graduates of the PGCE Chemistry program are well-equipped to pursue careers as teachers in secondary schools, both in the UK and internationally.
• The program also prepares graduates for other educational roles, such as curriculum developers, educational researchers, and educational consultants.
• Many graduates go on to become heads of departments, members of senior management teams, or pursue careers in educational administration.

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Other:

• The program offers a residential field trip to Juniper Hall, providing students with the opportunity to experience outdoor learning and team-building activities.
• The program is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to students from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

The program combines a strong academic foundation with practical experience, preparing graduates to be confident, effective, and inspiring educators.

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UK:Full time: £9,250 per year (2024/25) International:Full time: £23,820 per year (2024/25)