Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) - Engineers Teach Physics

36 Weeks On Campus Masters Program

University of Birmingham

Program Overview

The Postgraduate Certificate Secondary Education (QTS) – Engineers Teach Physics at the University of Birmingham is designed for engineering graduates who want to use their technical background to inspire the next generation of Physics students. You’ll develop strong classroom confidence, learn how to teach Physics effectively at secondary level, and build the skills needed to thrive as a qualified teacher.

Curriculum Structure

Professional Studies

You’ll explore how pupils learn, how to design engaging lessons, and how to manage behaviour and assessment with confidence. These sessions help you understand the wider responsibilities of teaching and how to create a positive learning environment.

Physics Subject Training

Your engineering knowledge is developed into classroom-ready Physics teaching through dedicated subject sessions. You’ll learn how to teach key curriculum areas like energy, electricity and forces, plan practical demonstrations, and support pupils’ mathematical understanding.

School Placements

Across two placements, you’ll gradually take on real teaching responsibilities in secondary schools. With mentors guiding you, you’ll plan lessons, teach classes, assess progress, and grow steadily into the role of a Physics specialist.

Focus areas

Physics pedagogy, secondary science curriculum, practical demonstrations, behaviour management, assessment for learning, inclusive practice, safeguarding.

Learning outcomes

Teach Physics confidently, plan effective lessons, manage classrooms professionally, assess learning accurately, and meet the Teachers’ Standards required for QTS.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

This programme awards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the essential professional credential for teaching in UK secondary schools.

Reputation (employability rankings)

Birmingham is highly regarded for its teacher training, with strong school partnerships and consistently high employability for its PGCE graduates. Employers value the subject expertise and practical readiness of teachers trained through this route.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

This programme is built around real classroom experience, giving you the chance to develop your teaching skills in authentic school settings while being supported by experienced mentors and university tutors. From day one, you’ll learn how to translate your engineering strengths into practical, engaging Physics teaching — blending hands-on workshops, subject training and school-based practice. You’ll also have access to specialist teaching rooms, digital resources and Birmingham’s well-equipped library to support your lesson planning and professional growth.

Here’s how that experience takes shape:

Two extended school placements: You’ll spend substantial time in secondary schools, gradually taking on more teaching responsibility and gaining confidence with real pupils and real classrooms.
Mentor-supported teaching practice: Each placement pairs you with trained school mentors who guide your lesson planning, classroom delivery and reflective practice.
Subject-specific workshops: On campus, you’ll take part in Physics teaching workshops where you develop practical demonstrations, experiment handling, and curriculum-based teaching strategies.
Digital and professional tools: You’ll learn to use assessment tools, teaching platforms and digital resources commonly used in UK schools to support learning and track pupil progress.
Access to specialist facilities: The School of Education provides dedicated teaching spaces, seminar rooms, and the university library’s education and science resources to support your development.

These experiences ensure that by the time you complete the programme, you’ll feel confident, capable and classroom-ready — equipped with both the theory and the practical skills that make a great Physics teacher.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme move into the profession with strong subject expertise and the confidence that comes from real classroom experience. Most step straight into roles such as Physics Teacher, Science Teacher, STEM Coordinator, or future Head of Physics, supported by the national demand for skilled Physics specialists. Because the programme leads to QTS, you’ll be fully qualified to teach in state-maintained schools across England.

Your pathway into employment is strengthened by Birmingham’s well-established partnerships with schools and the extensive support you receive throughout your training. Here’s how the university helps shape your future success:

Dedicated careers and employability support: The School of Education offers tailored advice, interview preparation, and guidance on securing your first teaching role.
Strong employment outcomes: Birmingham PGCE graduates are highly sought after, with many securing teaching posts during or shortly after their placements.
National demand for Physics teachers: Physics remains a priority subject in UK schools, giving you strong job prospects and competitive starting salaries as a newly qualified teacher.
Long-term value of QTS: Qualified Teacher Status is a recognised professional credential that supports your teaching career not only in the UK but also in many international contexts.
Professional school partnerships: Your placements take place in schools that actively collaborate with the university, giving you meaningful experience and professional connections before graduation.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing your PGCE, you can advance your expertise through postgraduate study such as an MA in Education, Educational Leadership, or specialist pathways in areas like assessment, learning sciences, or curriculum design. Many graduates also move toward roles in teacher training, senior leadership, or educational consultancy as they gain experience.