Secondary Teaching Studies

Secondary teaching studies in biology is designed to equip you with the subject knowledge and pedagogical skills to teach biology effectively in secondary schools, on an accelerated timeline suited to those who are passionate about the subject and eager to contribute to the education of young people. Biology teaching at secondary level encompasses GCSE and A-level content across cell biology, genetics, ecology, evolution, physiology and microbiology, and effective biology teachers need both deep subject knowledge and the ability to make complex scientific ideas accessible and engaging for students at different stages of learning.

The University of Hull's innovative two-year full-time programme offers a fast-track route towards teaching, designed both for those changing careers and for those taking a first step towards a PGCE route into qualified teacher status. The shorter duration makes it efficient for candidates who are confident in their subject knowledge and wish to build the pedagogical and professional skills that teaching requires. The typical entry tariff for this programme is around 120 UCAS points.

You will study the subject knowledge dimensions of biology teaching alongside pedagogy, curriculum design, assessment and inclusion, developing your understanding of how students learn science and how to plan, deliver and evaluate lessons effectively. School placement experience is likely to be integrated into the programme, giving you direct experience of secondary classrooms under professional supervision. The programme is designed to sit naturally before or alongside a PGCE, providing a pathway into qualified teacher status.

Graduates of secondary teaching studies in biology are equipped to progress into PGCE or School Direct programmes, which lead to Qualified Teacher Status and careers in secondary education. Biology teachers are among the most consistently sought-after specialists in secondary schools, and graduates with a focused biology teaching qualification are well placed in the teacher supply market. Hull's programme is particularly suited to career changers with existing biological science knowledge or experience.

Teaching careers can develop into head of science, head of faculty and leadership roles with experience.