PGCE Biology (PGCE)
University of SouthamptonHighfield and in school, Southampton
Course overview
Our PGCE Biology initial teacher education programme covers all the best elements of practical experience in school. You’ll also gain a deep understanding of the school science curriculum and of how young people learn science. The PGCE Biology programme is led by our dedicated and knowledgeable tutors, who have extensive experience teaching science in schools.
Some of the best science teachers and senior leaders contribute to the high-quality training we provide. You’ll specialise in secondary biology but you’ll graduate with the knowledge, skills and experience to teach all 3 sciences at Key Stage 3 and GCSE. You’ll also be able to teach biology to post-16 students in schools or colleges.
Training as a science teacher with a biology specialism, on a subject-specific programme will maximise your employability. You’ll receive a PGCE and QTS and be qualified to work in the full range of schools and colleges in the UK. The programme covers all elements of the Initial Teacher Training and
Key highlights
- Leads to both PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
- Extensive practical teaching experience in schools
- Graduate able to teach all three sciences at Key Stage 3 and GCSE
- Qualified to teach post-16 biology in schools or colleges
- Tutors with extensive experience teaching science in schools
- Training contributions from experienced science teachers and senior leaders
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — to include appropriate science subject
- GCSE: 4/C — to include English Language, Mathematics, Science
Scholarships
Biological Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in biological sciences.
Chevening Scholarships
Environmental and Life Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
£5000 is available to international students studying for a MSc in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing.
Up to £5,000Geography and Environmental Science Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in geography and environmental science.
Global Excellence Scholarship
The £3,000 is available as a tuition fee reduction on the first year of study.?
Up to £3,000Health Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in health sciences. The scholarship will apply to the first year of study.
Medical Technology, Innovation and Design Master’s Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying MSc Medical Technology, Innovation and Design.
Up to £3,000Nursing Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in nursing. The scholarship will apply to the first year of study.
Ocean and Earth Science Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students.
Presidential Bursaries
The scholarship funds the difference between UK and international level tuition fees.
Southampton Ageing and Gerontology Talent Scholarship
Two scholarships of £5,000 are available to UK and international students applying to study an eligible postgraduate Ageing and Gerontology programme in 2026.
Up to £5,000Southampton Business School (MBA) Excellence International Scholarship
Scholarships are available for 3 different amounts: £13,000, £10,000, £7,000.
Southampton Business School (MBA) Future Leader Scholarship
Five scholarships of £15,000 are available to UK and international students studying Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Up to £15,000Southampton Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (International)
If you have a 1st or an equivalent qualification in your undergraduate studies you will get £9,000.
Southampton Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in chemistry.
Up to £3,000Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in economic, social and political sciences.
Up to £3,000Southampton Education Civic Scholarship
Southampton Education Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in education.
Up to £3,000Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship
£5000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in engineering.
Up to £5,000Southampton Faculty of Medicine PGT Talent Scholarship
Three scholarships of £6,000 off tuition fees are available to UK and international students studying an eligible postgraduate masters’ within the Faculty of Medicine in 2026.
Up to £6,000Southampton Law Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3,000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in law.
Up to £3,000Southampton MA Holocaust Scholarships
2 Sayers Family scholarships of £2,000 are available to students applying for the MA Holocaust: History, Experience, Heritage in 2026.
Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in mathematics.
Up to £3,000Southampton Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3,000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in medicine.
Up to £3,000Southampton Photonics Impact Scholarship
There are up to 3 scholarships available to international students applying to study MSc Optical Engineering. If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get up to £15,000 off your tuition fees.
Up to £15,000Southampton Psychology Postgraduate International Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in psychology.
Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship
Two scholarships of £5,000 are available to international students studying for an eligible master’s degree in social statistics and demography.
Up to £5,000Southampton Sociology and Criminology Postgraduate International Scholarship
2 scholarships of £5,000 off tuition fees are available to international students.
Up to £5,000Southampton Teachers' Postgraduate Scholarship
We'll issue the 10% discount as a tuition fee reduction on both years of part-time study. For 2025 entry, the 10% discount for year 1 will be £462.50.
Up to 10% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Secondary school biology teacher
- Secondary school science teacher
- Post-16 biology teacher
- Further education college biology lecturer
- Head of science
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,535 per year | International: £26,200 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to your place.