Physics with Secondary Education (QTS), BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Secondary education covers a crucial period in pupils’ development. They learn about themselves and the world around them, gaining knowledge and skills that set them up for their adult lives. The role of a secondary teacher is to develop specialised subject knowledge, and to support the intellectual and personal development of their pupils. With a significant demand for new secondary teachers, you can be certain that you’ll make a positive impact on society. This three-year course will deepen your knowledge of physics and how to teach the subject, fast-tracking you to beginning your career as a secondary teacher. Studying at NTU, you’ll develop your own knowledge of physics and a holistic and inclusive approach to teaching. You’ll be taught by physicists and by former secondary teachers with an enthusiasm for their subject. Plus, you’ll spend plenty of time in the classroom, putting what you’ve learned into practice. Throughout the course, you’ll develop your passion for physics and for professional teaching practice.   You’ll graduate ready to start your career as a confident and effective teacher with the skills, knowledge and experience required in the modern classroom. You’ll be committed to shaping the lives of all our young people – sharing your passion for physics and inspiring theirs. Why study Physics with Secondary Education at NTU?

• Our three-year degree programme fast-tracks you to a career in teaching with recommendation to the Department for Education for Qualified Teacher Status.

• Placement opportunities are in a variety of educational settings through our extensive partnerships with local schools, colleges and organisations.

• You’ll be taught by former secondary teachers with a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching.

• You’ll develop your subject knowledge and understanding of physics.

Course accreditationWe are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then complete your induction period. 

Modules

In Year One, you will study the following Physics modules: Classical and Quantum Mechanics (20 credit points); Introduction to Programming for Physics (20 credit points); Concepts of Astronomy (20 credit points); Properties of Matter (20 credit points); Instrumentation & Physics Skills (20 credit points); and Mathematical Techniques (20 credit points). In Year Two, you will study a number of Physics modules, as well as a year long education module which includes a work-based placement. Core modules include: Fundamental Forces (20 credit points); Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (20 credit points); The Quantum World (20 credit points); Modern Optics and Image Processing (20 credit points); and Learning Physics: Pedagogy, Progression and Practice (20 credit points). Optional modules include: Stars and Galaxies (20 credit points); Anatomy and Diagnostic Imaging (20 credit points); and Nuclear Materials Science (20 credit points). In the final year of your study, you focus on you developing an in-depth knowledge of the pedagogical skills, assessment requirements and self-reflection required to be a successful Early Career Teacher: Learning to be a teacher; Learning to teach; Learning to teach a subject 1; and Learning to teach a subject 2.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

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:

• Secondary

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In Year One, you will study the following Physics modules: Classical and Quantum Mechanics (20 credit points); Introduction to Programming for Physics (20 credit points); Concepts of Astronomy (20 credit points); Properties of Matter (20 credit points); Instrumentation & Physics Skills (20 credit points); and Mathematical Techniques (20 credit points). In Year Two, you will study a number of Physics modules, as well as a year long education module which includes a work-based placement. Core modules include: Fundamental Forces (20 credit points); Thermodynamics and Statistical Physics (20 credit points); The Quantum World (20 credit points); Modern Optics and Image Processing (20 credit points); and Learning Physics: Pedagogy, Progression and Practice (20 credit points). Optional modules include: Stars and Galaxies (20 credit points); Anatomy and Diagnostic Imaging (20 credit points); and Nuclear Materials Science (20 credit points). In the final year of your study, you focus on you developing an in-depth knowledge of the pedagogical skills, assessment requirements and self-reflection required to be a successful Early Career Teacher: Learning to be a teacher; Learning to teach; Learning to teach a subject 1; and Learning to teach a subject 2.