Birmingham City University
Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS BSc (Hons)
Birmingham City University

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 220 graduates of Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS BSc (Hons) and other courses in Teacher Training at Birmingham City University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Teacher Training.

Overall student satisfaction
75 /100
220 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Teacher Training

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Teacher Training at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25000 £25000 £30000
25-75 percentile range £22000 - £27000 £21500 - £26500 £21000 - £33000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Teacher Training

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26506 £24514 £28116
25-75 percentile range £24888 - £29177 £18792 - £27897 £20130 - £32846

Course Description

If you have a passion for Biological Sciences, inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you.

The School of Education and Social Work has a strong partnership across a diverse range of secondary schools within the West Midlands. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, you will gain practical experience in a range of schools with a rich variety of cultural and linguistic influences, religious beliefs and social diversity. The Department of Life Sciences, part of the School of Health Sciences, is committed to delivering high-quality, research-informed teaching in a range of biology and life science fields alongside a developing Life Sciences research portfolio. Staff have expertise in a range of disciplines which will support your scientific development and prepare you for professional practice as a science educator.

The course offers you the chance to gain the professional qualification of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as a degree, helping you walk into your dream job as a secondary school teacher immediately after graduating from university.

You will also benefit from the unique and strong partnership between biology educators and subject specialists who are at the forefront of practice in their fields.

Accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) for the purpose of delivering initial teacher training programmes to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS).

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS BSc (Hons) at Birmingham City University

81% Elementary occupations
6% Skilled trades occupations
3% Business and public service associate professionals
3% Teaching Professionals
1% Elementary occupations

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Teacher Training

Qualification requirements

31-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects.

See level 3 entry under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details

Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve 112 - 128 tariff points.

Including a relevant subject/science @ C or above (80 UCAS tariff points)

Level 4 qualification in a related discipline (usually HNC in an engineering pathway).

ALL applicants must possess a Level 5 qualification, such as an HND or FdA in a relevant area in order to be considered for this course. A copy of your HND/FdA module transcripts will be requested, and the original required to be seen at enrolment.

Scottish Higher qualifications are considered on an individual basis

D*D in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus grade A in A-level mathematics. or DD in the BTEC Level 3 Diploma plus grade A* in A-level mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level maths. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.

Access to HE Diploma

Including one in a relevant subject/science (80 UCAS tariff points)

A minimum of DDM with the main subjects being Science or Maths. Also required: GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry, or Physics or Dual Award Science.

With this BTEC you must also achieve grades BB in two A Level subjects.

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades A*A in two A-levels including mathematics (minimum grade A) or D* in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus grades AA in A-levels including mathematics. We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme. We do not accept the BTEC Extended Diploma without A-level Maths. Applicants with a BTEC Extended Diploma should apply for the Engineering/Physics/Mathematics/Geophysics Foundation Year.

BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: DD plus A Level English at grade B. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

Where an applicant is taking the EPQ in a relevant subject this might be considered alongside other Level 3 qualifications and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A Levels, this would be BBB-ABB at A Level (preferably including a foreign language) and grade A in the EPQ.

Grade combinations between 112 - 128 points considered when combined with other Level 3 qualifications including AS and Extended Project to achieve 112 - 128 points. (Subject grades achieved at AS level and then taken at A2 do not count).

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)

Including one in a relevant subject/science (90 UCAS tariff points)

We consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with a Distinction grade, PLUS one A-level at Grade A in an essay-based arts, humanities or social science subject, PLUS an EPQ or AS at Grade B.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate: D plus AB in two A Levels to include English. Preferred:- Performing Arts, Art & Design, Digital Film and Video Production,Business IT, Applied Science,Sport, Sport and Exercise Science

The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A Level at the A Level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

with no sub-test below 5.5

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Secondary Science (Biology) with QTS BSc (Hons)

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
EU £16085 year 1
International £16085 year 1

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University Rankings

Positions of Birmingham City University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Birmingham City University in related subject specific rankings.

Education

    • #32 
    • #39 
    Education
    The Guardian University League Tables by Subject
    [Published 09 September, 2023]
    • #32 
    • #44 
    Education
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #48 
    • #501 
    Education
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

See all 17 university rankings of Birmingham City University

About Birmingham City University

Founded in 1853, Birmingham City University (BCU) is located in the city of Birmingham, England. The student population of this institution is made up of students from over 80 nationalities, which allows newly arrived foreign students to quickly feel welcome and at home. State-of-the-art facilities and resources await students on all courses, including the latest Engineering technology, 3D Printing studios, and Horology Workshops, just to name a few. BCU maintains a reputation for having a selective admissions process, so all applicants are recommended to prepare for their interview thoroughly.

List of 265 Bachelor and Master Courses from Birmingham City University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Birmingham City University

undergraduates:
20675
postgraduates:
5010
Total:
25685
  • BCU Student Stories: Student Accommodation
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  • University Q&A | Accommodation, facilities + social life
  • Why choose Birmingham City University (BCU)?
  • Being an international student at Birmingham City University
  • Why we love Birmingham City University!

Where is this programme taught

City South Campus, Edgbaston
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