Intro

Maths is the language of physics. You will show students how to apply maths to understand and predict how the world works, covering topics like forces, energy and motion. By exploring the relationship between the two subjects, they can develop confidence in their ability to tackle complex problems and see how these concepts apply to real-life situations. 

Our Secondary Physics with Mathematics PGCE leads to QTS – the professional teaching qualification.

Brighton has earned an ‘outstanding’ rating from Ofsted, and you will benefit from learning with a team of experts within facilities that replicate those used in schools.

You’ll also develop your subject and pedagogical knowledge to teach biology and chemistry.

UK and international students starting this course in 2025 could be eligible for a .  

Find out about postgraduate events

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer

Course code F3GX

Full-time 1 year

Qualified Teacher Status is awarded by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)

This course is closed to all applicants. Find out about our other postgraduate routes into teaching including the (Secondary) Physics PGCE.

Entry criteria

Entry requirements

Degree
Normally an honours degree or equivalent qualification in physics or a subject that is closely related. 

If your degree was awarded more than five years ago, isn’t in the subject area you wish to teach or you have relevant professional experience but need to learn how to apply that to teaching, you may be suitable for a . If you pass the SKE it qualifies you to start a PGCE.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
At least English language and maths. Equivalence tests are available for suitable candidates.

English language requirements
IELTS 7.0 overall with a minimum of 6.5 in each element. Find out more about the other English qualifications that we accept.

International student application deadline
The deadline for international applicants is late May. This deadline is in place to ensure sufficient time for the visa process to be completed before the course starts in early September. 

Training to teach in England as an international student
If you’re not a UK citizen, with the exception of those training to teach physics or modern languages, you are unlikely to get help funding your training unless you have permission to live permanently in the UK. You can find information about your options on the UK government’s .

Interviews
Interviews for this course can be in-person at the university or online. If we invite you to an interview, you’ll be able to choose a date and which option suits you best.

Experience
While experience in a school is not a condition of entry for initial teacher education courses, we recommend that you take up opportunities to gain a realistic understanding of whether teaching is right for you. The Get Into Teaching offers opportunities across the country to book a day’s worth of experience.

Read the .

Other

  • Applicants from minority ethnic and other groups under-represented in the profession are particularly welcome.
  • All offers of places are subject to a satisfactory health check and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check.

  • We are committed to . As part of our selection and interview process, we will undertake additional checks to confirm the suitability of candidates.

Course content

Top reasons to choose this course

  • You will train to teach with an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ provider.
  • 2nd in the UK for education courses – Guardian University Guide 2025.
  • Placement opportunities with schools in large, small, urban and rural settings.
  • Enrichment opportunities to teach ages 16–18.
  • Learn in our specialist classrooms that replicate those used in schools and our curriculum centre with its 30,000 resources for student teachers.
  • Brighton has an expert team who have their own successful experience as education practitioners.
  • Our teaching graduates benefit from excellent employment rates that are consistently above the sector average.
  • We have a dedicated team to help you after you qualify, through our Early Teacher Career support programme.

Plus, our student physics with mathematics teachers benefit from:

  • developing the knowledge and skills to also teach biology and chemistry
  • field trips to science-related organisations
  • workshops delivered by visiting lecturers from organisations including the Institute of Physics
  • hands-on experience in our science labs.

Course structure

Two-thirds of your year will be spent teaching under supervision in schools. Our tutors and mentors will advise and support you throughout each placement. You will receive comprehensive feedback during this time, enabling you to see what you are doing well and where you might need to improve.

The university works in partnership with schools and colleges to provide a high-quality programme of support, ensuring a sound relationship between theory and practice. You will benefit from undertaking two placements in two schools or colleges, with the opportunity to visit additional schools or colleges as part of the peer observation programme.

You will be able to develop your confidence and competence in the use of information and comm