PGCE iQTS Secondary Physics (11-16)
This course is open for applications.
Both UK citizens living outside of England and non-UK citizens are eligible to apply for this course. Applicants will not be eligible for loans, bursaries or any other type of financial support from Student Finance England to help cover the costs of studying the iQTS.
If you would like to study this course from January 2026 please see the 2025/26 course page.
About
Study our PGCE Secondary Physics with International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) to develop your skills in teaching physics to eleven- to sixteen-year-olds in international schools.
UWE Bristol's iQTS develops committed, collaborative, adaptable and solution-focused teachers, through high-quality training in international spaces. We put learners at the heart of teaching, celebrating difference to help transform the lives of children and young people in our global society.
Study our iQTS (PGCE) Secondary Physics (11-16) and you'll benefit from high-quality, evidence-based training, where you'll study online and put your learning into practice in the classroom. As part of this year-long course, you'll study for a master's level Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), while achieving International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS).
The iQTS is a new online, internationally focused teaching qualification launched by the UK Government in 2022, which is highly valued in international education. This award enables you to engage in English teacher training online, based in international schools. On successful completion, the Department for Education (DfE) in England, will automatically award you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach in schools in England too.
Why study PGCE Secondary Physics (with iQTS) at UWE Bristol?
UWE Bristol are highly experienced in teacher training and education, both campus-based and online, and we're one of a small number of institutions offering the iQTS.
We're committed to training reflective and creative teachers for the future, able to provide first-class educational experiences and make a significant difference to children's lives. We'll train you to do so in partnership with the school where you're currently working, or where you've secured a role.
Teaching secondary physics is a challenging and rewarding career, with a high level of job satisfaction. It's a great privilege, as well as a great responsibility, to be able to influence and shape the progress of children and young people. All children deserve to learn well, with enthusiastic, knowledgeable teachers.
Our iQTS secondary award is suitable for candidates seeking to improve their fundamental teaching skills and employability overseas and in England. The award will offer you an opportunity to start teacher training or develop your existing teaching career.
Further information on the difference between the iQTS and the iPGCE requirements for the schools and mentors, and technical guidance is available on the UWE Bristol iQTS information page.
Find out more about the iQTS qualification by downloading the DfE's iQTS Trainee leaflet.
For schools looking to develop their own teachers with iQTS, download the DfE's iQTS Schools leaflet.
Entry
Typical offers
Entry requirements
You'll have:
- GCSE grade C/4 or above in Mathematics, or equivalent.
- An undergraduate honours degree 2:2, or a recognised equivalent qualification in any subject. If you have studied other qualifications at a higher level, such as a Master's Degree, we would also consider your application. Please contact UWE Admissions if you have any questions.
Subject requirements
You need to have robust prior knowledge, skills and understanding of Physics appropriate to teaching ages 11-16. This may have been as part of your undergraduate degree studies, but we may also consider other qualifications and experience as evidence of subject knowledge. Your subject knowledge will be assessed at interview.
Personal statement
Your personal statement will explain why you want to do this course and what you hope this course will allow you to achieve once completed (min 250 words).
English Language Requirements
International and EU applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component (or approved equivalent). You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language requirements.
Selection process
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a 30 minute online interview on Microsoft Teams. The interview will have some tasks to prepare. These include a short presentation and a subject or phase related task. These are sent to you in advance of the interview in addition to a welcome talk that will aid in your understanding of the course structure and school requirements.
Additional criteria
- You'll need a UK DBS, local/overseas criminal record/police checks, or an International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC). The requirement will depend on where you currently reside. These checks must be dated within 5 months of the course start date. Further details will be provided during your application process.
- You'll need two satisfactory references received directly from the referees, relating to working with children. You'll include details of suitable referees in the application form. Guidance on who could provide a suitable reference can be found here: Teacher training references | Get Into Teaching GOV.UK.
- All schools will be required to provide information about the safeguarding clearance required in that education system/context, and evidence that you've achieved this in the appropriate timeframe for the course. This must include a check to ensure you've not been disqualified from a childcare role. This will be included in the Partnership Agreement.
- You'll be asked to compete a Suitability Declaration with an embedded Health Check for Fitness to Teach.
- All schools will be required to provide information about the safeguarding clearance required in that education system/context, and evidence that you've achieved this in the appropriate timeframe for the course. This must include a check to ensure you've not been disqualified from a childcare role.
Read more about professional checks.
Deferrals
We accept deferrals for this course.
How to apply
Applicants apply directly to the University.
Read more about postgraduate applications.
Read more about international applications and key international deadline dates.
For further information
- Email: Admissions@uwe.ac.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)117 32 83333
Structure
Content
Our PGCE Secondary Physics (with iQTS) involves completing at least 120 days in teaching practice during your course. You also need to gain some experience of an alternative school. The majority of trainees will spend some time in a second school, but we will support you to gain experience and a secure understanding of different school settings if this is not possible.
The modules you'll study are:
- Professional Studies
- Curriculum Inquiry
- International Practice.
The University continually enhances our offer by responding to government policy changes and feedback from our students and other stakeholders, ensuring the curriculum is kept up-to-date and our graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers. This may result in changes to the course. If changes to your course are approved, we'll inform you.
Learning and Teaching
You'll study our PGCE Secondary Physics (with iQTS) delivered online in English, through a series of live webinars and tutorials, recorded videos and readings. There will be regular study tasks and group input tasks. Live teaching will be scheduled at different points in the day, depending on the time-zone you're in. For some students these may be very early or late in the day.
You'll try out and evaluate different pedagogical approaches, adapting them to your own practice and environment, as you develop into an informed, highly reflective teacher. Through the course, you'll focus on meeting the English iQTS Teachers' Standards.
As you engage with the course online, you'll connect and share with your tutors and fellow students. Students are organised into groups, supported by a UWE Bristol study tutor to share good practice and ideas. You'll also receive support and feedback on your teaching from a UWE Bristol study tutor and trained in-school mentor.
See our glossary of teaching and learning terms.
Study time
This iQTS (PGCE) Secondary Physics (11-16) is a 36-week course, delivered online in English. The course is structured to help keep you on track, so you'll have the chance to plan when you study.
You'll work with your school to create opportunities to try out different strategies with the learners you work with, evaluating their impact and planning next steps. You'll also need time to reflect on your journey and evaluate your own practice through the course, and as a teacher.
Assessment
Assessment is based on a small number of professionally based portfolio assignments and a Viva Voce at the end of the final block school experience. All modules are compulsory, and you must pass all modules to gain the award of iQTS (PGCE).
Modules are assessed through academic assignments and on classroom practice evaluated against the International Qualified Teacher Status (iQTS) Teachers' Standards. We will give plenty of support in preparing for assignments.
Learn more about assessments at UWE Bristol.
Fees
PGCE iQTS Secondary Physics (11-16)
Supplementary fee information
Council of British International Schools (COBIS) will receive a 5% discount (full-time fees only).
Additional costs
Extra costs may be incurred in addition to the tuition fee for study items such as set texts, computer devices and internet services/access.
As per our entry requirements and selection process information any safeguarding checks, ID and qualification checks or verification/ translations, in addition to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or local regulatory checks, will be at your own cost.
An International Child Protection Certificate (ICPC) may also be required if you have ever lived or worked in the UK, again, this will be at your own cost.
Find out about ways to pay.
Features
Placements
We require iQTS candidates to work in a school with young people aged 11-16 or secure a role in a school abroad that's willing to support their iQTS. The course will include a significant amount of teaching practice, where you'll benefit from at least 120 days of practical teaching experience over 36 weeks.
We'll talk to you and your school to ensure you'll be able to meet the requirements of the qualification in your placements, including undertaking relevant safeguarding checks. This will include appropriate in-school mentor support, which is essential to your study and must be agreed by UWE Bristol before starting the course.
Study facilities
Your course materials and reading will be available to you online. You'll log onto our virtual learning environment to take part in live webinars, watch videos, take part in discussion activities, and access your study tasks. Throughout the course, technical and academic support will be on offer.
You'll need easy access to a computing device with a browser and broadband internet access. The University provides central guidance on the recommended specification for any device you use to undertake your academic work.
Careers
Careers / Further study
Our iQTS (PGCE) Secondary Physics (11-16) will enhance your career teaching physics in international secondary schools. On successful completion, the Department for Education (DfE) in England will automatically award you Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach in schools in England.
Please note: iQTS and QTS are awarded by the Teaching Regulation Agency on behalf of the UK Government. It doesn't lead to the equivalent in any other country.
The course includes 60 academic credits assessed at master's level, which you can use to contribute towards a master's degree.
Life
Postgraduate support
Our support includes access to fantastic facilities, study tools and career consultants, plus practical help to access everything from funding to childcare.
Bristol
A stunning city for student living with all the qualities to make you want to stay.
Sports, societies and activities
There is more to your experience here than study. Choose to make the most of it and try new things.
Health and Wellbeing
We provide support in the way you need it.
Campus and facilities
Discover our campuses and the wealth of facilities provided for our students.
