Undergraduate

Secondary Teaching Studies (Physics)

A schoolchild reads the title cover of a workbook to a teacher
A student in a lab coat uses physics equipment in the George Grey Centre
A student teacher talks to to school children in a classroom
A student uses brightly coloured physics equipment
Make a positive difference. Education is transformative: it changes people's lives, including your own.
This accelerated route towards a PGCE gives you the chance to gain a first degree while focusing on your future ambition of becoming a teacher with Physics as a subject specialism.
Gain invaluable experience and develop practical skills on a work placement thanks to our links with over 600 education-related organisations.
Explore Physics at degree level and study subject-specific knowledge relevant to the school curriculum.
A schoolchild reads the title cover of a workbook to a teacher
A student in a lab coat uses physics equipment in the George Grey Centre
A student teacher talks to to school children in a classroom
A student uses brightly coloured physics equipment

Code

Duration

Mode

  • Standard course
  • September 2024

Typical offer

What does this mean?

This is your chance to make a real difference to the next generation of thinkers, makers and dreamers.

Our innovative two-year degrees provide an opportunity to gain a first degree while focusing on your future ambition of becoming a teacher. This course is ideal if you're convinced you want to teach Physics to secondary school children, if you're thinking of changing your career, or if you're looking to gain a specialist first degree.

You’ll explore curriculum, learning, teaching and what inspires young people to grow and flourish, with a focus on Physics as a subject specialism.

  • Joint 2nd in the UK

    for Value Added 1

  • Kick-start your career

    with an accelerated two-year degree

  • Learn hands on

    with a work-based placement

  • Forest School

    certification opportunity

  • Physics at Hull

    is 1st in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction 2

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Course overview
Module options

About this course

Be part of the lasting impact that education has on people's lives on this accelerated route towards a PGCE or taking on a teaching role in schools.

You’ll learn about children’s and young people’s development and needs. And explore education theory, research, policy and practice.

Opportunities to reflect on professional practice include a work-based module at the end of your first year. As well as visits to diverse learning environments such as mainstream and special schools, alternative provision, galleries and museums. You can also study towards an accredited Forest School certification, so you can lead children’s learning outdoors.

Our extensive network of 600+ charities, education-related organisations and schools gives you invaluable learning experiences such as guest lectures and professional practice observations. As well as opportunities to take your placement in the UK or overseas.

Working with Physics specialists in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, you’ll explore a range of topics relevant to the school curriculum. This provides the chance to develop subject knowledge relevant to the secondary school classroom as well as exploring Physics concepts at degree level.

Scheduled study hours and how you’re assessed

Throughout your degree, you’re expected to study for 1,800 hours per year. It includes scheduled hours, time spent on placement and independent study. How this time’s divided among each of these varies each year and depends on the course and modules you study.

Choose your modules

The course consists of 180 credits per year. Most modules are 20 credits, meaning you'll study nine modules each year. Some longer modules, such as a dissertation, are worth more (e.g. 40 credits). In these cases, you’ll study fewer modules - but the number of credits will always add up to 180 credits.

Introduction to Education

This module sets the scene for the programme, starting with your own background and experience and exploring what education means, how it differs from schooling and key concepts and approaches. It will also help you to develop the academic skills necessary for your degree programme.

Core•20 credits

Education Theory

This module explores the “Big Questions” in Education, drawing on key thinkers and theorists from across many periods of history and diverse locations across the globe. It will prepare you for undertaking your own research later in the degree, and provide broad horizons to challenge some of your preconceptions and expectations about education.

Core•20 credits

Reflective Practice 1

This module provides opportunity to engage in an extended period of work experience (paid or voluntary) and reflect on the learning environment in which you are based. Whether in a location local to home, or visiting a more distant place, there is flexibility to explore your interests as well as deepening your understanding of learning and children’s development to prepare you for applying for a teacher-training course.

Core•40 credits

Education Specialism

Following focused input from your lecturers, this module provides the opportunity to explore a particular topic of interest to you, supported by a tutor. Whether you want to learn more about child development, pedagogy, approaches to behavior management or an aspect of the school curriculum, you will be supported to develop critical insights into real life practice.

Core•20 credits

Introduction to Experimental Skills and Mathematics for Physics

This module introduces the scientific instruments and experimental skills that you'll need to study physics. You'll develop your maths abilities so that you can solve physics problems.

Optional•20 credits

The Classical World

This module delivers essential physics covering two main themes: classical mechanics and optics. You'll study Newton's Laws and extend them to simple fluid dynamics.

Optional•20 credits

Experimental Physics and Mathematics 1

This module further develops your practical and maths skills. You'll explore aspects of practical physics through experiments in teams.

Optional•20 credits

From the Quantum World to the Macro World – an Introduction to Quantum Physics and the Properties of Matter

Explore how quantum physics can explain the behaviour of atoms – and how that behaviour can in turn explain the macroscopic properties of the matter around us.

Optional•20 credits

The first year of this accelerated degree has a strong focus on thinking critically about what education is, how it differs in different places at different times, the values that underpin and inform it, and developing the skills to reflect on it in thoughtful, insightful and well-informed ways.

It provides opportunity to gain practical experience as well as exploring Physics as your subject of interest, allowing you to develop your knowledge alongside your understanding of how to teach it.
8 Modules

Reflective Practice 2

In this module you will hone your skills in reflective practice, reflecting on contributions from a variety of speakers and experts in addition to visits to a range of learning settings for children of different ages. This will include both formal and informal learning settings.

Core•20 credits

Contemporary Issues in Education

Education systems and processes are continually changing: nothing ever seems to stand still! This module will support you to explore current issues and to develop your viewpoint and deepen your understanding drawing on the practical and theoretical learning you have gained in earlier modules.

Core•20 credits

Research Methods

Prepare and complete a small action research project to develop skills that will help you across your studies. It's hands-on learning about research methodology, ethical approval, data analysis and formulating research questions.

Core•40 credits

Extended Project/Dissertation (Education)

Project-based learning is a process in which you choose, plan, and complete a project independently, with expert support from your tutor. You will produce a unique piece of work that you can discuss with a degree of expertise. There will be opportunity to demonstrate and nurture skills such as creativity, independent thinking, resilience, and problem solving. An extended project is particularly good preparation for a course of Initial Teacher Training and the Early Career Teacher phase of being a teacher.

Core•60 credits

Experimental Physics and Mathematics 2

In lab classes, you'll develop your technique by creating experiments to solve specific problems. And in mathematics, you'll learn about differential equations and Fourier series. 

Core•20 credits

Thermodynamics, Statistical Physics and Special Relativity

This module analyses the equilibrium behaviour of many-body systems from a macroscopic point of view (thermodynamics) and from a microscopic point of view (statistical physics). 

Core•20 credits

The second year of the programme continue the focus on reflective practice, providing opportunity to visit a range of settings and to meet expert practitioners.

It focusses on key contemporary issues and provides opportunity to develop the skills necessary to research an aspect of education about which you care passionately.
6 Modules

Playlist

Michelle Wormald

Course Overview 2 mins

Isobel Judson

Student story 1 min

Life on campus

University Life 2 mins

Accommodation at Hull

University Life 2 mins

Entry requirements

What do I need?

When it comes to applying to university, you'll need a certain number of UCAS points. Different qualifications and grades are worth a different amount of points. For this course, you'll need…

Use UCAS's calculator to work out your estimated points

We consider experience and qualifications from the UK and worldwide which may not exactly match the combinations above.

But it's not just about the grades - we'll look at your whole application. We want to know what makes you tick, and about your previous experience, so make sure that you complete your personal statement.

Have questions? Our admissions team will be happy to help.

What do I need?

If you require a student visa to study or if your first language is not English you will be required to provide acceptable evidence of your English language proficiency level.

See other English language proficiency qualifications accepted by the University of Hull.

If your English currently does not reach the University’s required standard for this programme, you may be interested in one of our English language courses.

Visit your country page to find out more about our entry requirements.

Fees & funding

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Additional Information - Secondary Teaching Studies

The tuition fee charged by the University for an accelerated degree is £11,100 per year. As accelerated degree students study throughout the year, the maximum amount of Maintenance Loan you can apply for is higher than that available to students studying a standard three-year degree. You can find out more about the Long Courses Loan here.

The amount of Maintenance Loan you can take out will depend on your household income and where you’ll live while studying. The Maintenance Loan is paid directly into your bank account to help you with your living costs, like accommodation or rent, travel, and food. You can use the table below to give you an idea of how much you’ll receive:

Household income Living away from home Living at home (with parents)
<£25,000 £12,647 £10,216
£30,000 £11,917 £9,493
£35,000 £11,186 £8,769
£40,000 £10,432 £8,023
£45,000 £9,128 £6,726
£50,000 £7,788 £5,430
£55,000 £6,520 £4,269
£60,000 £5,217 £3,790
£62,347+ £4,767 £3,790


When your application for student finance has been assessed Student Finance England will tell you exactly how much you’ll receive. You can apply for your student finance now on the gov.uk site.

The deadline for applications is 17 May. If you apply late your first Maintenance Loan payment may be late too.

If you want to progress to a PGCE with another specialist teacher training provider after you have finished your University of Hull degree, there’s funding available for that too: currently there are Government ‘Train to Teach’ bursaries for individuals looking to have a career in secondary teaching; and you can take out another Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees, and a Maintenance Loan to help with your living costs.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few.

How do I pay for it?

How much is it?

Additional costs you may have to pay

Additional Information - Secondary Teaching Studies

The tuition fee charged by the University for an accelerated degree is £11,100 per year. As accelerated degree students study throughout the year, the maximum amount of Maintenance Loan you can apply for is higher than that available to students studying a standard three-year degree. You can find out more about the Long Courses Loan here.

The amount of Maintenance Loan you can take out will depend on your household income and where you’ll live while studying. The Maintenance Loan is paid directly into your bank account to help you with your living costs, like accommodation or rent, travel, and food. You can use the table below to give you an idea of how much you’ll receive:

Household income Living away from home Living at home (with parents)
<£25,000 £12,647 £10,216
£30,000 £11,917 £9,493
£35,000 £11,186 £8,769
£40,000 £10,432 £8,023
£45,000 £9,128 £6,726
£50,000 £7,788 £5,430
£55,000 £6,520 £4,269
£60,000 £5,217 £3,790
£62,347+ £4,767 £3,790


When your application for student finance has been assessed Student Finance England will tell you exactly how much you’ll receive. You can apply for your student finance now on the gov.uk site.

The deadline for applications is 17 May. If you apply late your first Maintenance Loan payment may be late too.

If you want to progress to a PGCE with another specialist teacher training provider after you have finished your University of Hull degree, there’s funding available for that too: currently there are Government ‘Train to Teach’ bursaries for individuals looking to have a career in secondary teaching; and you can take out another Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees, and a Maintenance Loan to help with your living costs.

Your tuition fees will cover most costs associated with your programme (including registration, tuition, supervision, assessment and examination).

There are some extra costs that you might have to pay, or choose to pay, depending on your programme of study and the decisions you make. The list below has some examples, and any extra costs will vary.

  • Books (you’ll have access to books from your module reading lists in the library, but you may want to buy your own copies)
  • Optional field trips
  • Study abroad (including travel costs, accommodation, visas, immunisation)
  • Placement costs (including travel costs and accommodation)
  • Student visas (international students)
  • Laptop (you’ll have access to laptops and PC’s on campus, but you may want to buy your own)
  • Printing and photocopying
  • Professional-body membership
  • Graduation (gown hire and photography)

Remember, you’ll still need to take into account your living costs. This could include accommodation, travel and food – to name just a few.

How do I pay for it?

Our academics

You'll benefit from the outstanding support of academic staff who are experienced education practitioners.

Our research is driven by the belief that education can challenge inequalities and injustices in society, and seeks social and educational change to enhance fairness, equity and social justice.

See more academics for this subject
Shelley Hindley
Featured academic

Shelley Hindley

Shelley has 10 years experience in secondary schools including as Head of French and Head of German. She was an assessor for the General Teaching Council’s Teaching and Learning Academy and co-led Teacher Effectiveness Enhancement Programme courses.
Holly Smith
Featured academic

Holly Smith

Holly has over 10 years’ experience teaching in secondary schools. Her research interests include reading for pleasure and drama as an engagement tool for learning.

Take a look at our facilities

Education Lecture Room

Study the theory in our lecture rooms – before you put your learning into practice in the classroom.

Forest School Training Centre

You could study for a Forest School certification within our outdoor classroom, gardens, wooded area and wildflower meadows.

Brynmor Jones Library

Our seven-storey library is a superb learning space. As well more than a million books, there’s a variety of study areas, over 400 open-access PCs and one amazing view.

Group Lecture Room

Collaborate in group lecture rooms working as part of our vibrant community of students and staff who all share an interest in developing excellent learning opportunities for others.

See more in our virtual tour

Look around

Forest School Training Centre

Look around

Look around

Education Lecture Room
Forest School Training Centre
Brynmor Jones Library Observation Deck
Small Lecture Room
student on placement as trainee teacher at tollbar academy

Future prospects

After you graduate, you can go on to work in schools as an unqualified teacher, or start initial teacher training leading to Qualified Teacher Status (e.g. PGCE).

Graduates also pursue other postgraduate studies, work as home education tutors or education consultants, teach abroad, or take up educational roles in the arts, heritage or local government sectors. 90.5% of our students are in work or further study 15 months after graduating.3

University of Hull Open Day

Your next steps

Like what you’ve seen? Then it’s time to apply.

The standard way to apply for this course is through UCAS. This will give you the chance to showcase your skill, qualities and passion for the subject, as well as providing your academic qualifications.

How to apply

Not ready to apply?

Visit our next Open Day, and see all that Hull has to offer for yourself. Talk to our lecturers about your subject, find out what university is really like from our current students, and take a tour of our beautiful campus and amazing facilities.

Book your place now

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  1. The Guardian University Rankings 2024.
  2. Physics at Hull is ranked 1st in the UK for Teaching Satisfaction in The Guardian University Rankings 2024.
  3. (Teacher Education) UK domicile full-time first degree leavers; Higher Education Graduate Outcomes statistics, for the academic year 2020/21, published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency June 2023.

 

All modules presented on this course page are subject to availability and this list may change at any time.

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