Overview
Do you want to be a science teacher? The University of Stirling and Forth Valley College have teamed up to offer secondary education courses in chemistry or physics teaching.
You could become a science teacher and inspire the next generation of young scientists.
Our science education courses include:
- BA (Hons) Professional Education (Secondary, Chemistry) UCAS code CXF1
- BA (Hons) Professional Education (Secondary, Physics) UCAS code PXF1
These courses offer a unique opportunity to become a GTCS registered physics or chemistry teacher in Scotland using a 2+2 model. The 2+2 label refers to a structure which includes 2 years of study to HND level and a subsequent 2 years of study to degree level.
We’re accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), which means that you can apply for provisional registration as a secondary teacher as soon as you graduate.
Entry requirements
- Two Highers at grade C (including one science), plus 2 National 5s (Pass) in Science; or
- NC Applied science; or
- Foundation Apprenticeship in Scientific Technologies.
Higher English and National 5 Maths must be obtained in the first two years of the course if not passed prior to entry.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Year 2 entry
Year 2 entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis for HNC holders with sufficient chemistry or physics credits.
Year 3 entry
Year 3 entry will be considered on a case-by-case basis for HND holders with sufficient chemistry or physics credits, including 80 SCQF credit points relevant to the teaching
Other qualifications
Advanced entry may be possible depending on your qualifications. For more information, contact our Admissions Team at admissions@stir.ac.uk.
How to apply
To apply for a full-time undergraduate degree, you should apply through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). You can apply for up to five courses on your application.
Direct applications
If you would like to apply only for this integrated degree course, you can use our direct application form (instead of completing a UCAS application for multiple course choices).
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact Forth Valley College’s University Partnership Officer, Lisa Baxter at lisa.baxter@forthvalley.ac.uk.
We work mainly with Forth Valley College, but students who have earned their qualifications at other colleges are also welcome to apply.
You will need a sound rationale for wanting to teach the subject/specialism you have chosen.
If English is not your first language, you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 62 overall with 60 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 80 overall with 18 in reading, 23 in writing, 19 in listening and 21 in speaking.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
Our BA (Hons) Professional Education (Secondary) with Chemistry and BA (Hons) Professional Education (Secondary) Physics courses are taught in collaboration with Forth Valley College. You will spend two years at college studying modules from HND Applied Sciences or HND Applied Chemical Sciences before participating in two years of initial teacher education at the University of Stirling, alongside student teachers.
These courses are designed for students who want to teach chemistry or physics at secondary school level. They also include school placements, so you can develop your confidence and gain experience in a classroom environment.
The first two years of your course will be delivered at Forth Valley College, where you will earn an HND in Science (with sufficient credits in Physics or Chemistry).
From year three onward you will study the following modules at the University of Stirling:
Year 3, Semester 1
- Introduction to Education: Philosophy, Psychology and Sociology
- Teaching your STEM subject 1
- Literacies for the 21st Century 1
Year 3, Semester 2
- Introduction to Education: Politics, Policy and Practice
- Teaching your STEM subject 2
- Literacies for the 21st Century 2
Year 4, Semester 1
- Education studies
- Subject teaching in the 21st Century
- Professional enquiry
- Placement 1
Year 4, Semester 2
- Education studies (continued)
- Subject teaching in the 21st Century (continued)
- Professional enquiry (continued)
- Placement 2
Modules
The module information below provides an example of the types of course module you may study. The details listed are for the academic year that starts in September 2024. Modules and start dates are regularly reviewed and may be subject to change in future years.
Course details
Our science education courses follow a 2+2 model, where you study 2 years to HND level at college, then 2 years to degree level at university.
Our college partner is Forth Valley College, but you can also join year 3 of the programme from another college.
Our Secondary Education courses are taught through seminars, lectures and workshops. You’ll also have the opportunity to go on school placements to get practical teaching experience.
Assessment is by continuous assessment. School experience placements are supported by school-based teachers and University of Stirling tutors. There are no examinations in Education.
School work placements are an integral part of this course, culminating in a 10-12 week secondary school experience where you can teach your chosen subjects.
Fees and funding
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
The majority of our Secondary Education graduates enter the Scottish Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), which guarantees you employment for one year as a newly qualified teacher in a Scottish Local Authority school.
Alternatively, you may choose to continue your education with a postgraduate degree or carry out doctoral research, leading to the award of a PhD.
Teacher Induction Scheme
Participation in the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) is not compulsory, and some students may choose to follow the alternative Flexible Route – which is less structured and may better suit their personal circumstances.
Students from Scotland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland who are studying at a Scottish Higher Education Institution are eligible to join the TIS.
Students from other countries are ineligible for the TIS scheme but can follow the Flexible Route to complete probationary service if they plan to teach in Scotland following their studies.
Find out more about teaching probationary service from The General Teaching Council for Scotland.
