Secondary Education (with QTS) BA/BSc

Secondary school teachers play a vital role in supporting young people through their teenage years and preparing them for further education, training or employment. A Secondary Education degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) provides the skills, knowledge and professional recognition you need to begin your career as a teacher.

Course Structure

A Secondary Education with QTS degree usually takes three to four years full time. The programme combines academic study at university with practical placements in schools. Placements are spread throughout the course so you gradually build confidence and responsibility. By the final year you will be delivering lessons, managing classrooms and taking on a near full teaching timetable under the guidance of experienced staff.

Typical Modules

The modules you study will depend on your chosen subject specialism, but common areas of study include:

• Subject knowledge and pedagogy for your chosen subject (such as English, mathematics, science, history or modern languages)

• Adolescent development and learning theories

• Behaviour management and classroom practice

• Inclusive education and working with pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

• Curriculum design and assessment

• Professional studies and reflective practice

Many programmes also provide training in educational technology and the opportunity to undertake research into current issues in secondary education.

Entry Requirements

Universities set their own entry requirements, but most look for:

• A levels or equivalent qualifications, often including a subject relevant to your chosen specialism

• GCSEs in English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above (science may be required for some routes)

• Alternative qualifications such as BTECs, Access to HE Diplomas or the International Baccalaureate may also be accepted

• Applicants are usually invited to an interview and must pass a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

The Right Personality Fit

Secondary teaching suits individuals who are resilient, adaptable and passionate about their subject. Strong communication and organisational skills are important, as is the ability to motivate and inspire teenagers. Successful students are confident, reflective and enjoy working as part of a team while taking responsibility for their own professional development.

Funding Support

Students on Secondary Education with QTS programmes can apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans through Student Finance. In addition, bursaries and scholarships are often available for shortage subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, computing and modern languages. These awards are tax-free, do not need to be repaid, and can be worth several thousand pounds.

Typical Pay After Graduation

Graduates with QTS start their careers as Early Career Teachers (ECTs). In England the starting salary is currently about £32,916 outside London and around £40,317 in inner London. With experience, pay rises steadily, and many teachers earn over £45,000 within five years. Those who take on leadership or specialist responsibilities such as head of department or pastoral lead can earn significantly more.

Career Opportunities

Completing a Secondary Education with QTS degree qualifies you to work as a teacher in UK secondary schools and, in many cases, overseas. With experience, you can progress to roles such as subject leader, head of department, or assistant headteacher. Some teachers specialise in areas like special educational needs or pastoral care, while others move into teacher training, curriculum development or education policy.