BSc (Honours) Mathematics with Education and Qualified Teacher Status (Three Year Route)

UCAS code

XG11

Attendance

Full-time

Three years full-time

At a glance

Train to become a secondary school maths teacher, and take advantage of the current shortage of qualified professionals in this role to get your career started as soon as you graduate. You study degree-level mathematics and gain experience teaching in secondary schools to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Key points
• Train in an area where there is a shortage of teachers.
• Teach mathematics at all levels in secondary schools and other education providers.
• Spend at least 24 weeks on placements.
• Learn in smaller class sizes of around 20 students.

What is mathematics with education and Qualified Teacher Status?
You study mathematics in depth to bring your expertise up to degree-level, while also learning how to teach mathematics to a standard that gains you QTS. QTS is the accreditation you need to be able to teach in schools in England and Wales.

About this course

As a qualified maths teacher you will be in a position to take advantage of a current shortage of trained professionals in this subject area.

You benefit from the course’s strong partnerships with secondary schools in the area and many of graduates find employment in their placement schools.

Over the three years your time is balanced between university-based study and school-based experience. This combination teaches you to think critically about both the subjects you study and about how people learn. You complete research and reflection to support your studies and personal development.

You spend a minimum of 120 days (24 weeks) in school over the three years of the course. Some of these days occur as serial placements, where you are in school for one day each week. Others are spent in two longer ‘block’ placements where most, or possibly all, of your time is based in school. 

You are taught alongside other education students by mathematics education tutors and other specialists with a deep interest and commitment to teaching and learning. Much of your learning takes place in small groups of around 20 students. This develops an atmosphere which encourages interaction with the tutor and your fellow students through discussions and activities.

When you are on your block placements, you have a school-based trained mentor to help your development. Your teaching skills improve through working with individual pupils, small groups and whole classes.

Key areas of study
Throughout the course, our emphasis is on helping you to develop
• your understanding of mathematics, starting from your own level
• your professional development and practice
• your personal skills and qualities

Associated careers

We have an excellent employment record. Over 90 per cent of graduates from our undergraduate teaching courses are employed in a teaching post.

It is common for our students to be offered a teaching job in one of the schools they have worked in during their final year.

Course content

Years one and two

You concentrate on developing your understanding of mathematics, starting from your own level.

Topics include • algebra and structure • number theory • logic • geometry • study of functions and calculus • numerical methods • statistical modelling • applied mathematical modelling • decision mathematics • the historical development of mathematics

Final year

In this year you focus on your professional development and practice.

Topics include • corporate life of schools – legal requirements and responsibilities • whole school curriculum • developing inclusion and citizenship • working with others • special educational needs – classroom developments and school policies – Every Child Matters agenda and supporting pupils with learning difficulties and disabilities • classroom and behaviour management • Key Stage 3 strategies • professional development

Assessment

• coursework which extends work from taught sessions • individual and small group projects • presentations • preparation of teaching materials • short tests • examinations • professional development profile

Entry requirements

2014 entry requirements

GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following

• 200-240 UCAS points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, including 60-100 points from A2 level mathematics. We accept AS levels and general studies.

• Access – 60 credits with at least 45 at level 3 (the rest at level 2) from a relevant Open College Network accredited course. At least 18 level 3 credits should be in mathematics at merit or distinction level. It will support your application to be studying mathematics to at least AS level.

• Foundation year – successfully completing our Extended Degree in Engineering and Mathematics or equivalent

For entry in 2013 onwards there will be national pre-entry tests in literacy and numeracy.

If English is not your first language you need an IELTS average score of 6.5.

Prior to your application we highly recommend that you have some experience observing and/or supporting mathematics lessons for Key Stage 3 and 4 in a non-selective state secondary school to gain an insight into contemporary approaches to teaching mathematics in the UK. This will greatly increase your chances of reaching the interview stage essential for entry to this course.

In your personal statement you clearly state the extent of any experience you have obtained observing or supporting in the mathematics classroom. You should also include any other experiences of working with young people, such working as a sports coach or with a youth group.

The level of your offer will be based on the strength of your application, your interview performance and your relevant experience. The likelihood of you being offered an interview will be significantly affected by the type and extent of your experience as outlined above.

Download our application experience guidelines for more information about experience requirements and interview advice for this course. This document includes important information about your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being unsuccessful.

We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.

Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.

As you will work with children, you must complete a declaration of criminal convictions and health check forms. If you already have an undergraduate degree you are not eligible to apply for this course.

2013 entry requirements

GCSE English language and mathematics at grade C or above, plus one of the following

• 200-240 UCAS points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications, including 60-100 points from A2 level mathematics. We accept AS levels and general studies.

Fees

International students

2013/14 academic year

Typically £10,680 a year

2014/15 academic year

Typically £11,250 a year

How to apply

You apply for this course through UCAS.

Contact details

For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk