Secondary with Science and Maths

Secondary education with science and mathematics is a degree that prepares you to teach two of the most important and in-demand subjects in the secondary school curriculum. Science and mathematics are foundational to young people's understanding of the world and to their options for further study and careers in STEM fields, and teachers who can teach effectively across both subjects are particularly valuable to schools that face ongoing shortages of specialist science and mathematics teachers. This degree develops both your subject knowledge in science and mathematics and your professional competence as a secondary teacher, qualifying you to enter the classroom as a trained and confident practitioner.

At the University of St Mark and St John, you will study over three years of full-time study, developing your knowledge of the science disciplines relevant to the secondary curriculum alongside your mathematical training, and building the pedagogical knowledge and classroom skills needed to teach both effectively. The professional studies component covers child and adolescent development, learning theory, curriculum design, assessment, inclusion, and the legal and ethical frameworks of teaching. Substantial school placement time is built into the programme, and you will spend significant periods in secondary schools developing your teaching skills in real classrooms under the guidance of experienced mentors.

The combination of subject specialisms and professional training gives you a distinctive profile in the teacher labour market.

Graduates from this programme leave with the qualifications and experience needed to enter secondary school teaching in their specialist subjects. Science and mathematics teachers are in sustained demand across England and Wales, and the dual subject specialism makes graduates from this programme particularly attractive to schools looking for staff who can cover curriculum needs across departments. Career progression in teaching leads from classroom teacher through roles such as head of science, head of mathematics, assistant head, and deputy head to headship.

Science and mathematics teachers are also in demand in further education, sixth form colleges, and independent schools. Postgraduate study in education, curriculum, or a specific science discipline is an option for those who want to develop their expertise further.