Subject Knowledge Enhancement (8 weeks) - (SKE)
Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry.
The Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course develops subject knowledge in graduates wishing to enter the teaching profession whose degree level knowledge, whilst strong in itself, needs to be further developed, enhanced and applied to the requirements and expectations of the secondary school curriculum including, where appropriate, examination specifications....
- Level Postgraduate Taught
- Study mode Distance Learning
- Award (SKE)
- Start date Various
- Subject
- Location Online Learning
This course is:
Overview
Subject(s) offered for this 8 week SKE
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
The Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course develops subject knowledge in graduates wishing to enter the teaching profession whose degree level knowledge, whilst strong in itself, needs to be further developed, enhanced and applied to the requirements and expectations of the secondary school curriculum including, where appropriate, examination specifications.
Students accepted onto a SKE course in Mathematics, Computing, Chemistry or Physics may be eligible for a bursary from the DfE in accordance with prescribed criteria. The duration of the SKE will vary according to specialist subject and the student’s need, identified at interview. A condition of entry onto the SKE course is the acceptance of a place on an initial teacher training course, such as PGCE.
What's covered in this course?
The course enables you, in the context of your subject knowledge enhancement, to develop a deeper understanding of the content and concepts required to teach your subject in schools. In doing so, you will sharpen your understanding of your specialist subject to deliver the required curriculum in the secondary school. The understanding you gain about your own learning will give insight into the processes that might be happening in school learners and will be valuable preparation for your forthcoming studies when you will apply theories of learning and corresponding pedagogies for your subject in the classroom as part of your initial teacher training.
In developing your subject knowledge, you will demonstrate ability to research the application of the topics required for teaching supported by your work in school and your continuing independent study.
This course is taught online.
Why Choose Us?
- The SKE course is undertaken before starting an initial teacher training course. It is important that you have a conditional offer of a place on an initial teacher training course either at Birmingham City University or another provider before you start a SKE course.
- There are no course fees. SKE bursaries may be funded by the Department for Education (DfE) subject to eligibility criteria. Please visit the Department for Education website for further information.
- We have a long and successful track record in developing secondary teachers.
- You will be taught by experts in your chosen subject field and work alongside your peers in an online environment.
- This course will boost your knowledge and understanding of this subject.
- Our course provides the ideal stepping stone to further study and achieve full Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
OPEN DAY
Join us for a Virtual Open Event where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, meet our subject academics and learn more about postgraduate finance, all from the comfort of your own home.
Next Event: 5 February 2025
Entry Requirements
Essential requirements
UK students
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The SKE course is suitable for graduates with a good degree from a UK higher education institution (or a recognised equivalent) who have sufficient subject knowledge to commence the course. |
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This could be through holding an A-level in the subject, (not essential) having an element of knowledge in your degree course and/or occupational experience of the subject. |
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Applicants must also meet the Department for Education (DfE) requirements for Initial Teacher Training, which means being medically fit and completing successfully an enhanced disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). |
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In addition to academic qualifications, candidates will be expected to have good communication and organisational skills, possess a desire to learn more about the subject and demonstrate a commitment to teaching the subject. |
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To be eligible to start this course you MUST hold a conditional offer of a place on an initial teacher training course, for example a PGCE. |
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: (SKE)
Starting: Nov 2024
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- Distance Learning
- 8 Weeks
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Starting: Dec 2024
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Award: (SKE)
Starting: Jan 2025
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- Distance Learning
- 8 Weeks
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Award: (SKE)
Starting: Feb 2025
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- Distance Learning
- 8 Weeks
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Starting: Mar 2025
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Starting: Apr 2025
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Starting: May 2025
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International students
Sorry, this course is not available to International students.
How to apply
Once you have accepted a conditional offer onto a PGCE course you should apply using the link above. You will need to provide proof of this offer when you apply. Our admissions team will process your offer and further information will be sent to you.
If you have any for further queries, please contact the Programme Lead for the SKE courses via email on: Martin.Duke2@bcu.ac.uk.
Course fees
There are no course fees for this course. Funding for these courses is reviewed annually by the Department for Education. You may be eligible for a bursary, paid weekly. You can find details on the DfE website.
Course in Depth
Download course specification
Download nowCourse in Depth
The SKE course is designed to help you to discover and appreciate the areas of subject teaching that need to be refreshed in order to teach successfully within the School Curriculum. It forms part of a flexible suite of Subject Knowledge Enhancement and practical skills at KS3, KS4 and bridging the gap to KS5 (where suitable), which offers you a variety of possibilities and combinations to help you develop your own personal SKE to aide your needs.
Subject(s) offered for this 8 week SKE
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computer Science
University's accreditation
Pre-initial teacher training Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) courses are intensive programmes, which have been accredited by the Department for Education.
As a provider of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) Birmingham City University is regularly inspected by the Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills (Ofsted).
Ofsted reports directly to Parliament and is independent and impartial. It inspects and regulate services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.
Ofsted inspections of ITT providers provide an expert and independent assessment of how well we are performing and the quality of teacher training offered. Information in the inspection report can help prospective trainees decide which universities suit their training needs.
Employability
Enhancing your employability skills
After you have successfully completed a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course and then an initial teacher training course, for example a PGCE, you will be ready to begin your career as a teacher in the secondary sector.
School visits
During school placements, you will work alongside experienced teachers. You will get involved in a range of activities, by observing lessons and acting as a teaching assistant. This will really boost your learning and give you valuable experience for when you start your initial teacher training.
Facilities & Staff
Our facilities
Although this course is online, you can still access a range of facilities and support.
Library
Our Mary Seacole Library is a large library with a diverse collection of books, journals, and teaching materials, as well as specialist subject support. There are also numerous eBooks available online, which the library will help you access.
The library offers a range of support services for students completing online courses, including online resources, 24/7 virtual support, MS Teams tutorials, information on referencing and IT support. Further information can be found on the library services page.
IT Support
The IT HelpDesk can be contacted via telephone, email or an App (online self-service portal). IT HelpDesk can offer remote support and cover a range of matters, including email, Office 365, Moodle, MS Teams, saving work and IT Security. More information can be found on the <>
Our staff
Martin Duke
Senior Lecturer in Mathematics
Martin completed a Bed in Mathematics at Sheffield Hallam University and began his teaching career at a Secondary school in Sandwell. Martin then moved onto work as a Senior Lecturer in Mathematics Education at Birmingham City University, teaching on the PGCE and SKE courses for four years, before taking up a post as Assistant Principal at a...
More about Martin