Becoming a Psychology Sixth form teacher

I am currently studying Neuroscience at uni and am wondering about the possibility of becoming a Psychology teacher in a sixth form. I was firstly wondering if this is a possible route, as my degree is not in psychology. I understand I would probably have to do a PGCE post-uni.
Secondly, I read somwhere that when you work as a sixth form teacher you also have to teach GCSE, is this true?
If anyone has any advice I would be grateful :smile:

Reply 1

BCU Student Rep

Official Rep

Original post by oy19

Hi @oy19

I believe you will need to do a PGCE once you have completed your degree. If your degree has aspects of Psychology in it, or you have done Psychology A Level/Level 3 qualification, then that would really help you get onto a Psychology PGCE.

As for whether you will have to teach GCSE level, it really depends on where you will be working. For example, sixth-form colleges are just for Level 3 qualifications (A Levels/BTECs).

There are different types of PGCEs, too. Some PGCEs allow you to work in colleges, which might be worth considering if you only want to teach at Level 3, not GCSE.

I would encourage you to talk to a careers advisor at your university if you are able to. They are the experts, and if there is something they don't know, they will find out for you.

I wish you all the best with your studies!

Anastasia,
BCU Student Rep.

Reply 2

Get into Teaching

Official Rep

Hi,

You have a couple of options really If you are sure that only post-16 if for you, you can consider the Further Education route, though if you open to teaching at secondary the best route would be to get your Qualified Teacher Status ( a one year postgrad course) in secondary and then you can choose whether you apply for jobs in a 6th form only, a college or a secondary school.

In terms of your qualifications, you will require a relevance in your degree to train in that subject. It would be worth discussing with a Get into Teaching adviser how that looks, as well being able to discuss the options about phase of education. The advisers offer free personalised advice, and as we are all experienced teachers, can answer all your questions. Sign up here

Good luck!
Aly

Reply 3

hotpud

Hi,
Yes you will need a PGCE and yes, you may have to teach GCSE but that will depend on what the college is offering and demand for your course. Psychology is quite a specialist subject and there are not many teachers of it. Having the ability to teach other subjects will certainly increase your chances of getting a job in a college and then you can swap over to psychology if an opportunity comes up.