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Medicine into PGCE

Hi guys! I'm currently studying medicine at uni (in my 4th year so qualified 2025). I've started to become a bit jaded and honestly not 100% sure that I want to be a doctor at this point. Looking back, I can't actually think of the reasons why I wanted to in the first place, I just kind of ran with it at 16. Since doing med, I've discovered a real love of teaching and am seriously considering doing a PGCE in secondary biology once I finish this degree. Was just wondering whether anyone had any experience in this? I'm not even sure if it's possible to do a PGCE with a med degree, there doesn't seem to be much info out there. Pls help! x
Original post by lottieEM
Hi guys! I'm currently studying medicine at uni (in my 4th year so qualified 2025). I've started to become a bit jaded and honestly not 100% sure that I want to be a doctor at this point. Looking back, I can't actually think of the reasons why I wanted to in the first place, I just kind of ran with it at 16. Since doing med, I've discovered a real love of teaching and am seriously considering doing a PGCE in secondary biology once I finish this degree. Was just wondering whether anyone had any experience in this? I'm not even sure if it's possible to do a PGCE with a med degree, there doesn't seem to be much info out there. Pls help! x

Good morning @lottieEM,

Lovely to learn that you are considering teaching as a profession.

The eligibility for teacher training (a one year postgraduate course, in your case) is L4 and above GCSEs in English and Maths (plus Science for primary), and a 2:2 (or above) degree. Where a degree is not completely relevant to the subject the candidate wishes to teach, course providers will consider A-Levels and experience. There are also SKE (Subject Knowledge Enhancement) courses for select subject areas, that a teacher training course provider would put a candidate through, in the event that they decide there is a need for improved subject knowledge.

Get Into Teaching is a free and impartial service that helps individuals explore teaching as a career, to get 'application ready' and to apply (including personal statement guidance and interview preparation). All advisers are experienced former teachers so even if you don't get me(!) you'll be certain to get the best support posisble from one of my esteemed colleagues. The support is very much tailored to you / the individual's needs. For yourself, in the first instance, it might be useful to get some classroom experience so you are able to make informed choices and decisions but your adviser will discuss this with you personally.

I hope this information is of some use, and should you wish to request support from an adviser you can click here or visit the Get Into Teaching website.

Best wishes,
Tom
Original post by lottieEM
Hi guys! I'm currently studying medicine at uni (in my 4th year so qualified 2025). I've started to become a bit jaded and honestly not 100% sure that I want to be a doctor at this point. Looking back, I can't actually think of the reasons why I wanted to in the first place, I just kind of ran with it at 16. Since doing med, I've discovered a real love of teaching and am seriously considering doing a PGCE in secondary biology once I finish this degree. Was just wondering whether anyone had any experience in this? I'm not even sure if it's possible to do a PGCE with a med degree, there doesn't seem to be much info out there. Pls help! x

My a level biology teacher actually studied dentistry and then decided to pursue becoming a teacher! Your medicine degree will have enough content needed and im sure one of your a levels would have been biology! Just email some unis to make sure xx
Reply 3
Original post by lottieEM
Hi guys! I'm currently studying medicine at uni (in my 4th year so qualified 2025). I've started to become a bit jaded and honestly not 100% sure that I want to be a doctor at this point. Looking back, I can't actually think of the reasons why I wanted to in the first place, I just kind of ran with it at 16. Since doing med, I've discovered a real love of teaching and am seriously considering doing a PGCE in secondary biology once I finish this degree. Was just wondering whether anyone had any experience in this? I'm not even sure if it's possible to do a PGCE with a med degree, there doesn't seem to be much info out there. Pls help! x

whaaaaat? you'll walk onto any pgce you want with a med degree.

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