University of Brighton
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Mathematics Education
BA(Hons) with QTS

  • Course summary and entry requirements

    Course duration Help

    Full-time: 2 years

    UCAS code XG11

    Professional accreditation

    The course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in relation to Key Stage 3 and 4, and will allow you to teach in England and Wales.

    About the course

    This course prepares you to teach the 11-16 age range, and will be suitable if you have successfully completed the equivalent of at least one year of study in mathematics or a related subject such as engineering, computer science, psychology or science, but have not graduated yet.

    Alternatively, you may have completed a foundation degree, HND or HNC. It could be that you are already working and are now looking to switch to a career where you can inspire young people every day.

    Brighton is one of the UK's largest teacher training universities with an outstanding national reputation. You will have access to excellent resources and a successful teaching team with a wide range of interests.

    As part of our drive to build on and improve our initial teacher training all programmes are subject to ongoing review. Some course details may change to ensure our courses are up to date with changes in schools and new government education policy and initiatives.

    Typical entry requirements Help

    The entry requirements listed here are for students starting their course in 2013. Individual offers may vary

    A-levels:
    not suitable.

    International Baccalaureate:
    not suitable.

    QAA-approved access course:
    not suitable.

    GCSE (minimum grade C):
    at least three subjects and must include English language and mathematics.

    Foundation degree/HND
    /HNC Minimum one year full-time study at HE level (equivalent to 120 CATS points at level 1) in a relevant subject area.

    For non-native speakers of English:
    IELTS 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in all four skills.

    Other:
    The Department for Education has introduced Professional Skills Tests in English and Maths for all applicants to teacher training (QTS) routes. These tests are compulsory, and it will not be possible to enter training without having successfully completed them. Candidates are able to book these tests in advance, and the Department for Education strongly advises you to take the tests soon after you have submitted an application.

    The University of Brighton recognises that these tests may present a real challenge to some candidates and we recommend that you prepare carefully before attempting them, as you are limited to only three attempts per test. For this reason we will not insist that undergraduate applicants have passed the tests before they come to an interview and although having already passed the tests may give you a clear advantage, we will be prepared to consider your capacity to pass and potentially make you an offer of a place subject to their successful completion. When we make such an offer you will be given a clear deadline, usually within 2 to 3 months of your interview, so we advise that you plan ahead and book your tests well in advance so that you can organise your preparation.

    Details about the tests, including how to register and prepare for the tests, can be found here: www.education.gov.uk/schools/careers/traininganddevelopment/professional

    The equivalent of at least two weeks recent work experience with children, preferably in a primary or secondary setting is required. Applicants must meet all the Department for Education entry requirements for initial teacher education courses. (See School of Education website for details). Applicants from minority ethnic and other groups under-represented in the profession (including men in primary teaching) are particularly welcome.

  • Course content

    Areas of study

    During year 1, you will develop your mathematics specialist understanding.

    You are encouraged to think about fundamental mathematical principles and structures. This promotes independent thought and enhances your ability to tackle unfamiliar problems.

    Tutors will help you identify strengths and areas for development with an individual learning programme tailored to your needs. You will also explore current issues in education and develop your research skills.

    In year 2, two-thirds of your time is spent on placements in two secondary schools.

    A school-based mentor works in partnership with your university tutor to provide high quality support and training throughout. Studies at the university develop your subject teaching skills and explore areas such as education policy, different learning styles, classroom management and special needs.

    Syllabus

    Year 1
    Mathematics Subject Audit
    Journeys in Curriculum Contexts
    Profound Understanding of Fundamental Mathematics
    Mathematical Modelling
    Mathematics and IT
    Geometry and Proof
    The Data-handling Process
    Individual project

    Year 2
    Professional Studies
    School placement (2)
    Mathematics Subject Study
    Mathematics Education
    Education Studies

    You can view the programme specification for this course as a PDF file by clicking on the link below:

    Programme Specification

  • Fees and costs

    The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and may be subject to small increases, in line with inflation.

    The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

    What's included in the fee?

    When costs such as health or criminal record checks, field trips or use of specialist materials are incurred as a mandatory requirement of the course they are included in your tuition fee.

    You may incur additional costs depending on the optional modules or activities you choose. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. Before you apply please check with the school that provides your course using the contact details on the left of this page for advice about what is included and what optional costs you could face so you can budget accordingly.

    Our website www.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

    BA(Hons) Secondary Mathematics Education with QTS  [K2DA035]
    UK/EU (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    Island Students (Full Time)9,000 GBP
    International (Full Time)12,500 GBP

  • Location

    Location Help Falmer

    Our Falmer campus is located on the edge of the South Downs National Park on the outskirts of Brighton. Approximately 7,000 students are based here.

    View campus maps and directions

    Living in Brighton

    Brighton’s rich mix of historic architecture, lively arts scene, varied shopping and cosmopolitan community make it a vibrant, enjoyable place to live. It is no wonder that many Brighton graduates choose to stay here.

    Social scene

    Alongside the traditional seaside attractions, Brighton is famed for its exciting social scene with a wide choice of pubs, clubs and restaurants.

    Music event on the beach

    Arts

    The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. Brighton is also home to the UK’s oldest working cinema, the Duke of York’s, which shows alternative and mainstream films. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival.

    Burning the Clocks winter solstice festival

    Sports

    Whether you take your sport seriously or just want to keep fit, Brighton offers all kinds of sports opportunities and facilities, on and off campus. You can also make the most of the location, and play volleyball, basketball and windsurfing down by the beach. The seafront is also the finishing point for the famous London – Brighton bicycle ride and the quirky veteran car run.

    Playing volleyball on the seafront
  • Career opportunities

    A high demand for mathematics teachers means employment prospects are very good. If you demonstrate a high level of understanding you may be eligible for masters-level credits.

    Visit the careers service website.