Subject Knowledge Enhancement: Mathematics (28 weeks)

Why study with us?

There are various routes which all offer subject knowledge enhancement prior to commencing the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Secondary Mathematics. Due to a national shortage of Mathematics teachers the Teaching Agency offers bursaries for study in this subject.

This is a 14 unit, 28 week Teaching Agency funded course. It is aimed at students wishing to commence a PGCE in Mathematics starting the following September.

Graduates following this route may typically have A-level Mathematics or equivalent and some mathematical content to their degree. They may wish to have the chance to obtain a Graduate Certificate (60 credits at level 6) in recognition of their subject knowledge enhancement work before commencing a Mathematics PGCE.

Having typically studied A-level Mathematics it is likely that they will have some knowledge and understanding of the concept of a function and have some confidence with algebraic skills such as manipulation of surds, indices and non-linear equations as well as being able to relate common functions to graphs. They will typically have studied calculus perhaps along with an application such as statistics, mechanics or decision mathematics. They will usually have studied or used some further mathematics from an advanced perspective or will have drawn on advanced mathematical skills and processes within their employment.

What can this course lead to?

This course enables you to build your subject knowledge in order to train to teach secondary mathematics. Job opportunities in this subject are very high due to their being a national shortage of teachers in this subject.

Resources and facilities

We have a well-stocked library and a Learning Gateway, which offers an interactive, flexible space to study. You can also take advantage of the Library and Student Services (LiSS), which provides learning resources, equipment, student advice, skills training and study space.

All students have access to our Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment which can provide easy online access to course information, course materials, relevant web links and an online discussion board.

Entry requirements See course specific entry requirements listed below.

More about levels and credit

Credit and UCAS requirements Credit: 60 credits Selection criteria

Academic requirements

We ideally require a 2:2 honours degree including some study of Mathematics. Ideally this should be backed up with an A-level grade C or above in Mathematics. Applicants without Mathematics in the degree but with a good Mathematics GCSE (grade C or above) may also be considered. Applicants with a lower classification in their degree may be considered on a discretionary basis by the course tutor. All applicants must demonstrate in their application and at interview the potential to benefit from the enhancement course.

CRB Enhanced Disclosure

All entrants to the enhancement course must obtain a CRB Enhanced Disclosure with University of Cumbria. Included within this is satisfactory provisional registration with the General Teaching Council.

ITT offer

All entrants must provide evidence that they have a confirmed place on a suitable scheme of Initial Teacher Training (ITT) to train as a Mathematics teacher in order to secure their place on the enhancement course. Acceptable offers include a place on a PGCE in Mathematics at the University of Cumbria or any other university or Higher Education Institution.

Additional contact information

For more information, please contact John Cawkwell (Tel: 01524 384475) or the enquiry centre.

UCAS Link

Visit UCAS

Course summary

The course content is organised into the following four units although there is a strong focus upon interconnectedness:

• Problem solving though modelling from a variety of perspectives.
• Foundations of mathematics, Infinite Processes and mathematical structure.
• Geometry from a variety of perspectives
• History of mathematics, philosophical perspectives and mathematics for the 21st Century.

Assessment is through a variety of means including development of a subject knowledge portfolio, presentation, timed exercises and written tasks. Progression to the PGCE Mathematics year with University of Cumbria will be dependent upon successful completion of your subject knowledge assessments during semesters one and two.