Study Here - Postgraduate and Professional - Courses

INSPIRE (the Innovative Scheme for Postgraduates In Research and Education) is an intensive 9 month PGCE designed to bridge the gap between scientific research and school science by recruiting able researchers who are able to communicate effectively and develop the relationship between schools and Imperial College London.

As well as gaining a PGCE teaching qualification participants are involved in INSPIRE activities which they develop with support from academic supervisors at Imperial College London. These activities allow schoolchildren to experience university level research activities, to participate in workshops, clubs and competitions, and to see cutting edge science in action with the aim of inspiring students to take their science education to the next level.

With very competitive benefits this programme allows people with a strong research background to qualify as teachers and begin to address the shortages of science specialists affecting our society. Participants engage with Master’s level research in educational theory and policy and have the potential to go on to hugely influence the educational system within the UK and beyond by linking universities, schools and government bodies in understanding the role science education can play in our society.

Programme Outline

• Intensive 4 week ‘Summer School’ throughout September followed by University based sessions in half-terms and January.
• Two terms of school practice within two different partner schools allowing rapid development towards the PGCE qualification.
• Integrated INSPIRE activities such as science clubs, competitions, trips, presentations and much more during the first seven months.
• Two months of off-timetable INSPIRE activities in April-May & during National Science Week in March.
• Two Master’s level assignments (5000 words each) tailored to allow post-docs to analyse how best to bring their scientific expertise into the school context.
• INSPIRE activities are counted as school experience allowing the programme to finish at the end of May. This increases employment opportunities for those that complete the programme.

Benefits to Participants

Applicants from EEA (European Economic Area) or with resident status are invited for a nine months PGCE studentship of £15,000 (equivalent to approx £25k per/annum) and payment of home student fees.

Participants work towards a Master’s level Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Personalised face to face support of tutors from Canterbury Christ Church University and mentors within placement schools will allow you to develop effective teaching skills quickly.

A supervisor from Imperial College London will support you in developing activities and partnerships to inspire young minds.

As a member of the programme you will gain access to a strong network of colleagues within schools and universities who will help shape the future of science education.

How to Apply

Applicants are welcomed from those who will have a PhD or equivalent by the September in which they begin the programme. For 2009 entry we shall also be piloting the involvement of participants who have an MSc or equivalent with a strong research focus, although places shall be limited.

Please contact Mark Hardman, the Programme Director for informal discussion about the programme or application process.

• Email mark.hardman@canterbury.ac.uk
• Phone 07912 363 106

For details of the latest vacancies, recruitment events and interview dates, please see our page on the Imperial College London Website
 

INSPIRE website