What qualifications do you need to teach A level geography?

Check out the latest Geography/Environmental jobs in FE.

FE Geography is a diverse subject that combines geographical study with other disciplines such as geology. Tackling climate change is towards the top of many country’s agendas … or at least was until coronavirus spread across the globe, and climate change is also a major feature of FE geography.

As Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg said in June 2020 — getting to grips with climate change is as urgent as combating the pandemic. Aside from climate change, the subject covers a wide range of other topics including urban sustainability, international trade, the impact of energy production on the environment, and physical geographical topics, such as plate Tectonics, Water Cycle and Water Shortage.

What qualifications do you need to teach A level geography?

A further education (FE) geography teacher role will normally require a minimum of a Level 3 qualification. A relevant teaching qualification will usually be expected too.

According to UCAS, these include:

Level 3 Award in Education and Training
Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training
Level 5 Diploma in Education and Training with specialist pathway

“Some training providers may still be offering the former teaching qualifications, which are recognised as equivalent to the newer versions above”. These are:

Level 3 or 4 Award in Preparing to Teach in the Lifelong Sector (PTLLS)
Level 3 or 4 Certificate of Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (CTLLS)
Level 5 Diploma of Teaching in the Lifelong Learning Sector (DTLLS)

For those with a degree, applying to do a postgraduate PGCE in Further Education or Post-Compulsory Education is an option.

At the College of West Anglia, an advertised FE geography teacher job requires candidates to hold a geography degree or one in a related subject, while teaching experience of geography in either FE or higher education is also required. Candidates for this role must hold a Level 2 English and Maths (GCSE A*-C/9-4) or equivalent, or else be prepared to gain this within the first 18 months of employment.

The candidate must also be prepared to obtain a relevant teaching qualification at level 5 within the first three years of employment, which is fairly standard for FE geography teacher positions.

FE geography teacher salaries in the UK

A qualified FE teacher can usually expect to earn anything between £24,702 and £37,258, depending on their experience level. An unqualified FE teacher is less with salaries ranging from £19,758 to £23,325.

Payscale puts the average post-secondary geography teacher salary at £34,000 in the UK. The previously mentioned geography teacher at Capital City College pays between £28,731-£44,384 per year.

The previously mentioned lecturer in geography role at the College of West Anglia comes with a salary between £12,263 and £16,936 but the hours are 18.5 per week.