subject knowledge &
subject knowledge enhancement (SKE)

It is very important that you consider your academic background when looking at your options in teaching. Typically, secondary subjects require knowledge which had developed during a person's 6th form and degree. Those who come into teaching with subject degrees outside of the traditional school subjects list may need to consider their degree modules, A levels etc when the apply. However, don’t hold back from applying for teacher training due to a shortage in your subject confidence - you can top up your subject knowledge with an Subject Knowledge Enhancement.

These fully funded courses are available if:
* your degree wasn’t in your chosen subject, but is closely related
* you studied the subject at A level, but not at degree level
* you have an unrelated degree, but relevant professional experience in the subject
* it's been some time since you used your degree knowledge

​SKE courses are available in: Maths, Physics, Languages, Chemistry, Computer Science, Biology, Geography, English, Religious Education, Design and Technology, and Primary Maths.  

We will identify your need for a SKE as part of our selection process, usually at interview. If we feel you need to enhance your knowledge, but have potential to be a great teacher, we'll offer you a teacher training place on the condition that you complete an SKE course.

Length of courses​

The length can vary from an eight-week refresher course to 28 weeks. We will decide the course length, which will depend on the required specialist knowledge you'll need to teach the subject effectively.

Tax-free SKE bursary of up to £5,600
​You could get a tax-free SKE bursary of £200 per week to support you throughout the course. Depending on the course length, in total you could receive a bursary of £5,600 for a 28-week course or £2,400 for a shorter course of 12 weeks.​

Delivery of SKE courses
​SKE courses are available all over England at universities, schools, or with other organisations. They can be completed before, or alongside your teacher training and are available to study full-time or part-time, classroom-based or on-line. The SKE directory sets out what courses are provided. ​

SKE in modern foreign languages
​You can now complete two fully funded SKE courses to refresh your main teaching language and to study another language. We will decide the length of each SKE course you may need. If you think an SKE course will benefit you can speak to a Get Into Teaching expert advisor on Freephone 0800 389 2500 or via our online chat service between 8am and 8pm, Monday to Friday.  

Related content
​Find out more from trainees and teachers who took advantage of an SKE course. Explore your options and and discover the types of courses available to you and the subjects you could be eligible to teach.