Primary school children with student teacher talking to them

Subject Knowledge Enhancement

Subject knowledge is fundamental to secondary school teaching.

If you wish to pursue a career as a Secondary school teacher and are passionate about a subject, and have an A-level but not a degree directly related to the subject, then we might recommend a Subject Knowledge Enhancement (SKE) course.

Benefits of Subject Knowledge Enhancement

A Subject Knowledge Enhancement course helps you to build up the subject knowledge you are expected to have as a teacher and helps you to feel more confident when starting your teacher training.

Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses (January 2026)

English

SKE English 8 weeks – Apply Now
SKE English 12 weeks – Apply Now

Biology

SKE Biology 8 weeks – Apply Now
SKE Biology 12 weeks – Apply Now

Chemistry

SKE Chemistry – 8 weeks – Apply Now
SKE Chemistry – 12 weeks – Apply Now

Computing

SKE Computing – 8 weeks – Apply Now
SKE Computing – 12 weeks – Apply Now

Maths

SKE Maths – 8 weeks – Apply Now
SKE Maths – 12 weeks – Apply Now

Modern Foreign Language (MFL)

SKE MFL – 8 weeks – Apply Now
SKE MFL – 12 weeks – Apply Now

Religious Education

KE Religious Education – 8 weeks – Apply Now
SKE Religious Education – 12 weeks – Apply Now

Meet our team

Scott Porter

Senior Lecturer in Secondary ITE, Subject Knowledge Enhancement Chemistry

John Keenan

Senior Lecturer PGCE Secondary, Subject Knowledge Enhancement English

Front entrance of Birmingham Newman University with globe

Sharon Holness

Senior Lecturer in Secondary Science ITE, Subject Knowledge Enhancement Biology

Lisa Vickerage

Senior Lecturer in Religious Education, Subject Knowledge Enhancement Religious Education

Upkar Singh

Senior Lecturer PGCE Secondary, Subject Knowledge Enhancement Maths

Alethe Bailey

Senior Lecturer in Computing, Subject Knowledge Enhancement Computing

FAQ

Am I eligible for a bursary?

There is a limited number of bursaries provided by the Department for Education (DfE) on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are applying for an SKE in Chemistry, Computing, MFL (French) Maths at Birmingham Newman University, you could be eligible for a bursary of £175 per week to complete your course. There is no funding for an R.E. SKE.

How long does the course last?

Our subject specialist will recommend either a 8-week or a 12-week SKE.

When does the course start?

The course is online and you can start at any point during the academic year.

When do I need to complete by?

SKE’s are often a condition of entry and must be completed before your teacher training begins.

Where can I find further help and guidance?

The DfE’s Get Into Teaching website has more information about SKEs:

Subject knowledge enhancement