For English, Maths and Science

Equivalency GCSE Modules

Looking to train as a teacher but missed out on C grades at GCSE for English, Mathematics or Science?

A stack of textbooks with a collection of pencils sat on top of the pile

If you want to study Initial Teacher Education courses in Wales, you will need to have a GCSE C grade in English and Mathematics and, for a Primary teaching programme, a GCSE C grade in science. This applies to courses studied at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

If you don’t currently meet these entry requirements, then don’t panic – we have the courses for you. At the University of South Wales, you can study specific modules to give you the equivalent qualification to a C grade. A prerequisite of each module is that you already have grade D (or equivalent) in English Language, Mathematics, or Science, depending on where you the uplift is needed. These modules are recognised by Welsh higher education providers and equal to 20 credits at higher education level 4. Students need to be confident and competent at this level before starting the course, as you will build upon skills already gained. Assessment will comprise of 50% assignment and 50% timed assessment, run over 12 weeks and will cost £300 per module.

USW student on placement, supervising three children colouring.

C Grade equivalence modules

The Essential Mathematics module is delivered online on Mondays (5.30pm to 7.30pm) for 12 weeks. The course tutor is Carol Wood.

Start dates

Essential Maths - 21st September 2026 - 14th December 2026
Essential Maths - 11th January 2027 - 26th April 2027

Topics covered include:

Algebraic Methods
Statistics
Space and Shape
Geometry and Shape

The Essential English module is delivered online on Tuesdays (5.30pm to 7.30pm) for 12 weeks. The course tutor is Carol Wood.

Start dates

Essential English - 22nd September 2026 - 15th December 2026
Essential English - 12th January 2027 - 27th April 2027

Topics include:

Skills review: including key aspects of sentence structure, punctuation and spelling
Understanding Grammar
Essay construction
Reading for information
Using appropriate language repertoires
Non- fiction text types

The Essential Science module is delivered online on Mondays (5:30 to 7:30) for 12 weeks.The course tutor is Carol Wood.

The module aims to develop student knowledge, skills and confidence to a standard of Science GCSE grade C equivalency.

Start dates

Essential Science - 24th September 2026 - 17th December 2026
Essential Science - 14th January 2027 - 29th April 2027

The module aims are:

To enable students to develop oral, written and practical scientific skills.
To equip students with the investigational and experimentation techniques that can be applied to real-life scientific situations.
To develop students’ confidence and competence to provide a firm foundation in science.