University of California-Santa Cruz
Physics Teacher Education
Field of study · Santa Cruz, California, United States
Level
Bachelor
Duration
4 years
Campus
Santa Cruz
Intl. Tuition
US$56,502 (2026-27)
Home Tuition
US$17,232 (2026-27)
Intake
Fall 2027
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Course Overview
Physics Teacher Education at University of California-Santa Cruz in Santa Cruz, California, United States is a bachelor programme designed to give you both rigorous academic grounding and exposure to current practice in the field.
- Study with academics who are active researchers and industry practitioners, with regular contact through seminars, tutorials, and project work.
- Develop core knowledge in your first year before specialising through optional modules in later years tailored to your interests and career goals.
- Build practical, transferable skills — analysis, communication, teamwork, and project delivery — that employers across sectors actively look for.
- Access dedicated employability support including internships, placements, alumni mentoring, and a careers service that connects students to graduate roles.
- Join a global student community with extracurricular societies, sports, volunteering, and study-abroad opportunities to round out your university experience.
Career snapshot (indicative)
Education graduates typically pursue qualified teacher status and classroom careers in state or independent schools, or enter roles in educational management, curriculum development, educational technology and training and development.
Student life (indicative)
Life in Santa Cruz revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
The University at a Glance
Undergraduate Population
17,940
Staff Ratio
22.0:1
International
3.0%
Career Prospects
Completion Rate
75%
finish their degree (not an employment rate)
Avg Starting Salary
£42,660
First-year earnings
Placement Year
✓ Available
Work experience option
Costs & Living
University Life
Urban
City & Location
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Course Curriculum
Year 1
- Foundations of Physics Teacher Education
- Academic and Research Skills
- Quantitative Methods
- Introduction to Theory and Practice
- Optional language or breadth module.
Year 2
- Intermediate Physics Teacher Education topics
- Applied Methods and Tools
- Group Project
- Two optional pathway modules
- Career and Industry Insights.
Year 3
- Advanced Physics Teacher Education
- Independent Dissertation or Capstone Project
- Two specialist optional modules aligned with your interests
- Employability and Professional Development.
Entry Requirements
No specific entry requirements listed.
Assessment Methods
Assessment is varied across the programme and may include: Written examinations across foundational modules; Coursework essays and analytical reports; Group and individual projects with presentations; Practical lab, studio, or fieldwork assessments where relevant; A final-year dissertation or capstone project that lets you specialise in a topic of your choice.
Campus & City Life
Student Population
17,940
Degree-seeking undergraduates (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release). Graduate students are not included.
Staff Ratio
22:1
Students per staff
International Students
3%
Of student body
Campus at a Glance
Campus Type
Urban
City Size
Small city (50k-199k inhabitants)
Climate (indicative)
Mild coastal
Safety Index (indicative)
7.5/10
Transport
Good (close to station or regional airport)
Social Scene
Friendly community | Coastal lifestyle
Student Life & City (indicative)
Life in Santa Cruz revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
- Life in Santa Cruz revolves around the outdoors — beaches, sun and an active lifestyle form the backdrop to student social life, with good bars, food and local events rounding out the experience.
What Students Love
- Beach lifestyle
- Thriving student social scene
- Parks & green spaces
- Outdoor & nature activities
University Stats
Career & Outcomes
Completion Rate
75%
Completion rate (U.S. College Scorecard, latest release): share of students who finish their degree. Not an employment rate.
Avg Starting Salary
£42,660
Average first-year salary
Placement Year
✓ Available
Industry work experience
Career Outcomes Overview (indicative)
Education graduates typically pursue qualified teacher status and classroom careers in state or independent schools, or enter roles in educational management, curriculum development, educational technology and training and development.
- Education graduates typically pursue qualified teacher status and classroom careers in state or independent schools, or enter roles in educational management, curriculum development, educational technology and training and development.
Top Industries for Graduates
- Business
- Healthcare
- Education
Study Abroad Opportunities
Y
- Y
Costs & Living Expenses
Total Programme Cost
US$226,008
For full 4 years
Overall Cost of Living (indicative)
HIGH
This location has a higher cost of living. Budget accordingly for accommodation, food, and general expenses.
Estimated Annual Costs
Monthly Student Budget (indicative)
Cost Overview (indicative)
In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,935/month (housing $1,100, food $440, transport $130). A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.
- In the moderately expensive range for US cities — expect around $1,935/month (housing $1,100, food $440, transport $130).
- A US university city with solid amenities and a well-rounded student lifestyle.