PGCE Education (Primary)

Entry requirements

• An undergraduate degree at class 2:2 or above
• GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade 4 (or C) or above (or equivalent). We’ll consider candidates with pending GCSE’s. We’ll consider candidates who need to take an equivalency test in English and/or Maths and/or Science.
• If your qualifications are from an overseas institution you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from ENIC
• For International Applicants for whom English is not their first language, a minimum IELT|S score of 7.0 is required with no individual component less than 6.5.

Months of entry

September

Course content

If you are a graduate interested in learning and teaching and want to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, then the PGCE in Primary Education could be the course for you.

The course qualifies you to become a primary teacher for children in the 5 to 11 age range and provides training for Key Stages One and Two. Successful completion of the PGCE leads to a Postgraduate Certificate in Education awarded by Durham University and the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. The QTS element is accredited by Newcastle University and awarded by the Department of Education.

We pride ourselves on offering a well-planned blend of research and experience in the classroom to start you on your successful career as an Early Career Teacher. We emphasise your entitlement to the Core Content Framework throughout our PGCE course to fully prepare you for the Early Career Framework, which will support you during your first two years of teaching as an Early Career Teacher.

University sessions are devoted to English, Mathematics, and Science. Your subject knowledge and understanding will be enhanced, as well as improving your subject-specific pedagogy. Subject specialists deliver all three core subjects.

Similarly, you will learn about primary Foundation Subjects (Art, Computing, Design and Technology, Geography, History, Modern Foreign Languages, Music, Physical Education, PSHE, or Religious Education) with a specialist lead for each subject area.

The Professional Studies sessions explore your understanding of critical concepts and classroom practice, allowing you to reflect on your teacher identity and progress as a developing teacher

Please note that the course does not run to standard university terms. It is delivered full-time, starting in early September and continues over 10 months.

Four modules make up the PGCE programme:

New Generation of Learners introduces PGCE students to various fundamental educational theories. It starts the journey of addressing the gap between research and practice.

Pedagogy Practice Inquiry creates a critical link between PGCE students’ understanding of school-based practice, context and theory, and research and policy related to pedagogy (for example, through the lens of lesson planning).

Curriculum Development in Practice This module offers an opportunity for students to reflect on professional practice in their chosen subject, from the perspective of the curriculum.

The predominantly classroom-based Professional Studies and School-Based Practice fosters a critical understanding of issues related to developing professional competence as a teacher. Areas covered include effective teaching strategies, managing the teaching and learning environment, enhancing professional development, and creative dimensions of teaching and learning.

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.