Primary Education (PGCE)

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold a good honours degree (normally 2.1 or above) of a UK university or a recognised equivalent qualification. The content of the applicant's previous education must provide the necessary foundation for work as a primary school teacher. Applicants should have the equivalent of a GCSE grade C or above in mathematics, English language and a science subject, but applications may be made before these have been obtained. Within the previous year, and prior to application, applicants must normally have at least 15 days of experience in mainstream UK schools in Key Stage 1 and/or Key Stage 2 and this should be itemised on the application form.

Months of entry

September

Course content

The Primary Education PGCE will provide you with understanding of educational theory and of how that relates to practice, alongside an in-depth understanding, and experience of, the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, enabling you to kick-start a rewarding career in teaching.

Your university-based training will cover aspects such as educational theory, subject knowledge, safeguarding, philosophy of education which will underpin and impact upon your practice. School-based placements form a large part of the PGCE and you will complete a series of these over the course of your training. Arranged by Northumbria University, your placements will include group and individual tasks, observation and the planning and delivery of lessons – all of which will provide you with a strong grounding in the roles and responsibilities of a teacher.

During the placements, you will be supported and mentored by experienced teachers and senior leaders. You will also be assigned to a link tutor from Northumbria, who will support both you and your school-based mentors to ensure that your school experience fully develops your skills as a teacher.

Successful completion of the PGCE Primary Education course will provide you with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. This allows you to immediately begin working in a school or other educational establishment.

Information for international students

Students whose first language is not English must have an IELTS score of 6.5 with a minimum score in each component of 5.5. Pearson Academic score of 62 (or above) with a minimum score in each component of Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking of 51.