Primary

Entry requirements

A UK degree or equivalent (a minimum of 2:2 is desirable). GCSE Mathematics, English language and a science subject at grade C (Grade 4) or above, or equivalent. All shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview. All offers are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and Occupational Health clearance.

Applicants whose first language is not English, and who do not have GCSE English language at grade C (Grade 4) or above, require English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component less than 6.0.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Overview

If you have the ambition to inspire children aged 5 to 11 as they begin their learning journey, this accredited Primary PGCE is perfect for you.

You'll learn to be an amazing primary school teacher who can engage your pupils, work productively with your colleagues, and keep improving your teaching practice throughout your career.

You'll study with expert practitioners and academic researchers in your university teacher training sessions, and spend at least 120 days on placement in a primary school or other educational setting, with support from school-based mentors.

We'll offer you school placements in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, and give you a taste of teaching and learning outside mainstream primary education to broaden your knowledge of the sector.

When you graduate, you'll be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which qualifies you to teach in UK schools as a primary teacher. You'll also be well placed for moving into school management roles, other training careers or any role that calls for creative communication and problem-solving skills.

Course highlights

• Gain the skills, confidence and expertise to earn Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - the teaching qualification you'll need to become a primary school teacher in the UK and overseas
• Spend a minimum of 120 days working in a primary school or other educational setting on a teaching placement, where you'll work closely with mentors to build your teaching, lesson planning and classroom skills, as well as your wider professional development
• Have the opportunity of a placement in an alternative educational setting that matches your career aspirations, such as Pupil Referral Units (PRUs), secondary schools or special educational needs and disability (SEND) schools
• Develop your primary teaching knowledge and skills through five interconnected areas – Behaviour Management, Pedagogy, Curriculum, Assessment, and Professional Behaviours – as part of an integrated approach connecting theory to school-based practice
• Share your experiences and learn from other PGCE teacher training students in lectures and seminars
• Learn key primary teaching skills ahead of your teaching placements, including lesson planning, classroom management, and special needs and inclusion
• Have access to free student membership of the Chartered College of Teaching, where you'll find career guides, online resources and new teacher events
• Be guaranteed an interview when you apply for this PGCE as an undergraduate student or graduate of the University of Portsmouth, no matter your subject or when you graduated

Careers and opportunities

Once you graduate this primary teaching degree, you'll have everything you need to become a primary teacher.

You'll be ready to start your career as a fully-qualified primary school teacher, on a starting salary of at least £30,000 in the UK, depending on where you teach.

As its an internationally-recognised qualification, this PGCE Primary course will also enable you to work as a teacher overseas, including in the USA, Canada and Australia.

And, as you progress in your primary teaching career, you'll have opportunities for further career progression in teaching and management roles, including Head of Year and Subject Leader.

If you're interested in further study, you will earn 60 postgraduate credits on this Primary PGCE, which you can put towards a full Master's degree (worth 180 credits) in the future, such as our MA Education Studies.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

This Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) is a recognised qualification and once you graduate, you'll be eligible for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

QTS is awarded by the Teacher Regulation Agency (TRA) to identify that a person meets all the Teachers’ Standards and criteria. QTS is required in England to teach in a state school that is under local authority control and in special schools. QTS is also recognised in some countries outside England and Wales.