Primary PGCE

Entry requirements

Essential criteria:

All applicants will be required to apply through UCAS by completing an online application form. Applications will then be assessed against the entry criteria for the relevant programme and applicants invited to attend an interview on the basis of this information.

All applicants should:

• Have a sound academic profile;
• have the aptitude, capability, and resilience to meet the required QTS outcomes by the end of their ITE programme;

• possess the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to become excellent practitioners;
• read effectively and be able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English and/or Welsh;
• not have a criminal background which might prevent them working with children or vulnerable young people, or as an education practitioner; and have not previously been barred or excluded from teaching or working with learners (student teachers are required to arrange for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS));
• demonstrate at the interview stage as having the appropriate personal functional skills in literacy, numeracy and digital competence applicable in a professional teaching and learning context;
• demonstrate their suitability to become excellent teachers;
• meet the requirements of the Welsh Government's Education Health Standards (2004)*, confirming their health and physical capacity to undertake a teacher's responsibilities.

GCSE Requirements:

GCSE Grade C / Grade 4 or above in either English Language or Welsh Language (First Language), Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy and Science (or a standard equivalent)

Students studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE grade C or above in Welsh (First language)

Please note that Grade C / Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language or Welsh First Language, Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy and Science (or a standard equivalent) should already have been achieved in order to be considered for interview.​

GCSE Equivalents:

Cardiff Met accepts equivalency qualifications for the GCSE requirements from an accredited course via a reputable institution. From Aberystwyth University, we also accept the Mathematics equivalency module (Introduction to Mathematics 1 & 2) and the English equivalency module (English Language Skills).​

Please click here to view Cardiff Met's guidelines on C grade equivalents.

Initial Degree Requirements:

Honours degree in an area related to primary education, of at least 2:2 classification; or any honours degree of at least 2:2 classification where an A level grade C or above (or equivalent) has been obtained in a primary curriculum subject area.  Access to HE programmes are considered as an equivalent to A level within a relevant subject where 15 Merits have been achieved at Level 3. CACHE Level 3 Diplomas at grade C are also considered as well as Pearson BTEC (QCF)/OCR/NQF Level 3 Diplomas within Childcare at Merit Profile.

Applications may be considered from those who have achieved below a 2:2 Honours degree, but where higher qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience have been attained, e.g. Masters, PhD.

Work Experience:

Applicants are asked to ideally evidence at least 10 days work experience in a mainstream school across the primary age range within the 12 months prior to application. At least 5 days experience needs to be place prior to your interview and evidenced within the personal statement of the UCAS application.

Personal Statement:

A strong personal statement indicating the applicant's potential to undertake the PGCE Primary Programme. The statement should demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and personal experience gained in primary education to date and how this has equipped the applicant to potentially be an effective primary teacher. Reference to personal experiences/extra curricular interests that could contribute to enriching children's learning should also be included. A high standard of written English/Welsh is essential.

Academic reference:

The principal referee must be an academic who is most able to comment on the applicant's academic and vocational abilities. An academic reference for those applicants who have undertaken their degree more than 5 years in not required although one is preferred if this can be obtained. For those applicants whose HEI reference is more than 8 years old, a reference from a more recent educational professional such as a head teacher is required. It is important that this referee can make objective and informed judgements based on significant knowledge of the applicant in an educational context. Should you have any queries regarding your reference, please contact Admissions.

Criminal Records/DBS Check:

Entry is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs.

Months of entry

September

Course content

​If you are a graduate with a passion for learning and an interest in a career in primary teaching, this course is for you. The PGCE Primary Education degree is a one year course that leads to the award of qualified teacher status. The course aims to prepare student teachers to be highly-skilled, confident, critically reflective and innovative practitioners who are committed to life-long professional learning and the education of young people.

The Primary PGCE is also available to study through the medium of Welsh, TAR Cynradd.

Please note: ITE courses in Wales have recently undergone an accreditation process by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). Cardiff Metropolitan University will provide PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary ITE courses as part of the Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education.

Information for international students

For international applicants, whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 overall with no sub score lower than 7.0 (or equivalent qualification) will be required for admission to the programme. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website.

Fees and funding

As a postgraduate, research or part-time student, the tuition fees you are charged will depend on the course you choose to study. Full information is available on our website.