Entry requirements

Prior to admission to the programme, all students are required by the Department for Education (DfE) to have:

  • at least GCSE or 'O' level at grade C or 4 (if taken after summer 2017) or an equivalent overseas qualification in English and Mathematics;
  • a degree (with a 2:2 or above) or an equivalent qualification, in a subject relevant to the proposed main teaching subject.

NB: Equivalence tests for GCSEs will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Such applications will be assessed and reviewed by the subject tutor, programme director and PGCE administration manager.

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Months of entry

September

Course content

We have a long history of training teachers and are currently rated 'outstanding' by Ofsted. Our one-year programme is available in a range of secondary subjects and will lead to both a postgraduate qualification (PGCE) and qualified teacher status (QTS), enabling you to teach across the 11-19 age range. In addition, you will gain up to 60 master's-level credits that you can put towards an MSc in Education.

We work in partnership with more than 60 local schools, offering two routes into teaching - university-led and School Direct - allowing you to choose the route that suits you. Our programmes are current, challenging and innovative, and are informed by both our own extensive research in the field of education as well as current practice.

You will spend two thirds of your time on placement in at least two contrasting schools. Notably, our programme includes a short placement in a primary school, as well as offering the opportunity to gain experience in a special school. The remaining time is spent at university where you will join our diverse student community.

At Bristol you will be given a personal tutor in your specialist subject, ensuring you receive the very highest levels of both pastoral and professional support. Our strong community and student support sets us apart from other providers and is frequently commented on by both students and external inspectors.

The Chief External Examiner commented in 2018 that 'there is a very strong model of partnership that underpins the course... The PGCE tutors are excellent and use their own research and that of others to inform the content of the individual programmes within the course. The students greatly value this expertise and recognise the contribution that the University makes to their learning.'

Information for international students

See international equivalent qualifications on the International Office website.

Fees and funding

The Department for Education offers bursaries for eligible students. For further information please refer to their funding page.

Further information on funding for prospective UK and international postgraduate students.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • PGCE
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Student Services Office
Email
ed-pgce@bristol.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0) 117 331 4492