Taught course

Primary

Institution
University of Portsmouth · School of Education, Languages and Linguistics
Qualifications
PGCE

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 enthuse and inspire young children who are just beginning their learning journey, this accredited Primary PGCE is perfect for you.

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

You'll be studying with expert practitioners and academic researchers in your university sessions, and with school-based mentors in your school placements. 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. 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. If you're interested in further study, you can earn level 7 credits on the course, which you can put towards a Master's degree in the future.

What you'll experience

On this course, you'll:

  • Follow three interconnected streams – Curriculum Studies, Professional Studies and School Experience
  • Develop skills and knowledge in all three streams as you practise your lesson planning and delivery
  • Grown your teaching skills through practical activity and the study of theories and contemporary issues in education
  • Share your experience and learn from other students through lectures and seminars
  • Learn key teaching skills, including lesson planning, classroom management, and special needs and inclusion
  • Get work experience in a teaching placement, where you'll work closely with mentors and other school staff
  • Have the opportunity of a placement in an alternative educational setting, such as Pupil Referral Units, secondary or SEND schools, Early Years settings. Hospital schools or the educational departments in a museum, zoo or theme park.
  • Study topics including pedagogy and practice-based research, behaviour management, assessment and special education 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.

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Business and Law Career-Ready Programme. This support will continue for 5 years after you graduate.

Career support

You'll benefit from:

- Networking events

- Regular emails from the Career Ready Programme sharing job opportunities, application tips and events

- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council

- Workshops to enhance your employability skills

- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair

- 1-to-1 appointments

- CV and cover letter advice

- Interview preparation and practice

- Support starting your own business

Careers and opportunities

Careers this course prepares you for

Once you graduate, you'll be ready to start your teaching career as a fully-qualified Primary school teacher. As a new teacher, you could expect 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 career as an established teaching professional, 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 course, 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.

As well as teaching, graduates of this course have gone on to work in areas such as:
  • education liaison
  • private tuition
  • activities leadership
  • further study at Master's level

Career planning

During your course you'll have expert career support from your tutors and from our Careers and Employability Centre, which you can access for 5 years after you graduate.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

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

Course contact details

Name
University Admissions Centre
Email
admissions@port.ac.uk
Phone
023 9284 5566