PGCE Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education

Entry requirements

You are normally required to have at least a 2:2 honours degree, or equivalent from a university outside the UK.

You will need to have achieved Grade 4 (or C) or above in GCSE Mathematics, English Language and a Science subject, or equivalent qualifications.

As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.

You will also need to demonstrate competence in Fundamental English and mathematics by the end of the course. This is a new DfE requirement which replaces the QTS skills tests in literacy and numeracy.

If you accept an offer with us you will also be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks.

Apply for this course through DfE Apply and select Provider Code R12 and course Primary (X100).

Months of entry

September

Course content

Gain the experience, opportunity and knowledge to work in Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 with the PGCE Primary Education.

Our Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), qualifying you to teach children aged five to 11.

Reading's Institute of Education boasts award-wining tutors and consistently high graduate employment rates and provides outstanding support and pastoral care. In 2021/22, 98% of our leavers were in work and/or study 15 months after the end of their course (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2024, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22, based on Postgraduate (taught) responders from the Institute of Education).

You will be taught by a diverse and experienced community of academics, benefiting from their expertise and experiences in a wide range of educational settings and learning environments.

On the course you will develop teaching skills and techniques as well as acquire curriculum knowledge and understanding within a broad and relevant theoretical framework.

Your teaching responsibilities increase gradually during the year. You will experience inspirational teaching, individualised support and high-quality phonics preparation, and will benefit from strong links between schools and the University.

Learning takes place through a series of lectures, practical seminars and workshops, where interactive and discussion-based techniques will encourage you to engage, reflect and challenge. Sessions may include:

• participating in workshop style sessions with your peers
• attending presentations by subject experts
• working on tasks in groups
• having individual tutorials
• visits to schools or other education settings.

Alongside the University tutors, you will be taught and guided by a team of committed and experienced University-trained school mentors.

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent).