PGCE Primary

Entry requirements

You will need to be able to provide certificated evidence of an undergraduate honours degree or an approved equivalent qualification, preferably 2:2 or above and awarded in the UK.

It is a requirement that all those training to teach must have achieved a grade 4 (C) or above in mathematics, English Language and a science subject (or approved equivalents). Please note that we will only consider you if you have already achieved one out of the three GCSEs (or approved equivalents) prior to submitting your application.

Roehampton does not offer GCSE equivalency tests. We accept the equivalency tests in science (the single Science Biology and the combined), mathematics and English offered by Equivalency Testing or by A Star Equivalency. Please contact them directly via their websites.

A period of school observation before interview is not a requirement. However, we do recommend this if you have the opportunity as it can help you develop your understanding of teaching and learning. Carefully observe how the teacher engages with the children and the different ways they learn. If you cannot arrange this experience, we have some materials on our Welcome Pages to support your pre-course development which will be sent to you if you gain and accept a place on the course.

For your references, you should approach people who can comment on your character and suitability to enter the teaching profession. The first reference should be from the school in which you undertook your experience. The second reference must be academic if applicants have graduated within the last 5 years; if more than 5 years ago, it can be from an employer or professional colleague but not a family member or friend.

You must ask referees to include a statement in the reference which asks if they have any knowledge whether or not you are suitable to be working with children. If they know of no reason why you should not be working with children please ask them to write, ‘I know of no reason why [insert name] cannot work with children.’

For more information on Entry Requirements please visit - www.roehampton.ac.uk/applying/pgce-primary-entry-requirements/

Months of entry

September

Course content

“Outstanding" awarded by Ofsted for Initial Teacher Training (ITE) primary age courses - The University of Roehampton London has secured an "Outstanding" rating from Ofsted for its initial teaching education (ITE) primary age courses. The University's primary-age phase courses, that currently have 673 trainees, scored "Outstanding" for overall effectiveness, quality of education and training, leadership, and management in a 2023 report.

Do you want to inspire young people and help change lives? Would you like to enjoy a great starting salary and a rewarding career? Teaching offers all of this. Being able to educate and inspire future generations, seeing young children grow and develop with your help is unlike any other job.

As one of the UK’s leading and longest-running providers of teacher education, we can offer you the best foundation for a successful career in the profession. Completion of this one year course will provide you with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from one of the highest rated providers in the country. PGCE Primary at Roehampton will provide you with 60 credits towards a master's qualification.

If you study PGCE Primary at Roehampton you will be taught by a supportive, passionate and driven team of academic staff who are all specialists in their subject areas. Our academic staff strive to ensure you receive the best education and will encourage you to become a confident and successful teacher. We also have a range of support departments to help you with everything from dealing with money matters, to support with your studies.

This postgraduate course gives you the tools to build a successful career in teaching while providing a holistic view of the profession; you will look at the role of the child, the curriculum and the teacher. You will apply to specialise in a pathway for either 3-7 or 5-11 year olds.

You will cover all of the National Curriculum Core and Foundation Subjects, examine learning across the curriculum and the relationship between the subjects in these two groups.

You will study a range of modules which will hone your expertise and effectiveness as a teacher. You will learn how to manage a classroom, how planning and preparation contribute to the effectiveness of your teaching, how best to work with parents and other adults, and gain an understanding of children’s behaviour.

Our subject rooms are set up to include resources you will find in a primary classroom environment. This is important for your full immersion into the school environment and familiarity with the way classrooms are structured, and the type of resources teachers need on a daily basis.

Two assessed teaching placements in our partner schools will provide you with invaluable hands-on work experience giving you the confidence for your future career and a better understanding of how teaching works in practice. The opportunity to review pedagogy in other schools is also provided.

All our academic staff have extensive teaching experience in schools, and many have served in local authorities or subject associations as advisory teachers, as Ofsted inspectors or as consultants. This means that our programmes are based on the reality of the classroom and the education system. Many work at the cutting edge of research in teacher education, which has a positive impact on the quality of provision for all of our students.

Information for international students

International students | University of Roehampton, London

Fees and funding

Financial support – postgraduate students (UK) | University of Roehampton, London