Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Primary) (PGCE)

PgCert

This intensive one-year course is designed for graduates wishing to teach in primary schools.

Overview
Content
Additional information
How to apply
Fees and funding

Course level

Postgraduate

Modes of study

Full time

Attendance

One year full-time. 38 weeks University and partner school placements.

Location

Park Campus

Entry requirements

Applicants must hold an honours degree from a UK university (or equivalent) and whenever possible the classification should be a 2:1 or 1, although other strong candidates may be accepted. Evidence of a minimum of five days recent primary school experience is expected.

GCSE passes at grade C or above in Mathematics, English and Science are required by all candidates.

A good range of GCSE passes (or other qualifications and experience) is also required.

There is an interview to explore the candidate's suitability for teaching. CRB checks are undertaken.

Length of study

One year full-time

School

School of Education

Course content

This intensive one-year course is designed for graduates wishing to teach in primary schools and aims to prepare teachers for Key Stages 1 and 2, the five to eleven years age groups. It aims to prepare highly committed and creative professionals to enter primary education.

The course supports teacher trainees in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding required to demonstrate the professional standards for teaching required by the Department for Education (Teaching Agency).

On successful completion, graduates are recommended for and awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Teaching approaches are highly interactive, being delivered by tutors who have substantial and successful experience as senior primary school practitioners. The course prepares students to teach the National Curriculum (Key Stages 1 and 2) with an emphasis on the core subjects and key national strategies priorities, including systematic synthetic phonics. Students will also study professional issues including classroom organisation, behaviour management, planning, assessment and equal opportunities and inclusion.

A substantial part of the course will be spent in partner schools, which will enable students to develop competence in practical teaching in a range of educational contexts. Teacher tutors in those skills are key to supporting the professional development of trainees.

The course also contains two distinct strands - professional and academic - with modules at Masters level 7. Trainees will work on both strands and if successful will receive a Postgraduate Certificate in Education with QTS and 60 credits towards an MA in Education.

Reading list

Reading lists will be supplied at the start of the course.

Assessment

Assessment is continuous and includes written assignments and practical teaching. Partner schools share the responsibility for assessment.

Career opportunities

Students qualify to teach across the five to eleven age range, thus giving them access to a teaching career in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2. The course has excellent employment success for its graduates.

Application notes

Direct application to Graduate Teacher Training Registry at www.gttr.ac.uk from 1 September 2012 for commencing September 2013.

Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2012/13. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.