Lucy Westley
Senior Lecturer in Education (Maths & Professional Studies)
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Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) PGCE
Key Facts
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Duration
1 year full time
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Level
PostgraduatePG PGCE
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Starting
September
SEP
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Full Time: £9,790
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Waterside
Updated 12/02/2026
Overview
This course will develop you into a creative and innovative teacher of primary aged children (children aged 5 to 11 age range). Underpinned by up to date research and theory this course will enable you to teach both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.
At the end of the course you will be recommended for QTS, and you will also have studied for 60 credits at Masters’ level. This may contribute to a full Masters degree in the future if you wish to continue your studies.
The University of Northampton has a long-standing reputation in training creative, dynamic and innovative teachers that transform lives and inspire change for children.
The programme will start the first Monday in September.
Highlights
- Super supportive learning environment
- You will be assigned a Personal Academic Tutor who is your main contact throughout the course and are there for you both personally and academically
- Placements in two different schools with trained mentors including:
- Moderation Tutor whilst on placement
- UON trained mentor who is based in the school where you are training
- Use of School Experience Collection within the 24/7 library and learning zone
- ITT provision rated Good by Ofsted (May 2022)
A teacher packing away some wooden sticks and building items with a pupil.
An image of a classroom at Abbey Primary School.
A teacher practicing spellings with a pupil at Abbey Primary School.
A teacher hands out worksheets to pupils at Abbey Primary School.
A teacher supporting a pupil filling a plant pot during a lesson.
A teacher in a classroom with pupils during a lesson.
Students tipping water into measuring jugs during a lesson.
Children in the playground at Abbey Primary School on the climbing apparatus.
Entry Requirements
You must hold an honours degree from a UK University (or recognised equivalent) and the classification should be a 2:2 or above.
You will need to have GCSE passes at grade C/4 in mathematics, English language or English Literature and science, or recognised equivalent before the start of the course.* You will be required to provide proof of these with original certificates.
If you are required to undertake an equivalency test we will accept a grade 4 or better from the following:
- Equivalency Testing for English, mathematics or science (combined or Biology).
- A Star Equivalency for mathematics or science (combined or Biology) but NOT for English.
If you already have an equivalency exam from another provider then please contact University Admissions who will be able to advise you if it is acceptable.
If you have a GCSE Double Award in science, you must have a grade C/4 or above.
If you have any questions regarding your qualifications please contact Admissions for advice prior to your application.
You will be interviewed, and you will need to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and health checks.
It is considered that you will benefit from school experience before the course starts.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- successful interview by the University*
- successful Occupational Health Screening*, and
- a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report*
- evidence of original qualification certificates* (copies are not accepted)
*These checks are all required prior to enrolment to the programme.
Intellectual and academic capabilities
Prior to the award of QTS, providers must assure trainees’ capabilities in English and mathematics. Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure Fundamental English and mathematics, whereas responsibility for assurance lies with the provider.
If you would like more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
Appeals and complaints
If you wish to appeal our decision or have cause to complain, please contact the Admissions Office first to see if we can resolve the problem. If you feel you need to take your complaint or appeal further please refer to our University complaints and appeals process and complete the Applicant Complaint and Appeals Form.
What You'll Learn
This course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG4 Quality Education.
You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that you need to become a creative teacher who will be able to make a significant difference to the lives of children. In doing so you will demonstrate the professional standards for teaching the 5 to 11 age range as required by the Department for Education. We are committed to ensuring you achieve a high-quality primary education degree with QTS.
This course focuses on the priorities of the KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum and national priorities in education. You will learn how to teach, how to lead and you will develop your subject knowledge to give you confidence and competence in the classroom.
Compulsory Modules
This module contains one school based placementThis aims to develop students understanding of primary school classes, current curriculum structures and relevant pedagogies with particular reference to children aged 5-11The module is designed to develop an awareness of the skills and attitudes needed for entry to the teaching profession, through observation, planning, teaching and assessment.
This is an assessed placement undertaken by students in one school contextIt is designed to support critical reflection on and evaluation of teaching and learning in the key stages for which students are being trainedIt is also designed to develop an awareness of the skills and attitudes needed for entry to the teaching profession, through practical teachingThe module is designed to enable students to increase their understanding of the role of and the professional responsibilities of a KS1 and KS2 Primary teacher as well as continuing to develop secure subject pedagogical knowledgeStudents will develop these skills through a process of observed practice, critical reflection and implementation with mentor supportTo comply with regulatory requirements, this placement must ensure that students are able to demonstrate competence in all Teachers’ Standards across KS1 and KS2It must be completed in the alternate key stage to that in which the Placement 3 will be undertaken.
This is an assessed school or setting based placement undertaken by students in one school contextIt is designed to provide opportunities for critical reflection on, and evaluation of teaching and learning in the key stages for which students are being trainedIt is also designed to further develop a repertoire of skills necessary for entry to the teaching profession, through intensive practical teaching experienceThe module is designed to enable students to increase their understanding of the role of and the professional responsibilities of a KS1 and KS2 Primary teacherStudents will develop these skills further through a process of observed practice, critical reflection and implementation with mentor supportThis module will prepare the student for their early career professional development as a Newly Qualified Teacher by identifying suitable targets and support needed in their first teaching postNBTo comply with regulatory requirements, this placement must ensure that students are able to demonstrate competence in all Teachers’ Standards across KS1 and KS2It must be completed in the alternate key stage to that in which the Placement 2 was undertaken.
The purpose of this module is To enhance knowledge and critical understanding of effective professional practice including up to date research, national priorities, curriculum expectations and professional development in preparation for employment as a primary school teacher.
The purpose of this module is to develop the students primary curriculum subject and pedagogical knowledge alongside a critical understanding of the primary school curriculum including the teaching learning and assessment cycleThrough Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) students will develop skills in pivotal aspects of systematic synthetic phonics.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
There are three seven week block placements during the programme which enables you to get fully immersed into the life of the school and to understand the role of the teacher. By the end of the third placement you will assume 80% of the class and teacher responsibilities, which will prepare you for the next stages of your career.
Alongside your placements, there are two Masters’ level modules: Teaching, Learning and Assessment, and Professional Studies. These modules are worth 60 credits at Masters’ level and can contribute to the MA in Education.
What will my timetable look like?
Typically your course will start on the first Monday of September. For the first four weeks you will be in university sessions on campus. You will be taught in a range of specialist rooms. Timetables are confirmed in September.
How will I learn?
You will engage in face to face, online and offsite Learning Events which enable you to reflect and act on University and school-based placements. Throughout the course you will be supported in your independent and group learning by a range of expert tutors at university and by trained mentors in school.
How is the course structured?
Your course consists of university and school-based learning. You will be in school for at least 120 days. University based days are normally between 9am and 5pm. School-based days will vary according to the requirements of the school and specific placement expectations, but general expectations are that you will be in school between 8.15am and 4.30pm.
How am I assessed?
Assessment is continuous. You will engage in written assignments and presentations which will contribute towards your Master’s Level Modules. Your teaching, including planning and assessment, will be assessed during each placement and you will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of your training. Partner schools share the responsibility for assessment during the practical teaching.
Is there a reading list?
The core text is Cremin, T. and Burnett, C. (eds) (2018) Learning to Teach in the Primary School. 4th Ed. Abingdon: Routledge (also available as an eBook). Further reading lists will be assigned to each module.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fee
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 26/27 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,790*
*Please note, this fee is subject to parliamentary procedure. It is expected to be confirmed in early 2026 and may change in future years of study.
During your course, you may need to travel to placement locations, which could result in additional costs such as bus fares or petrol. In some cases, these expenses may be subsidised by the university. Further details, including eligibility and the process for claiming reimbursement, will be provided by your course team or placement coordinator.
There will also be additional costs for paper based materials for recording and storage of evidence.
If you studied your undergraduate degree with the University of Northampton and are enrolling on to a full-time PGCE Primary QTS 5-11 course in 2026/27 then you will be eligible for the University of Northampton Alumni PGCE Bursary Award*.
Details of other awards that may be available can be found on our Bursaries and Scholarships pages.
*Terms and Conditions apply
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,535
Staff
Sarah Cave
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
Andrew Debenham
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
Helen Tiplady
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT Science)
Alexia Achtypi
Senior Lecturer in Education
Devon Rossetti
Senior Lecturer in Education
Claire Shelley
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT Mathematics)
Korrin Smith-Whitehouse
Senior Lecturer in Education (SEN and Inclusion)
Careers and Employability
When you successfully complete this course you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status which is presently nationally recognised as the professional qualification for teachers. You will be assessed in teaching the 5-11 age range, thus giving you access to a primary teaching career.
