PGCE Top-up Primary/Early Years/Secondary

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course enables academic study alongside full-time teaching. It consists of formal taught sessions with tutors held at weekends or during the mid-term breaks. We also deliver teaching through online sources, which you can access anywhere, at your convenience through our Virtual Learning Environment, NILE. You will also have access to the library and a tutor, who will be available to help in person or online, and we hold regular webinars to support your studies.

  This course is designed to support your professional development, embedding academic studies in the context of your work. You will enhance your QTS by studying modules at Masters’ level to gain the PGCE qualification. It will give you a deeper understanding of teaching and learning to enhance your practice and help you on your way to a Masters’ degree and beyond if you wish to progress this further.

  Module information can be found on the Award Map.

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• Entry Requirements

  Applicants are required to have a minimum of 2:2 classification from their First Degree from a UK university of equivalent.

  You must have QTS status through the Graduate Teacher Programme or School Direct route and an assessed professional portfolio. This portfolio must include:

  • evidence of your QTS and how you have met the Teaching Standards
  • demonstration of your commitment to CPD
  • support for your application from your Head Teacher

  Further information about the full contents of the portfolio will be sent to you when you apply.

  Applicants should normally be currently teaching in a school whilst participating in the course. If you are not currently teaching your application will be considered on a case-by-case basis; individuals in this situation must be able to find a school in which to undertake small-scale classroom based enquiry for the second module of the course. We are happy to discuss this with individuals.

  For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

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• Fees and Funding

  21/22 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • £2,490 (60 credits)

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2021 entry

  20/21 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • £2,475

  There are currently no additional costs anticipated for this course for 2021 entry.

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• FAQs

  How will I be assessed?

  You will have a variety of assessments, submitted throughout the year. They will include reflective pieces of writing, essays and a small-scale research project.

  How will I learn?

  The entire course consists of 18 hours of interactive, taught sessions, involving activities and discussions. This course is run over three terms, generally in October, January and April. You should also expect to do six to 10 hours of private study each week.

  The structure of the course has been created to accommodate practicing teachers term times, this is largely an online course with the requirement for private study. There are 3 conferences held at the University (one per term, usually held on Saturdays) with virtual alternatives for those studying at a distance.

  It is therefore possible to study on this course without needing to come to Northampton.

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Careers and Employability

Most PGCE top-up students will already be professional teachers, however this qualification will allow you to teach in other countries, subject to their own regulations, and opens up opportunities for career progression such as leadership and management.