Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) PGCE

Course Content

• Course Details

  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.

  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 2024/25 then you will be eligible for the University of Northampton Alumni PGCE Bursary Award*.

  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.

  *Terms and Conditions apply

  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.

  • Stage 1
    • School Experience PGCE1 Primary Education 5-11 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3051P

      Status: Compulsory
      This module contains one school based placement. This aims to develop students understanding of primary school classes, current curriculum structures and relevant pedagogies with particular reference to children aged 5-11. The 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.
    • School Experience PGCE2 Primary Education 5-11 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3052P

      Status: Compulsory
      This is an assessed placement undertaken by students in one school context. It is designed to support critical reflection on and evaluation of teaching and learning in the key stages for which students are being trained. It is also designed to develop an awareness of the skills and attitudes needed for entry to the teaching profession, through practical teaching. The 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 knowledge. Students will develop these skills through a process of observed practice, critical reflection and implementation with mentor support. To comply with regulatory requirements, this placement must ensure that students are able to demonstrate competence in all Teachers' Standards across KS1 and KS2. It must be completed in the alternate key stage to that in which the Placement 3 will be undertaken.
    • School Experience PGCE3 Primary Education 5-11 (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3053P

      Status: Compulsory
      This is an assessed school or setting based placement undertaken by students in one school context. It is designed to provide opportunities for critical reflection on, and evaluation of teaching and learning in the key stages for which students are being trained. It is also designed to further develop a repertoire of skills necessary for entry to the teaching profession, through intensive practical teaching experience. The 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. Students will develop these skills further through a process of observed practice, critical reflection and implementation with mentor support. This 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 post. NB. To comply with regulatory requirements, this placement must ensure that students are able to demonstrate competence in all Teachers' Standards across KS1 and KS2. It must be completed in the alternate key stage to that in which the Placement 2 was undertaken.
    • Professional Studies (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITTM004

      Status: Compulsory
      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.
    • Teaching, Learning and Subject Knowledge (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITTM008

      Status: Compulsory
      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 cycle. Through Intensive Training and Practice (ITaP) students will develop skills in pivotal aspects of systematic synthetic phonics.

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• School Based Placements

  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.

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• FAQs

  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.

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