Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYTS) PGCE

Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom, Nottingham

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Home/United Kingdom/Nottingham /Nottingham Trent University/Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYTS) PGCE

Nottingham Trent University

United Kingdom , Nottingham

Key Facts

Program Level

Graduate Certificate

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Clifton Campus

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake DeadlinesSeptember-2026

Apply to this program

Go to the official application for the university

Duration 1 year(s)

Next Intake September-2026

Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYTS) PGCE

About

Introduction:

The early years play a vital part in shaping a child’s lifelong development. Early years teachers facilitate the development of young children from birth to 5 years. They plan, organise and run a wide range of play-based learning and structured activities for young children in a nurturing environment. They also work closely with parents, guardians and social workers to ensure continuity of care.

Whether you’ve just graduated or are employed in an early years setting, studying with us will provide you with the knowledge and understanding required to give children the best start in life. At NTU, we’re working to raise the status of the early years workforce. You’ll be taught by staff with extensive experience of working with children and families, who will support you in becoming a professional, knowledgeable and skilled early years teacher.

You’ll be equipped with the subject knowledge and professional skills demanded by early years settings, completing the course as a confident and resilient practitioner. You’ll help to foster healthy development and unlock the potential of every child.

You’ll be recommended for accreditation for Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) with the Department for Education upon course completion, allowing you to work with higher ratios in an early years setting.  
Course fees are covered by the DfE funding and generous funding is available for employers on the graduate employment route.
You’ll gain 60 credits towards a full Masters degree by studying the Professional Leadership and Knowledge of Early Learning and EYFS module at Masters level.
You’ll have the option of studying an optional forest school module with access to our Clifton Forest School.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

What are we looking for?

A UK degree or equivalent; and
GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C or equivalent are compulsory. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk. If you have pending qualifications, you will still be considered but you must achieve the required grades before beginning your course. If necessary, you can take GCSEs as a private candidate. Find out how to do this on the AQA website.
an interview.

In addition to this for the employment route you will need:

one year’s work experience in a related role; current employment in a related field; and
paid employment with an Early Years setting for at least 15 hours per week during the assessment period; and

Written support from your employer.

Other requirements:

an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and any other safeguarding checks that may be necessary

There is no longer a requirement to complete Department for Education Professional Skills Tests.

International qualifications

We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:

Entry requirements by country

English language entry requirements

You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
We would also recommend that you ensure you understand the UK Student Visa regulations.

English Program Requirements

Career

Careers and employability

The Early Years Initial Teacher Training PGCE allows you to teach children from birth to 5 years in a variety of settings, including private nurseries, pre-schools, and reception classes in academies and independent schools. Free Schools, alternate provision and academies can employ teaching staff without the requirement for them to hold QTS.

The course has been designed to support you to gain employment in leadership roles within an Early Years setting, such as: