PGCE Primary with QTS*

On your PGCE, you’ll have lectures and seminars at Manchester Met and will typically spend a minimum of 120 days on two teaching placements across the North West.

In university, you will explore key aspects of primary teaching including managing behaviour, planning and assessing learning. You’ll consider approaches to teaching such as: the benefits of learning outside the classroom; practical science experiments and investigations; mathematical problem solving and engaging in experiential learning. A fundamental part of the course is exploring how theory supports classroom practice.

As part of the Manchester Met curriculum you will explore the fundamental theories of pedagogy, behaviour management, assessment, curriculum and professional behaviours. In addition to this you will examine key themes such as research informed practice, career focussed teacher development, subject and age phase expertise and teaching for the community.

You’ll develop research informed practice during lectures and seminars, where you will analyse the latest educational research and theories and use this knowledge in your practice. When you first arrive, we’ll give you a full overview of the year to help you to stay organised throughout the course and know what to expect and when.

During your first weeks in university taught sessions, you’ll explore curriculum pedagogies, professional responsibilities and expectations. You’ll work in groups and independently to update your subject knowledge and gain confidence before your first teaching placement.

You will go on your first placement in late September, where you’ll gradually put the skills you’ve learnt at university into practice and build your confidence in the classroom. You will start your placement with a period of induction followed by two intensive training and practice weeks in both university and school where you will develop foundational key skills. You’ll be supported by a class mentor and progressively take on the responsibility of whole class teaching. This will include planning, teaching and evaluating your lessons, assessing the children’s progress, and contributing to other aspects of a typically busy school life. Your first placement will be followed by time in university before starting your second placement. In this placement you will, with support and mentoring, progress to teaching an 80% timetable.

When you’re on placement, your class mentor will support, guide and coach you. You will also receive support from your personal tutor at university and a university visiting tutor.

Degree
You must have obtained (or be working towards) a 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent). For exceptional candidates, particularly those with a higher-level degree or substantial relevant work experience in schools or relevant occupations, we will consider applications from those who hold a 3rd class degree.

GCSE
You will need GCSE grade C/4 or above in English language, mathematics and science.

You can apply with GCSEs pending for this course and sit the relevant equivalency tests approved by Manchester Met (see our admissions tutor team for approved equivalency providers).

As per government requirements for teacher training courses, we are not able to accept key skills, adult numeracy and literacy or functional skills as an alternative to GCSE English language and mathematics. We are not able to accept human biology, physiology, environmental or agricultural science as an alternative to GCSE science qualification. We are not able to consider Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-levels, BTECs) as an alternative to GCSE English language, mathematics and science.

If you are due to graduate or have graduated within the last three years your principal referee must be a university lecturer from where you graduated.

A Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) and satisfactory health check are also required. Instructions on how to complete these checks will be provided once you hold a firm offer for this course.

Overseas
Overseas candidates should have Cambridge Proficiency in English or IELTS 7.0 with no component below 6.0, taken within two years of course start date. Further details can be found on mmu.ac.uk/international

Personal Statement
To apply for teacher training the personal statement plays an important role in the admissions process. Successful candidates will demonstrate a good understanding of teaching and learning within a primary school setting. You may wish to evidence your understanding by drawing on related examples or experiences, such as time spent in schools or other learning settings.

Interview
You will be expected to attend an interview as part of the application process. Full details of your interview will be provided by email once your initial application has been approved.