About

Introduction:

Primary education is a fundamental part of any child’s academic and personal development. Primary teachers play a crucial role in developing a child’s essential knowledge and skills. More than that, they spark our young people’s imaginations, encourage their curiosity and nurture a love for learning. They act as role models, inspiring the next generation, and making a positive impact on pupils' lives.

Whether you’re currently completing your degree, have just graduated, or are planning a career change, studying with us will enable you to launch your career as a dynamic and inspirational primary teacher. At NTU, we understand that the best way to learn how to teach is in the classroom, which is why you’ll spend much of your time on the course in schools. You’ll be taught by former primary school teachers here at the university and be mentored by teachers in schools, who will support you in building your expertise, critical thinking and creativity.

You’ll cover the curriculum in detail, bringing it to life for pupils, and developing who you are as a teacher. You’ll be equipped with the subject knowledge and professional skills to teach across the whole curriculum to meet the developing requirements demanded of primary school teachers. You’ll help to shape the minds, lives and futures of all our young people.

You’ll be recommended for accreditation for Qualified Teacher Status with the Department for Education, allowing you to take a post as an Early Career Teacher upon course completion.   
Placement opportunities in a variety of primary settings are embedded throughout the course.
The Learn to Teach a Subject and Learn to Teach modules can be achieved at Masters level. Successful completion of these at Masters level will result in 60 credits towards a full Masters degree.

100

%

of PGCE Primary Education graduates were in high-skilled jobs 15 months after completing their studies (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21)

Requirements

Entry Requirements

What are we looking for?

You will need:

a third class UK honours degree or equivalent
GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C /4 or equivalent. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk. Applicants with pending qualifications will be considered
an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check, and any other safeguarding checks that may be necessary
two references.

Other requirements

Strong applicants are invited to an assessment centre, which incorporates a number of tasks (including an English assessment) and an interview.
It may strengthen your application to have had some experience in a classroom in a UK mainstream school, setting or college, although this is not an entry requirement. If you do wish to gain some experience prior to your application, you can explore a number of options. Existing students at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham can access our Students in Classroom service. You can use your contacts through family or friends, or contact schools directly to ask for work experience or you can access the DfE’s School Experience service.

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

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:

Career

Careers and employability

The vocational nature of the PGCE Primary Education qualification and the fact that successful completion of the course leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means that graduates are ideally placed to pursue a career as a primary teacher.

Employability team

Our expert Employability team will work closely with you at every stage of your career planning, providing personal support and advice. You can benefit from this service at any time during your studies, and for up to three years after completing your course. Find out more about the service.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

23,924 / year

Primary Education (QTS) PGCE