- Become an outstanding primary school teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and receive up to 60 (out of 180) master's credits.
- Receive high-quality training delivered by our alliance of primary school partners.
- Benefit from bespoke support and placements within the Lead Programme Partner alliance, giving you the best start to your teaching career.

The PGCE Primary 5-11 with Lead Programme Partners at The University of Manchester is a Full Time Graduate Certificate program offered at the university's main campus in Manchester, United Kingdom. The program is delivered on campus in English and can be completed in 1 year. Students develop academic knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for future careers in this field. The next available intake starts on September 1, 2026.
About Graduate Certificate in PGCE Primary 5-11 with Lead Programme Partners
PGCE Primary School Direct provides you with the practical training and theoretical knowledge required to become an outstanding primary school teacher.
The course leads directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with your progress audited against QTS Standards designed to ensure you graduate fully prepared to teach children aged 5 to 11 in the primary phase. The course offers high-quality training across the National Curriculum subjects, with support provided by University-based tutors and trained school-based tutors.
Compared with non-Lead Programme Partner teacher trainees, you will benefit from additional time in school. Lead Programme Partners will deliver training on agreed National Curriculum subjects and aspects of professional studies. This content will be planned, organised and delivered by each Lead Programme Partner alliance.
Lead Programme Partner alliances will also arrange your main teaching placements and most of the minor placements across the PGCE year. You will receive support and advice from a nominated Lead Programme Partner representative during your two main teaching placements. The University will maintain a quality assurance and training role during your time on the course.
We work with numerous schools in Greater Manchester, many of whom are longstanding partners with us, to offer the Lead Programme Partner route into teaching.
Lead Programme Partner allows schools to recruit and select their own trainees, using the University's PGCE recruitment criteria and systems.
Applicants apply directly to the nominated lead school and interviews will be arranged directly with the candidates.
Many trainees gain employment in our Lead Programme Partner schools, although this is not guaranteed, nor should it be expected.
Lead Programme Partner follows a PGCE course structure but on a modified timetable including the school-based learning content, known as alliance-led days.
Disciplines
Requirements and Admission Criteria for Graduate Certificate in PGCE Primary 5-11 with Lead Programme Partners at The University of Manchester
Entry Requirements
For master’s programmes we consider a first degree from a recognised Jordanian university with a high percentage or GPA.
Jordanian master’s degrees from recognised universities (classified as Merit or above, or equivalent) are generally considered for PhD entry at The University of Manchester.
English Requirements
- IELTSMin 5.5
- TOEFLMin 72
English Program Requirements
In addition to a grade of C at GCSE in English Language, applicants whose first language is not English are required to meet the following language requirements:
- IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing, no sub-section below 6.0, or
- TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in writing and 20 in the other sub-sections, or
- Pearson PTE overall score of 62 with a minimum score of 62 in writing and 59 in the other sub-sections, or
- Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169
Career Opportunities after Completing Graduate Certificate in PGCE Primary 5-11 with Lead Programme Partners
Career opportunities
Completing a School Direct PGCE is one route to becoming a fully qualified teacher. This form of teacher training is recommended for anyone with an undergraduate degree who is looking to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
You need QTS to teach in a state-maintained or special school in England and Wales. Whilst other routes to gain QTS exist, they do not all come with the postgraduate qualification of a PGCE. A PGCE from The University of Manchester is a valued qualification regionally, nationally and internationally.
When you study a PGCE with us, we help you prepare for a successful career in education. You will be given clear direction, advice and support when making applications for teaching posts and our employment rates are consistently high.
In addition to this, a PGCE qualification can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master's degree, and The University of Manchester offers a range of postgraduate Education courses should you wish to continue your professional development as you progress further in your career.
Visit our careers and employability page for more information.
Careers support
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .
Fee Information

United Kingdom, Manchester