Primary Education (5-11) with Qualified Teacher Status

Course summary

• Train to become a teacher in just one or two years.

• Qualify to work in a wide range of primary school settings.

• Develop the creative and practical skills you need for Key Stages 1 and 2.

• Study the core subjects of English, mathematics and science alongside other foundational topics.

• Complete a diverse range of placements to gain experience, and potentially employment.

This PGCE Primary Education course is for those who want to make a difference to 5-11 year-olds with a creative and explorative approach to teaching. Because we’re rated ‘Outstanding’ for our primary teacher status (Ofsted, 2017), you’ll get the highest standard of teaching. You’ll also gain 60 credits towards a Masters qualification.

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive. 

We have been rated outstanding by Ofsted across all initial teacher education courses (March 2024). We offer sector leading initial teacher training in early years, primary, secondary and post-16 and we are rated outstanding in all four areas by Ofsted.

Inspectors said that ‘trainees access training that is highly ambitious in its vision’ and that ‘trainees feel very well prepared to become future teachers. They show a passion to improve life chances for pupils they teach.’

You’ll join our dynamic community of students, researchers and academics at the Sheffield Institute of Education. We’re one of the UK’s largest providers of teacher training, supporting 1,000 new teachers every year. 

Because we partner with more than 600 schools and colleges in the region, you’ll have every opportunity to gain experience and network with leading educational providers.

You learn through: 

• School-based learning 

• A blended approach to teaching  

• Collaboration with other students 

• Research-informed practice 

• Innovative teaching approaches

Key themes

Our course is designed to provide you with a rich training and teaching experience in the full range of subjects that make up the national curriculum. 

You’ll study the core subjects of English, mathematics and science – plus the full range of foundation subjects for Key Stages 1 and 2. Particular emphasis is placed on creative and explorative approaches to teaching.  

A large proportion of your studies will be spent in school-based placements where you’ll benefit from working alongside skilled practitioners who value collaboration, creativity and inclusive practice. 

Course support

We’re a dedicated, qualified and highly experienced teaching team – with world-leading research and recognised professional creative reputations – who take the time to get to know you. 

Throughout your time, you’ll receive personalised support, such as:

• Specialist Hallam tutors and school-based mentors

• Access to our unique student support triangle to help with your personal, academic and career development

• Access to our Skills Centre with one-to-ones, webinars and online resources, where you can get help with planning and structuring your assignments

• Career support for up to five years after qualifying