Primary Education (with QTS) Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)

Course overview

You cover professional skills, subject understanding, pedagogy, research and theory, with a focus on developing your subject knowledge and exploring teaching theories. Throughout the course, you embed this knowledge and refine these skills, enhancing your own practice with placements and reflecting through action research.

On placement, you practice teaching strategies, learn how to manage a classroom environment and develop an evidence-based approach from skilled professionals. By carrying out practical work in a school setting, you apply your knowledge in the real world. You also engage in research and subject enhancement projects to develop your skills further.

Course structure

Core modules

Core Curriculum

Enhance your knowledge of the core subjects of English, maths and science. Develop a strong understanding of how they are taught and the transitions into and from the primary phases. Identify and address misconceptions within the subjects and the role of assessment.

Developing Learning, Teaching and Pedagogy

You gain a detailed overview of the core concepts underpinning learning, teaching and assessment, which is the starting point for becoming a professional teacher in the compulsory sector. You focus on the core pedagogical knowledge and skills that trainee teachers require.

Enhancing Learning, Teaching and Pedagogy

You enhance and extend approaches to learning, teaching and assessment in a variety of complex and challenging ways. You underpin your learning and teaching with evidence-informed strategies and develop the skills required to evaluate your own practice rigorously and consistently.

Professional Practices

Two school-based placements enable you to link theory to practice. On placement you are given increasing levels of responsibility and are expected to engage with all aspects of school life.

Wider Curriculum

Enhance your knowledge of the foundation subjects within the primary and wider curriculum, including enrichment and ethos. Explore core aspects of geography, history, design and technology, art and design, computing, modern foreign languages, music, religious education and physical education.

Develop a strong understanding of how these subjects are taught to pupils and the transitions into and from the primary phases. Identify and address misconceptions within the subjects and the role of assessment.