Course Overview

The Primary Education PGCE will provide you with an understanding of educational theory and of how that relates to practice, alongside an in-depth understanding, and experience of, the National Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2, enabling you to kick-start a rewarding career in teaching. Your university-based training will cover aspects such as educational theory, subject knowledge, safeguarding, philosophy of education which will underpin and impact your practice. School-based placements form a large part of the PGCE and you will complete a series of these over the course of your training. Arranged by Northumbria University, your placements will include group and individual tasks, observation, and the planning and delivery of lessons €“ all of which will provide you with a strong grounding in the roles and responsibilities of a teacher. During the placements, you will be supported and mentored by experienced teachers and senior leaders. You will also be assigned to a link tutor from Northumbria, who will support both you and your school-based mentors to ensure that your school experience fully develops your skills as a teacher. Successful completion of the PGCE Primary Education course will provide you with a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. This allows you to immediately begin working in a school or other educational establishment.

General Eligibility

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree. Applicants should have a GCSE grade 4 (grade C) or above in Mathematics, English Language and a Science subject prior to submitting their application. Admission is subject to a suitable DBS Enhanced Certificate and a satisfactory health check. For programmes that begin after April 2020, applicants are no longer required to undertake the professional skills tests in English and Maths, but there remains a requirement for trainee teachers to demonstrate competency in the use of English and Maths in a professional context. Northumbria students will be supported in developing these skills over the course of their programme and their competency assessed before recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Part Time Work Details

20 Hours of Work permit weekly for international students.

Language Requirement

• International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 6 in each component (or approved equivalent*).