PGCE Primary

Course description

PGCE Primary will train you to teach children aged 5 to 11. It provides training in all primary stage National Curriculum subjects, with a particular focus on Mathematics, English and Science.

Completion leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

University-based sessions cover education theories, ideas and concepts, and will enhance your awareness of current educational issues.

You will spend a significant amount of time studying the core subjects outlined above, while also studying Religious Education, History, Geography, Art, Music, Design and Technology and PE.

Coursework and assessment

You will be assessed during your school placements and you will receive high-quality feedback to enhance your development.

Your subject knowledge in English, Mathematics and Science will be audited regularly through taught course sessions, and you will also complete four Master's-level assignments during the year.

The written assignments will allow you to gain a maximum of 60 Master's-level credits, and guidance and support to complete these assignments will be available from your University tutors.

Career opportunities

Completing a 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 by completing a Master's as you progress further in your career.

Bachelors degree (minimum 2:1 or international equivalent). Two A-levels in non-vocational subjects (minimum grade C). GCSEs in English Language, Mathematics and Science, plus at least three other non-vocational subjects (minimum grade C).