Primary (PGCE - Graduates only) at University of Wales Trinity Saint David - UCAS

University of Wales Trinity Saint David

Degree level: Postgraduate
Awarded by: University of Wales Trinity Saint David (Prifysgol Cymru Y Drindod Dewi Sant)

Primary (PGCE - Graduates only) (Taught)

Course options

Course summary

Graduates of the PGCE Primary course will have the knowledge, skills, values and dispositions to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS) and be a professional teacher, ready to work in Wales and beyond. The core content includes:

  • Alternative setting – an opportunity to experience education in its widest sense;
  • Bridging – the process by which practical and theoretical knowledge meet, and the transformative approach is enacted;
  • Compulsory modules – the co-constructed and co-delivered content (pedagogic and subject-related) of the programme;
  • Electives – a school-based and University-supported experience where graduates can elect to follow a more specialist line of inquiry in order to deepen curriculum knowledge;
  • Partnership conference – the opportunity to share best practice at a conference event in order that the partnership can be transformed;
  • Qualified Teacher Status – a compulsory professional pathway leading to the award of qualified teacher status;
  • Welsh Language Skill Development – a compulsory professional pathway to develop graduates’ confidence and competence in speaking Welsh.
Why choose this course? 1. UWTSD ranked 1st in Wales for Education (Guardian League Table 2022) 2. Graduates are highly employable as qualified teachers. 3. English and Welsh pathways available. 4. Study in the state-of-the-art SA1 campus in Swansea.

Modules

The programme is full-time over 36 weeks. Broadly, the programme comprises 12-weeks of university-based provision and 24 weeks based in school. Level 6 Modules Cycle 3 Core Studies: The Learner: who am I teaching? (30 credits) This module places the child/pupil at the centre of the programme. Understanding how a pupil learns, based on theories of learning, practice-related evidence and the place of health and wellbeing, is fundamental to effective teaching and learning. This module challenges assumptions and beliefs related to cultural diversity and the expectations of a normative model of child development. This module also positions the teacher as a professional by considering safeguarding, child protection, contractual, pastoral and legal responsibilities. The assessment component for this module is a written assignment (100%; equivalent to 5000 words). Cycle 3 Professional and Pedagogic Studies: Leading the Learning: what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits) Housed in this module is the explicit development of phase appropriate subject-knowledge and pedagogic content knowledge needed to effectively teach the curricular content of each area of learning and experience. The module also explores the complex nature of the learning environment and the skills needed to manage learners, resources and other adults. The principles of planning, teaching and assessment for learning will be secured, and practical application evaluated. It is in this module that the two aspects of intellectual and experiential learning come together in the classroom and students are supported in their professional teaching experience by practicing teachers, peers and university-based tutors. The assessment component for this module is a portfolio (100%; equivalent to 5000 words). Level 7 Modules Core Studies: Learners, Schools and Communities: where am I teaching? (30 credits) In this module, graduates study the importance of place and context; local and national. The transformative teacher looks beyond the classroom to the community where learners lead their lives and seeks to influence development in both. This means understanding the diverse nature of a community; the effect of poverty and social deprivation and how to use data to understand these issues further. The assessment components for this module are an individual video (50%; 10 minutes) and a written report (50%; 2,500 words). Professional and Pedagogic Studies: Researching the Learning: what, how and why am I teaching? (30 credits) In this module, the four dispositions of the research-ready teacher are explicitly explored: being sceptical; being ethical; being a skilled researcher, and being part of an enquiring profession. Student teachers join with practicing teachings to form communities of inquiry where real life problems are identified in the classroom and researched through a close-to-practice approach. Different methodologies will be explored including lesson study, case study and small-scale action research. The assessment component for this module is a research project (100%; 5000 words, with 1000 word equivalent allocated to the Ethics Form).

Assessment method

The programme design provides the opportunity for assessments to be closely related to classroom practice and draw upon evidence gained from personal experience. This approach further establishes the links between intellectual and experiential learning. For example, students will be required to design, conduct, evaluate and share a close-to-practice research project which will directly impact on learners. Whenever possible, assignments will be submitted and marked electronically to facilitate timely and effective feedback. Assessment components include written assignments, a portfolio, an individual video and a research project.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

  • Primary

Entry requirements

Entry Requirements: Undergraduate Degree Applicants are required to hold a good honours degree (2:2 minimum) in an area related to chosen secondary subject. GCSE qualifications Grade C/Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language; GCSE Mathematics or Mathematics Numeracy and GCSE Science. Student teachers studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE Grade C or above in Welsh Language (first language). A-Levels/Level 3 Vocational Qualifications If applicants do not hold an undergraduate degree in a curriculum subject, successful study at appropriate higher levels must be evidenced. Work Experience: You should be aware of the realities of being a teacher and life in a classroom and so we ask for recent and relevant experience in a secondary educational setting. This may be through employment or volunteering in a school and should be for a minimum period of two weeks. Gaining experience in a school classroom will help to strengthen your application and better critically inform your personal statement. It will also prepare you for our selection process and give you some experience from which you can draw in your interview. Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS): If accepted onto our programme, you will be required to obtain a clear Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service formerly known as CRB, Criminal Records Bureau) Child Workforce clearance check prior to your course commencement.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Republic of Ireland £9000 Year 1
EU £13500 Year 1
England £9000 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9000 Year 1
Scotland £9000 Year 1
Wales £9000 Year 1
Channel Islands £9000 Year 1
International £13500 Year 1

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Primary (PGCE - Graduates only) at University of Wales Trinity Saint David - UCAS