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Primary Education with QTS: Lower Primary (3-7) Years at University of Cumbria - UCAS

University of Cumbria

Degree level: Postgraduate

Primary Education with QTS: Lower Primary (3-7) Years (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Open days

7Dec
Brampton Road Open Day
Postgraduate

Course summary

Would you love to ignite enthusiasm and inspire young children from the minute they step foot into the nursery or classroom? You can as a Key Stage 1 teacher. Learn to teach children aged 3-7 Years on our respected PGCE course which fully supports you in your journey from student teacher to fully-fledged professional. And, because the programme has QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) built-in, you can apply for a position as a teacher the minute you graduate. Accreditation for the award of QTS is through our accredited partner. All academic awards are made by the University of Cumbria. COURSE OVERVIEW Grounded in the learning of our acclaimed PGCE General Primary, this Early Years pathway allows you to hone skills to teach in the Key Stage 1 setting, either in schools or nurseries. This unique course pathway gives you the opportunity to nurture children at the very start of their education journey. You’ll learn through a blend of theory and hands-on experience, working within the National Curriculum framework. You'll explore the concepts and key themes of Primary General, confidently devising and delivering engaging lessons to children aged 3-7 years old. Over half the course will be spent working with children on assessed placement, with school-based enrichment activities alongside your university-based study. You'll take three placements across a variety of schools and settings, building a wealth of experience to help advance your future career. ON THIS COURSE YOU WILL...

  • Support children at the beginning of their education journey.
  • Benefit from high-quality support from our academics and staff on a programme designed around you.
  • Learn from an experienced, highly qualified programme team, working at the forefront of the academic field.
  • Enjoy the intimate feel of our course delivery, with small class sizes and your own personal tutor.
  • Utilise cutting edge research on a newly revalidated and up-to-date course.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN This programme is focused on the two key elements that make effective practitioners. Firstly, raising the achievement of children and secondly, high-quality teaching and learning. It is these two elements together that will empower you to aspire to become outstanding teachers. MODULES The course is structured in such a way that it scaffolds you through your learning journey in a progressive way from induction to course completion. This is done through a combination of relevant, detailed and comprehensive contributory modules which are complemented by qualificatory modules that support the development of effective classroom practice. All modules have been developed to enable you to make strong, meaningful and effective connections between theory, research and practice. You gain the academic PGCE qualification via successful completion of two masters level modules:
  • High-Quality Teaching and Learning.
  • Raising the Achievement of Children.
These are focussed on the theory, research and practice which must be in place in order to be the highest quality, effective practitioner. Year one
  • PGCE7003 Building Professional Understanding
  • PGCE7004 Enhancing Professional Practice
  • PGPC9130 Being a Teacher
  • PGPC9140 Learning Teaching and Subject Knowledge
  • PGPC1960 Subject Knowledge and Pedagogy
  • PGPC9070 Cumbria Teacher of Reading
  • PGPC9160 Beginning Professional Practice (Placement Module)
  • PGPC9170 Developing Professional Practice (Placement Module)
  • PGPC9180 Extending Professional Practice (Placement Module)

Assessment method

The PGCE is assessed through a combination of placement assessment alongside formative and summative assessments. You will complete two summative assignments over the duration of the course. Your summative assessments will be based on topics of your choosing that will be set within a provided context. This will allow you to develop your understanding of teaching and learning and the professional application of your understanding in an area that is personally relevant to you. Formative activities are built into the assessment process. As you will be selecting a topic for each of your assessments, you will have the opportunity to share your intentions and to receive confirmation about the appropriateness of your topic before you progress further. You will also have a formative assessment on your first assignment where you will receive formative feedback but no grade. This will help you to develop your work prior to submission. When you are on placement, you will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards. You can expect to be involved in this process with your mentor, who will help you to set developmental targets on a weekly basis during your placements. This will help you to build your ability to self-assess and be an active agent in your professional development.

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

Normally a first degree, or equivalent with a minimum of 2:2 honours. Three GCSEs at minimum grade C/4 or above to include English Language, Mathematics and Science (including biology, chemistry or physics). A satisfactory academic (university) reference AND a satisfactory professional reference if more than three years since academic study All candidates must demonstrate professional suitability through interview and must obtain medical and enhanced DBS clearance according to established university procedures.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £9250 Year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 Year 1
Scotland £9250 Year 1
Wales £9250 Year 1
International £13250 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Visit www.cumbria.ac.uk/studentfinance for more information about student fees and finance, and for details about our alumni discount.
Primary Education with QTS: Lower Primary (3-7) Years at University of Cumbria - UCAS