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Primary Education with QTS: General Primary (5-11) Years (PGCE) at University of Cumbria - UCAS

University of Cumbria

Degree level: Postgraduate

Primary Education with QTS: General Primary (5-11) Years (PGCE) (Taught)

Course options

2025 - 20262026 - 2027
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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

4Oct
University of Cumbria - Ambleside Campus Open Day
Undergraduate
15Oct
University of Cumbria - London Campus Open Evening
Undergraduate
18Oct
University of Cumbria - Brampton Road Campus Open Day
Undergraduate

Course summary

Are you passionate about helping children become the very best they can be? If so, what better way to fulfil that passion than learning to engage and motivate children’s learning, develop their skills, knowledge, and understanding by becoming a primary teacher at University of Cumbria. Our well respected PGCE General Primary with QTS supports you through your journey from student to newly-qualified teacher. And, because our course has QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) built-in, you can apply for a position as a Primary School teacher the minute you graduate. Our PGCE Primary Education with QTS program has intakes in both January and September. It is available as either a school-based or campus-based option at our Lancaster, Carlisle, and London locations.

  • Accreditation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for September 2025 entry is through the University of Warwick. From September 2026, all students will receive both their professional QTS qualification and their academic qualification from the University of Cumbria.
COURSE OVERVIEW Ready to inspire and change the lives of Primary aged children with the learning of our acclaimed PGCE General Primary? This programme allows you to hone your skills and experience to teach engaging lessons in a primary school setting. This unique course pathway gives you the opportunity to raise children's achievements and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. 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 5-11 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...
  • Develop your passion for inspiring curiosity in children into a fulfilling career.
  • 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.

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: General Primary (5-11) Years (PGCE) at University of Cumbria - UCAS