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PGCE Primary with Qualified Teacher Status at University of Derby - UCAS

University of Derby

Degree level: Postgraduate

PGCE Primary with Qualified Teacher Status (Taught)

Course options

2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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Course summary

PGCE Primary Education at Derby

  • Study a course ranked as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted – the highest possible accolade
  • Gain substantial practical experience on teaching placements in our partnership schools across the region
  • Be inspired by our team of dedicated, friendly tutors who are renowned internationally for high quality teaching and research
  • Choose a curriculum enhancement in a range of subjects to advance your skills in a specific area
  • Take your career prospects to the next level: at the end of this course, you will receive 60 credits towards a masters degree.
Practical classroom skills Hands-on teaching experience in schools is a key part of our PGCE Primary. For a total of 24 weeks, you will undertake two main teaching placements – and a number of shorter enhanced placements – in different settings, supported throughout by a range of expert colleagues including our trained school mentors, subject specialists and link tutors. As one of the major Initial Teacher Education providers in the East Midlands, we have longstanding partnerships with more than 400 schools across the region – a relationship which Ofsted described as ‘excellent’. All placements are organised for you by our Partnership Office. Choose an age phase You can tailor your studies to match your own interests and career plans. Depending on your preference and any prior experience, you can choose to specialise in teaching Early Years (3–7 year olds) or (5–11 year olds). How you will learn You will have lots of opportunities to practise your teaching skills – with the support of fellow trainees and expert colleagues – through presentations and other activities. Sessions at the University are highly interactive, intellectually stimulating and supportive, with regular seminars, tutorials and workshops as well as more traditional lectures. You are expected to prepare thoroughly for all sessions so that you can engage fully and maximise the benefits. In addition, you will enjoy a range of experiences in a variety of school settings. Your teaching placements will provide you with vital practical experience. Throughout you will be supported by our ‘outstanding’ trained school mentors and university tutors.

Assessment method

To achieve Qualified Teacher Status, you will need to pass all modules of the PGCE course. Assessments are spread across the course and focus on practical, professional and academic competences. Your professional progress towards the Teachers’ Standards will be assessed in school by your trained mentors. At the University, your academic work will be assessed using a variety of strategies including essays, subject knowledge audits, presentations and posters.

How to apply

International applicants

International student applications are welcomed and applicants must hold the above qualifications or equivalent with an IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with 6.5 in each skills area. However, applicants will also need to demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly and accurately in Standard English. If you are travelling to the UK to take your Skills Tests, please contact us to arrange your interview by emailing [email protected]

Entry requirements

You must have a good UK Honours degree (preferably 2:2) or equivalent, plus grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE Mathematics, English and a Science. Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered. Equivalency tests will be accepted in English, Mathematics and Science. Demand for places on the course is very high, so you must also: - be able to communicate clearly and in spoken and written English, with a good understanding of correct grammar meet the Secretary of State's requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach - meet all the Department for Education entry requirements for Initial Teacher Education courses including suitability and fitness to teach checks - achieve clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service at the start of the course. You must not have previously been excluded from teaching or working with children.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

Please see our website for the latest fee information
PGCE Primary with Qualified Teacher Status at University of Derby - UCAS