Course summary
The PGCE Primary Course (5-11) is an exciting teacher training route for those passionate about working within the Primary phase and developing their understanding of all aspects of primary teaching. At Kingston, we offer an ambitious, evidence-based curriculum, which fully integrates the ITT Core Content Framework (CCF) in line with DfE requirements. This ensures that upon completion of the course, you will become an effective, inclusive and evidence-informed teacher gaining both Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE. In addition, you will be well-prepared for the next stage in your professional development as an Early Career Teacher (ECT). Throughout the year we provide support with job applications and interviews, which is a key factor in the success of our trainees gaining their QTS and PGCE, as well as finding employment. The course is organised in two strands: taught subject days, and three blocks of school experience, spread throughout the Autumn, Spring and Summer terms. You will develop practical teaching skills, with the support of experienced subject mentors/colleagues who will provide high quality, expert feedback and enable you to understand, apply, reflect upon, and develop your teaching practice. Purposefully integrated tasks align taught theory and practice in schools. The inclusion of the Intensive Training and Practice element of the curriculum further supports a granular approach to improving foundational aspects of your teaching, such as behaviour management and questioning. Taught subject days are led by research-engaged Primary specialists who will enable you to engage in critical analysis of theory and research, as well as observe expert practice. The synthesis of subject knowledge, theory and pedagogical practice, enable you to effectively deliver all subjects of the Primary Curriculum, simultaneously ensuring you become a highly effective and critically confident, research-engaged teacher. The PGCE course consists of three modules designed to support the award of the PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status:
- Module 1 Professional Practice: This combines theory and practice in developing your subject knowledge, pedagogical skills and understanding in line with National Curriculum requirements.
- Module 2 Reflective Teacher (Masters level): This module aims to develop your theoretical understanding of teaching, as well as your practical skills as a reflective practitioner.
- Module 3 Policy, Practice and Professionalism (Masters level): This module aims to develop your understanding of teaching as a research-informed professional.
Modules
Example modules: Professional Practice; The Reflective Teacher; Perspectives on Policy, Practice and Professionalism for Teachers. For a full list of modules please visit the Kingston University course webpage.
Assessment method
You will not be required to take any exams. Your academic work will be assessed through coursework, such as essays and presentations. At the end of each school placement, your teaching will be assessed to ensure you are making appropriate progress and have engaged with the five core areas as outlined in the Core Content Framework (CCF). This will ensure that you are able to meet the Teachers' Standards (DfE, 2011) by the end of the course.
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
- An honours degree, preferably 2:2 or above, from a UK higher education institution or equivalent overseas qualification. - For PGCE Primary with Mathematics applicants typically have grade B or higher at A-level Mathematics and an honours degree. - GCSE grade 4 or above (C or above for examinations taken prior to 2017) in English, science and mathematics. If you do not meet the GCSE requirement in any of these subjects, we are happy for you to take your tests externally (via Equivalancy Testing or A*Star Equivalency). - An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and Health checking process that identifies no concerns about suitability to teach. - If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an interview. Interview process If you meet the initial criteria of the course, you will be invited to interview. Currently these are taking place remotely via Microsoft Teams. The online interview session can take up to 1 hour and will involve a formal interview with a tutor from our Education team. During your interview, your awareness of current issues in primary education and understanding of the National Curriculum will be explored. Should you require reasonable adjustments at your online interview, we encourage you to contact the respective team to request this. Details will be provided in your interview invitation. Please note the university implements safer recruitment procedures during the selection process in order to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. If you are invited to interview, you will be required to complete a ‘breaks in employment’ form and give relevant details of any gaps in employment or study. You will also be advised to complete a safeguarding declaration.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £15800 | Whole course |
| International | £15800 | Whole 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
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Kingston University
River House
53-57 High Street
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1LQ