School of Education

PGCE Primary Education

PGCE Full-time 1 year

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary Education provides a high standard of training for those preparing to take up a teaching post in the primary school sector. This PGCE provides the necessary training and knowledge required to become an effective primary school teacher, with successful graduates being recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This is required by those who wish to teach in a maintained primary school.

Our Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary Education provides a high standard of training for those preparing to take up a teaching post in the primary school sector. This PGCE provides the necessary training and knowledge required to become an effective primary school teacher, with successful graduates being recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This is required by those who wish to teach in a maintained primary school.

Award
PGCE
Start date(s)
2 September 2024
UCAS Code
2MSS, 33JK, X100
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (1 year)
Campus location
Walsall Campus
School
School of Education
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

91% of students were pleased with the teaching on their course

NSS, 2023

Studying a PGCE in Primary Education is often the best route to pursue a career in the rewarding field of primary level teaching. A PGCE provides the opportunity to build knowledge and gain understanding of how children learn, as well as developing strategies to foster their learning in a positive, rewarding teaching environment. 

The PGCE in Primary Education is specifically designed to ensure that those who are successful after completion of the course will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). The course complies with the statutory guidance from the Department for Education for Initial Teacher Training courses.

During this PGCE, you will focus on the teaching of the National Curriculum for primary schools and specialise in teaching Key Stages 1 and 2. You will also have access to valuable opportunities to experience alternative learning environments as early years, secondary, special educational needs and disability (SEND) and transition settings.

Successful completion of the course will lead to recommendation for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), along with 60 credits at Master’s level.

What's unique about this course?

  • Ranked 4th in the region for Graduate prospects
  • Opportunities for you to interact, and to demonstrate practice, application, exploration, critique, dialogue and analysis of theory
  • Develop your professional and ethical practice to improve outcomes for children and families

What happens on the course?

When studying a PGCE in Primary Education, you will take an in-depth look at how children learn and will become confident with skills such as lesson planning, classroom management, assessment and evaluation. The PGCE course focuses on primary education specifically, covering topics including early years learning and development, teaching literacy through language, and numeracy instruction.

Over the one-year duration of the course, you will undertake University-based learning at Walsall Campus, and spend at least 120 days divided between two different schools across the 3-11 age range within the primary age phase.

Your University tutor team is available to assist you throughout your training, supporting development of reflection. Every effort is made to ensure that high-quality school placements are provided to you, facilitating learning through observing, co-teaching and being observed by experienced teachers in the classroom.

Teaching on the PGCE Primary Education course comprises a variety of methodologies that will prepare you for life in the classroom including teacher-led discussions, pupil-led exploration, peer-group discovery, problem based learning, e-learning and the provision of individual targets.

You will be assessed in a variety of ways including written assignments; classroom based investigation and other school-based activities, and appraisal of practical teaching skills.

What modules will be covered on this PGCE in Primary Education?

During this PGCE, you will undertake a variety of modules to prepare you for the field of primary education. 

Some of these modules include; an Introduction to Foundation subjects and RE, Developing Information and Communication Technology Skills for the Primary School Classroom, Primary English, Primary Maths, Primary Science, Primary Professional Studies and Placements in Primary Schools.

You can find more details on each of these modules below.

Where will I be based during my PGCE?

120 days (24 weeks) of the 36 week PGCE course will be spent in schools. You will undertake two assessed placements in two different schools, and we try to take your geographical location into account when placing you in schools. However, our first concern is to ensure that you have a high quality school placement that can provide a range of experiences. 

Additional training will therefore take place in partner schools other than your 'attachment' schools. Support is available from your University tutor throughout your training, and also from experienced teachers accredited by the University as school based tutors.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

PGCE graduates have the opportunity to pursue many roles related to primary education. Some of these roles include classroom teacher, special educational needs teacher, working in pastoral care or even private tuition. In addition to these traditional routes, graduates may also look towards opportunities such as a family support worker or a counsellor.

The PGCE in Primary Education leads to recommendation for QTS, and enables you to take up a qualified teaching post in a UK primary school and beyond.

A national survey conducted by the Centre for Education and Employment Research has ranked Wolverhampton as the second most successful UK Higher Education Institute for graduate teacher training employment.

88% of primary NQTs in 2012 rated the overall quality of their training as very good or good.

Following successful completion of this award, you could also use your 60 Master’s level credits towards any of our Master’s degrees in the field of education.

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

‘Aspiration, Attitude, Achievement’

  • The University of Wolverhampton is one of the West Midlands’ largest providers of teacher education, with many of our graduates going on to work within the conurbation.  Our tutors are all experienced teachers who have worked with our partnership and family schools for many years.
  • We are proud of our long-standing tradition of training teachers of Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Post Compulsory Education.
  • Access to free Professional Skills Test Support.
  • High quality learning facilities, including well equipped teaching rooms, cutting edge learning spaces, lecture theatres and a social learning environment.
  • A clear progression to Master’s degree study, with opportunities to use PGCE credits to embark upon further study following successful completion of the course, including a fully tailored Newly Qualified Teacher module that can be completed during your induction year.
  • Access to leading research in the field of Education that enables trainees to develop as reflective practitioners.

What do Ofsted say?

The University of Wolverhampton provision is particularly effective in developing highly professional teachers with the skills to reflect critically on the quality of their teaching in order to improve it. They are valued highly by the schools, colleges and other settings where they secure employment in the region.  The university has an excellent reputation that enables it to build strong partnerships across the region to support high-quality teacher training and educational improvement.  Employment rates in all phases are high, with many former trainees working in the region.

Ofsted (2013), Initial Teacher Education Inspection Report, London: Ofsted

Looking for 1-1 advice? OPEN EVENTS - FIND OUT MORE

Did you know about our teaching specific 'Choose to Teach' open events we host at our Wolverhampton Campus twice a year? 'Choose to Teach' offers a brilliant opportunity for you to meet university staff and schools and get one-to-one advice about your journey to becoming a teacher!

Alternatively why not attend one of our Postgraduate Open Evenings, where you will have the opportunity to talk to staff and students who are currently studying and find out more about the course and our facilities. We have Open Evenings taking place at our Wolverhampton Campus.

If you are successful you will be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status and you will be prepared to teach pupils in the 3-11 age range within the primary age phase with alternative education setting enhancement. You will also gain a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) which includes 60 Master’s level credits.

You will also be given help to find your first post in school. The course will provide you with an excellent start to your teaching career as you experience teaching in two separate primary schools with trained school-based tutors to aid your development. You will have the opportunity to help develop the teaching within this fast-developing subject and have a real impact on children’s education.

You will be enabled to become a critically reflective teacher with high levels of subject knowledge and a wide understanding of educational theory and practice.

You will also develop the professional skills required to achieve outstanding results in relation to student progress including lesson planning, assessment methods, data analysis, and communication.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2024-25

These fees relate to new entrants only for the academic year indicated for entry onto the course, any subsequent years study may be subject to an annual increase, usually in line with inflation.

  • To hold a first degree of a United Kingdom higher education institution or equivalent qualification.

For example Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of science (BSc) etc. or similar . They are sometimes known as 'undergraduate' or 'firstdegrees.

  • To have achieved a standard equivalent to a grade 4 (previously Grade C) in the GCSE examinations in English, Mathematics and Science (Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Combined Science). 
  • To have taken part in a rigorous selection process designed to assess your readiness to train to teach.

Please note we do NOT accept GCSE Short Courses, GCSE Equivalent Tests from other institutions or organisations, Key Skills Level 2 or Functional Skills Level 2.

If you unsure please contact our Admissions Department admissions@wlv.ac.uk for clarification.

Your personal statement is an important part of the application process. We will be reviewing your personal statement to find out more about you and we will also be reviewing your spelling, grammar and punctuation and you have followed the UCAS (for undergraduate applications) or DfE Apply (for post graduate applications) guidance regarding length and what to include. Your application will not be successful if you do not demonstrate the high standards of accuracy the teaching profession demands.

Important Requirements

As part of the Department for Education (DfE) ITT compliance, if you are successful you will be required to provide your ORIGINAL certificates to the University of Wolverhampton Admissions Unit.

You will also take part in a rigorous selection process designed to assess your readiness to train to teach. Further information regarding the interview process can be found at https://www.wlv.ac.uk/apply/how-to-apply/4---after-youve-applied/subject-specific-applications/.

Interview and Selection

First Stage: All applicants that are successful with their application will be invited to complete a set of short professional scenarios involving reading, writing and numerical tasks. These will provide us with an audit of your existing strengths as well as indicate any areas where you need to develop your knowledge and understanding during your course. If you are offered a place following interview, you will be required to demonstrate your professional readiness through successful completion of all of the tasks as one of your conditions of acceptance before the course starts. This may mean that you are asked to attend support sessions in English and mathematics during your course to enable you to demonstrate a satisfactory level of proficiency by the completion of your course.

Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure these fundamental skills before being recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

Second Stage: You will undertake either an observed group task or a subject-specific activity (if you are applying for secondary teacher training).

Third Stage: You will engage in individual face to face interview

We will be assessing your ability to be able to meet the Teachers’ Standards by the completion of your course. Those successful in the audits and at interview will be subsequently required to meet enhanced DBS checks, fitness to teach and medical check and prohibition order check requirements. You will be expected to complete these forms once you have been successful and have a Conditional Offer.

If you have accepted a Conditional Offer made by the University of Wolverhampton you will receive correspondence asking you to complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. The charge for this will be a dbs fee of £38.00 and a £6.00 ID check service fee. You will also need an Occupational Health Check and a prohibition check prior to starting the course.

 

Please note that:

Application forms should be able to demonstrate not only your depth of knowledge of the role of a Primary teacher but also your enthusiasm and commitment to a career in teaching.

We will not accept applicants onto our professional courses who have been unsuccessful on professional courses at other institutions of higher education.

Free Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and Occupational Health Check:

Due to the professional nature of some of our courses you may also be required to complete a Declaration of Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check. We will coordinate both of these non-academic conditions with you should your course require this and you receive an offer from us.

There will be no cost for the DBS this is free to applicants who have secured an offer and have chosen to study at the University of Wolverhampton.

We wish you every success with your application.

INDIA TEACHING EXPERIENCE TRIP 2017

Christopher Evison, PGCE Primary Education Student

"The trip to India and Dubai organised for the Primary Education students of the University of Wolverhampton was something that I will remember forever. This experience that the course offered attracted me right away as not many University students can graduate leaving their course with an opportunity to work in education internationally.

After two days in Delhi, we started to see just what India has to offer and could not wait to see more of the country and settle into our schools. We travelled up to Jalandhar on the Sunday by train and were about to embark on our journey as teachers at Cambridge International School.

On the Monday, we discussed with the teachers about the particular areas that we wish to teach and get involved with during the following week. We also got a chance to meet some of the students in their lessons and to observe teaching. One thing which stood out for me was the behaviour of the students and their positivity towards education. Every child in the class wanted to learn. This positivity was reflected in the displays in and around the school – something I will use in my future classroom.

During the week, we were able to teach a range of both core and foundation subjects. The experiences that the week gave us has certainly changed us all as young teachers, with us all feeling excited to return to the UK to use some of the amazing strategies that we saw being used.

The memories and the friendships that the trip gave us will stay with us forever. I would like to thank the University of Wolverhampton for this trip and would recommend this experience for any future student at Wolverhampton."

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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