Primary Education (3-11) (Provider-led University-based) with QTS, PGCE
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you will be able to impact some of the most crucial years of a child's development? Our PGCE Primary (university based) course is for you.
We develop excellent teachers who are resilient, critical, and reflective classroom practitioners. You will benefit from the university’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity and serving disadvantaged communities. The well-structured curriculums and placement-based training prepare trainees well to enter the world of teaching (Ofsted 2023).
The PGCE Primary course aims to prepare beginning teachers to meet the Teachers’ Standards. Throughout the course, beginning teachers will be challenged to achieve these standards to the highest level and we shall aspire to enable them to achieve outstanding levels of professional practice. Of equal importance is the academic qualification awarded: Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE). The academic and professional dimensions to Initial Teacher Education go hand in hand. The abilities to address complex issues and develop critical thinking skills are important dimensions to university-based taught modules. These issues are often based on professional experiences gained from both assessed and non-assessed school placements.
We believe that Initial Teacher Education should go beyond skills and teaching routines to foster strong values and a strong commitment to the well-being of children in the widest sense. Social Justice is an important driving-force behind the programme.
Partnership settings are central to the success of the preparation of new teachers on this programme. The school-based element of teacher education incorporates professional and academic opportunities. These are inextricably linked to the preparation for Qualified Teacher Status*.
Beginning teachers will follow one of two pathways: 3-7 years, covering Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 or 5–11 years, covering Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The age phase route they follow will determine the assessed placements undertaken.
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School
Location
Duration
1 years full-time
Start month
September
Home /international fees 2024/25
£9,250 /£17,000
What you should know about this course
What you will study
About the course team
When you join us, you will be taught by an experienced team of experts with an academic, research and primary school background. This includes academics from a range of disciplines and recent head teachers and teachers. The University of Greenwich has a long history in education and our academics are experts in their respective fields committed to sharing their expertise with aspiring teachers.
Come and meet us
We are offering virtual events so that you can still experience how Greenwich could be the right university for you.
Next Open Days
Got a question?
To find out more about our Open Days and Campus Tours or if you need any assistance, please email opendays@gre.ac.uk.
Entry requirements
Qualifications
- An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2 or above
- In addition, you will need: GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language and GCSE Science all at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.
For more information, use our contact form or call us on 020 8331 9000.
You can also read our admissions policy.
Further information about entry
Application and selection
- Suitable applicants will be required to attend an interview
Applicants will also be required to:
- Provide an academic or professional reference
- Complete a Suitability Declaration
- Pass an Occupational Health check
- Pass an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Available to overseas students?
Yes
Can I use Prior Learning?
Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.
How you will learn
Teaching
Studies cover all elements of the National Curriculum and Core content framework. Workshops are interactive, and we encourage you to work collaboratively. They include practical tasks and exploring theoretical perspectives. You also have the opportunity to take an enhancement in an area of personal interest or expertise (eg. special educational needs).
Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials and 8am-4.30pm when on placement within a school.
Class sizes
The typical student intake per year averages 100-110. Students attend all lectures. Teaching groups are 20-25 and personal tutor groups are 15-20.
Independent learning
Outside of timetabled sessions, you will need to dedicate time to self-study to prepare for course work, presentation, and portfolio subject knowledge. Our library and online resources will support your further reading and research. You can also join a range of student societies, including Education.
Overall workload
If you are studying full-time, you should expect the workload to be similar to a full-time job.
Assessment
Assessment methods include essays, portfolios, presentations, and practical teaching in school.After being formally assessed against the national statutory requirements, you can be recommended for the award of Qualified Teacher Status*.
The course provides an opportunity to gain Master's-level credits by submitting appropriate assignments.
Feedback summary
Information coming soon.
Dates and timetables
Full teaching timetables are not usually available until term has started. For any queries, please call 020 8331 9000.
Fees and funding
Your time at university should be enjoyable, rewarding, and free of unnecessary stress. Planning your finances before you come to university can help to reduce financial concerns. We can offer advice on living costs and budgeting, as well as on awards, allowances and loans.
| Cohort | Full time | Part time | Distance learning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £9,250 | N/A | N/A |
| International | £17,000 | N/A | N/A |
Accommodation costs
Whether you choose to live in halls of residence or rent privately, we can help you find what you're looking for. University accommodation is available from £126.35 per person per week (bills included), depending on your location and preferences. If you require more space or facilities, these options are available at a slightly higher cost.
Funding your study
There is a range of financial support options available to support your studies, including the Aspire@Greenwich award for study resources that many full-time students will receive.
EU students may be eligible for a bursary to support their study. View our EU bursary to find out more.
Discover more about grants, student loans, bursaries and scholarships. We also provide advice and support on budgeting, money management and financial hardship.
Resources: you may need to purchase books for your studies (estimate, £150 per year).
Placements: you are expected to pay for your transport to your placements during the year.
University of Greenwich sets and receives fees, delivers the programme, provides wellbeing support, and makes the academic award. University of Derby co-designs and accredits the curriculum, and recommends the QTS award.
Careers and placements
Will I have a work placement?
You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in two primary schools, with intensive training placements for an additional four weeks where you will focus on core elements of practice. This will be an integral part of your study and provides the context in which you can develop your professional skills, knowledge and understanding.
There will also be further opportunities to engage in school-based training in a range of specialist schools and educational contexts.
What sort of careers do graduates pursue?
Graduates of this course can pursue a teaching career in primary schools.
Employment rates are outstanding and have consistently been well above national and London averages year-on-year.
Do you provide employability services?
Our services are designed to help you achieve your potential and support your transition towards a rewarding graduate career.
The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles. It includes CV clinics, mock interviews, and employability skills workshops.
Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
We hold an Employability Fair which is attended by Partnership schools.
Support and advice
Academic skills and study support
We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.
Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics.
Support from the department
During the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your studies. Your tutor will be on hand to offer both personal career and academic guidance. Individual support and designated workshops are tailored to meet the needs of each of our students in order to ensure high quality outcomes.
Not quite what you were looking for?
We've got plenty of other courses for you to choose from. Browse our postgraduate courses or check our related courses below.....
Teacher training at the University of Greenwich
We’ve over a century of experience training excellent teachers and strong links with schools and employers. Our courses are also rated good by Ofsted for our Early Years, Primary, Secondary, and Further Education and Training teaching (Ofsted, 2023).
Visit our teacher training degrees page.
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