Delivered by our partners at NITE (National Institute of Teaching and Education).
About this course
We believe that initial teacher training is best done in schools, supported by first-rate teachers and underpinned by the quality and standards expected from a university. PGCE with QTS is an Initial Teacher Training course, which certifies trainees to teach in state-maintained schools in England.
Applicants for the course can also teach in independent schools. The course is offered at Primary level (5-11 and 7-11 age ranges) and across a range of subjects at Secondary level (11-16, 11-18 age ranges). The course is also offered for the 14-19 age range in subjects, which are usually only taught in Key Stages 4 & 5.
We believe that initial teacher training is best done in schools, supported by first-rate teachers and underpinned by the quality and standards expected from a university. Our distinct course enables you to be based in a school for its duration, whilst following a university-led course, which has been designed and is delivered by experts in teacher training. A significant number of schools across the country can work with us, and so it is likely that you may be able to train to teach in a location to suit you.
Your own Personal University Tutor will work closely with you and your in-school mentor, to ensure you receive all the support you need to become a confident and highly-skilled teacher. Whilst in school, you will put into practice straightaway the learning from our course, which is delivered through online teaching, materials, webinars and live tutorials. You will be part of a cohort of fellow trainee teachers, with whom you will share experiences and learning online each week and in termly educational conferences.
What are the entry requirements?
Prior experience in teaching or in schools is not a prerequisite of acceptance onto the course.
To apply to the course, all trainees must:
- Have achieved a standard equivalent to a Grade-4 (C grade) GCSE in English and Mathematics. For those training to teach pupils aged 3-11, a Grade-4 (C grade) in a Science subject is also required.
- Hold a UK undergraduate degree or equivalent.
- Take part in a rigorous selection process to assess their suitability to train to teach. This involves an application form, pre-interview tasks for subject knowledge, English and Maths, and an interview.
- Students must have undergone suitable background checks with regard to the Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check. The DBS is paid for by the school for students on the employed route.
English as a Foreign Language
Participants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written English language equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall with no component less than 5.5, or TEFL 600. If you have IELTS 6.0 you may be eligible to study our online pre-sessional English course.
The course aims to develop teachers who are confident, inspiring and highly effective in transferring knowledge and skills to their pupils. In doing so, the course aims to:
- Enable you to explore wider perspectives in education and the opportunity to deepen your understanding of codes of practice and contemporary issues affecting schools
- Equip you with the skills to reflect on your personal and professional development and respond positively to feedback through critical analysis of your practice
- Support you to develop an inquiry-led approach to research of your own practice and reflect on strategies for effective teaching and learning
- Foster a culture of independent learning and self-awareness so you can take responsibility for your own professional development while understanding your strengths, weaknesses and how to progress your own teaching
Career Path
Our PGCE with QTS is a teacher training course, which upon successful completion certifies trainees to teach in state-maintained schools in England. Many independent schools now also prefer their teachers to have the qualification.
A 15-credit module consists of 150 hours of learning, which comprise a mix of taught and independent study.
- Unit 1 – Behaviour and Classroom Management – This module aims to develop your understanding of principles of educational psychology, neuroscience and contemporary educational theory on behaviour. You will explore how children learn, what influences their behaviour and what strategies and interventions are effective for promoting good teaching and learning.
- Unit 2 – Curriculum Delivery and Assessment – This module aims to develop your knowledge of subject pedagogy, effective lesson planning and application of statutory codes for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as principles of assessment and feedback practices.
- Unit 3 – Development of the Teachers’ Standards – This module aims to develop a reflective and self-critical approach to teaching. As such, you will be required to demonstrate effective practice via critical evaluation and systematic analysis of your own teaching practice in line with The National Teachers’ Standards in England (Department for Education 2012).
Unit 4 – Practical Teaching Practice – The Practical Teaching Practice module is practice-based and runs throughout the course. You will be encouraged to set, review and show that you can meet targets related to your professional practice and demonstrate your competency in all of the Teachers’ Standards.
We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.
Career Path
Our course comprises four modules and is typically studied over one academic year (three school terms), but this can be extended. You will receive day-to-day support from a school-based mentor, as well as your own Personal University Tutor. Both colleagues will support your progress throughout and ensure that your workload is well-managed.
The modular structure of the course is blended in approach. It combines online learning with practical in-school support. There are also face-to-face sessions at our educational conferences, which aims to provide valuable peer support and a collaborative learning environment so that trainees have the opportunity to learn from one another while sharing and reflecting on experiences away from school.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment throughout our PGCE with QTS is varied and designed to stimulate learning. It includes lesson observations, case study research, oral presentations and written assignments. The Practical Teaching Practice module runs throughout the course, and formative assessment regularly informs your progress and helps you to develop your teaching. At the end of the course, a summative assessment of your competency against the Teachers’ Standards is made. Throughout the year, you will also receive visits to your school from university staff who will observe your teaching and provide further support in your progress.
During your study, you’ll have the opportunity to access to an experienced team, including associate lecturers, progression coaches and student experience officers, who will support your studies through regular feedback and dedicated live seminars. Please note that staff may be subject to change.
UK & International student fees
We offer a range of financing packages and our qualification fees are competitively priced. Please register your interest to find out more.
