Primary with Qualified Teacher Status (PGCE)

• 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

Our PGCE Primary leads to the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and prepares you for a fulfilling career where you can make a real difference to children’s lives. You will be fully equipped for the practical demands of the role, including teaching all the National Curriculum subjects. 

An outstanding learning experience

With a rich heritage in teacher training dating back over 165 years, we have a strong reputation for nurturing successful, confident and forward-thinking primary teachers. In our 2015 Ofsted inspection, we received an ‘outstanding’ rating for the quality of our work. Our primary leadership team was praised for putting students at the heart of all they do and for ensuring they have excellent career outcomes.

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 our trained school mentors 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 a curriculum enhancement and 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), Primary (5–11 year olds), or Later Years (7–11 year olds).

Our Professional and Curriculum Enhancement module also enables you to select from a range of subjects, such as Maths, English, Science, Wider Curriculum, PE, Inclusion or Primary Modern Foreign Languages to advance your skills in specific areas.  

Relevant, up to date and challenging

At a time when rapid policy shifts are transforming the educational landscape, we will help you to meet the challenge of change in the modern classroom. Ours is an intellectually stimulating course which will keep you up to date with all the latest developments, including the Primary National Strategy.

You will learn principles and practice associated with the National Curriculum but will also undertake a focused curriculum enhancement module which will be named on your degree certificate.

Our highly competent and qualified team of tutors includes published authors and influential researchers whose work is helping to shape the future of the profession. They are an excellent source of ideas for you to take back to the classroom. 

An environment to inspire you

Our impressive Kirtley Building offers specialist facilities to prepare you for the demands of 21st-century teaching and learning. 

It includes specially designed collaborative learning spaces to replicate school classrooms and dedicated rooms for primary Science, English and Maths. The extensive Kirtley Hall is used for activities such as PE, dance and music and features a mezzanine level for observing teaching and learning in action. 

How you will learn

You will have lots of opportunities to practise your teaching skills – with the support of fellow trainees – 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 two assessed teaching placements will provide you with vital practical experience. Throughout you will be supported by our ‘outstanding’ trained school mentors and link tutors.

How you're assessed

To achieve Qualified Teacher Status, you will need to pass all modules of the PGCE course and the Department for Education's Skills Tests in literacy and numeracy. We run special preparation days to build your confidence and skills in advance of these compulsory national tests – many participants say these sessions provide excellent support.

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.

Visit the Primary with Qualified Teacher Status (PGCE) page on the University of Derby website for more details!