PGCE Primary (Part-Time)

Program Overview

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PGCE Primary (Part-Time)

Why study this course

Our highly respected two-year, part-time PGCE primary course is designed with more than 120 days spent on placement in a school or setting. Gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in a more flexible way on a route that supports trainees with other life or work commitments. BGU has 160 years of experience in education and upholds an excellent and long-standing national reputation within the field.

Course summary

This PGCE course prepares you to teach children in either the 3 to 7 age range or 5-11 age phase. This 2-year, part-time blended route provides you with the skills to teach your chosen age range, integrating theory and practice and combining study at either postgraduate or professional level alongside practical training to enable you to meet the Teachers’ Standards by the end of the course.

Key facts

• Award: PGCE
• DfE code: 2NP6 (3 - 7)
• Duration: 2 years
• Mode of study: Part time
• Start date: September 2025
• Award: Bishop Grosseteste University
• Institution code: B38

About this course

This part-time, two-year course includes time spent on placement in schools or Early Years settings - more than 120 days will be based in a placement school or setting. Placements are carefully structured to ensure the gradual development of your confidence as an effective teacher through building up experiences working with university-based mentors and school/setting-based mentors.

Entry requirements

• GCSEs at grade 4 (previously C) or above (or equivalent) in English Language, Mathematics and a Science.
• An honours degree at a 2:2 classification or above (Where the degree result is to be awarded in the year of application, we will require a predicted degree classification as part of an academic reference provided on the application)
• Experience – please see information below
• Declaration of Health
• DBS (formerly the CRB) Enhanced Disclosure

What you will study

Students on this course currently study some or all of the following modules:

• Significant Incidents for Professional Development
• Practitioner Inquiry

How you will be taught

The course allows students the opportunity to learn through the VLE with around 6 campus sessions taking place in each academic year. The students choosing this route, have opportunities to gain a PGCE with QTS in a more flexible way, with time for other work or life commitments.

Assessment

Assessments include written assignments that support your analysis and reflection of theory and practice. You will be summatively assessed against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of the second academic year and your final placement, to be recommended for QTS.

Careers & Further study

The teaching profession has a well-structured career pathway which moves progressively from initial teacher training (ITT) through to Early Career Teacher (ECT) status. On passing your induction, your career can develop with opportunities to work towards NPQs (National Professional Qualifications), or progress towards leadership positions, such as Deputy Head teacher, and perhaps a Headteacher.

Support

Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere, as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident in approaching them for help and advice and staff members will also recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique interests and talents.

Fees & Funding

A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at BGU we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

Program Outline

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PGCE Primary (Part-Time) at Bishop Grosseteste University

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Degree Overview:

This two-year, part-time PGCE course aims to prepare you to teach children in the 3-7 or 5-11 age range. The program offers a blended learning approach, integrating theory and practice with practical training to help you meet the Teachers' Standards by graduation. This allows you to gain QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) in a flexible way while balancing other commitments.

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Outline:

The program consists of academic modules, intensive training and practice experiences (ITaP), and extensive placements in schools or Early Years settings (120+ days). Placements are structured to gradually build your confidence as a teacher through university and school/setting-based mentors. You will undertake three placements over two years:

• Year 1:
• Introductory placement: 2 consecutive days per week + 6-week block (usually after Easter)
• Year 2:
• Two further placements with a similar structure: 2 consecutive days per week + longer 6-week block in each
The curriculum is underpinned by the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework and includes modules like:
• Significant Incidents for Professional Development
• Practitioner Inquiry
• (Specific modules may vary)

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Assessment:

You will be assessed through written assignments, practical placements, and a final summative assessment at the end of the second year.

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Teaching:

The program combines on-campus sessions (6 per academic year) with online learning through the VLE. This enables flexibility while providing expert knowledge and practical experiences. Potential career paths include:

• Teacher in primary schools
• Early Years educator
• SEN Co-ordinator
• Leadership positions (e.g., Deputy Head Teacher, Headteacher)

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Other:

• The course welcomes applications from individuals with relevant experience, though it is not required.
• Successful completion of an Enhanced DBS check is mandatory before starting the course.