Program Overview

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Overview

The Primary PGCE course forms a practical introduction to teaching, providing the knowledge needed to teach children aged 5-11 years. The course is built on a consideration of the relationship between theory, practice, and research, with an emphasis on learning from experience through reflection and enquiry.

What You'll Learn

Course modules revolve around school and classroom practice, covering all aspects of the primary school national curriculum, including Key Stages 1 and 2. The focus is on professional studies and curriculum studies, preparing students for delivering the National Curriculum. Students will cover subjects such as:

• Art
• Design and technology
• English
• Geography
• History
• Information and communication technology
• Mathematics
• Music
• Physical education
• Religious education
• Science

The course also offers expertise in historical, philosophical, and sociological perspectives on education.

Modules

Students will study modules on this course, including:

• Subject pedagogy in practice (Primary) (20 credits)
• Developing critical perspectives (Primary) (20 credits)
• Curriculum development through enquiry in practice (Primary) (20 credits)

How You'll Learn

The course begins at the start of September and completes in the following July. It is delivered by the education section of the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, in strong partnership with local primary schools. The course covers all aspects of the primary school national curriculum, exploring both Key Stages 1 and 2.

Delivery and Teaching Methods

The course is structured around school term dates rather than university semesters. Students will undertake a combination of academic and professional study, achieving 60 credits of master's level modules. When all components are passed, students graduate with the PGCE at master's level and are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Assessment Methods

Assessment methods include:

• Essay
• Oral presentation
• Written exercise

Student Support

Students have access to support from:

• Academic staff
• Personal tutors and research supervisors
• The University Student Services Team
• Student representatives
• Peers

Your Development

Placements

Practical placements in schools take place across 120 days during the course, providing a foundation for the professional journey towards being an outstanding practitioner. Placements improve confidence and competence in the classroom.

Your Future

Our graduates are high-quality professionals who meet the standards for Qualified Teacher Status. They exercise the professional judgement required to promote the highest quality education, engaging with enquiry-based learning, research, and theory.

Our Careers Service

The Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, with strong links to employers.

Quality and Ranking

• 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
• Global Top 140 University – QS World University Rankings 2026
• Global Top 160 University - Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025
• Top 150 for Education - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
• Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

Facilities

Students have access to facilities and a growing collection of online resources, including a well-stocked Education Resource Centre. There are two postgraduate research student study rooms, with the largest recently upgraded with additional workstations and a soft seating area. The university also has two on-site clinics: the Tavistock North East Aphasia Centre and the Children's Speech and Language Therapy Clinic.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry (per year)

• Home students: Full time, 10 months, tuition fees (per year) not set
• International students: Full time, 10 months, tuition fees (per year) £25,900

Teacher Training Funding Opportunities

See the Department for Education website for postgraduate teacher training funding opportunities.

Scholarships

The university supports EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships.

Entry Requirements

Academic Entry Requirements

A 2:2 honours degree, with GCSE or O level passes (grades A–C/ 4-9), or equivalent in:

• English language
• Mathematics
• A science subject

It is desirable for applicants to have spent time working and/or observing in a UK primary classroom before applying.

Qualifications from Outside the UK

The university accepts qualifications from outside the UK. Please select your country to find the equivalent qualifications.

English Language Requirements

Please select your qualification to find the English language requirements.

Admissions Policy

This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University.

Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) can allow students to convert existing relevant university-level knowledge, skills, and experience into credits towards a qualification.

How to Apply

Before You Start

The course starts in September, and applications for 2026 entry open in October 2025.

Specialised Application Information

There is a specialised application process for this course. Applicants must apply via the Department for Education website, not through Newcastle University's postgraduate application system.

Interview

Under statutory guidance from DfE, the university is unable to offer places on its PGCE courses without a rigorous selection process that includes a personal interview. The selection day consists of an interactive presentation, prepared in advance, interview questions relating to the teaching profession and contemporary issues, and a written task to demonstrate comprehension and communication skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Successful applicants also need to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and undergo medical assessment to confirm 'fitness to teach' before starting the course.