Program Overview

Primary Physical Education Specialist with QTS PGCE

Overview

The Primary Physical Education Specialist with QTS PGCE is a postgraduate program designed to equip students with the knowledge, skills, and expertise to become a primary physical education specialist teacher. The program is accredited by the Department for Education and leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Course Features

• Ofsted outstanding provider for Initial Teacher Education
• Professional accreditation
• Professional practice placements
• International students can apply

What You'll Study

The program has four key elements:

• Academic study at Masters level
• Development of professional curriculum subject knowledge
• Professional practice placement
• Specialist interest area within primary physical education

Compulsory Modules

• Principles of learning and curriculum design (primary physical education)
• ITE curriculum and practice (primary)
• Evidence-informed practice (primary physical education)

How You'll Study

• Lectures, seminars, workshop sessions, and tutorials delivered using a hybrid blend of on-campus and online teaching
• Independent study supported by materials provided through the virtual learning environment
• Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) as a specific and focused element of our teacher training curriculum

How You'll Be Assessed

• Presentations to different audiences
• Academic essays individually tailored around your own professional interests
• Ongoing task submission
• Reflective conversations with school-based mentors
• Observations of teaching
• Gathering perspectives of other adults and children

Who Will Be Teaching You

• The Faculty of Education has been at the forefront of teacher education for over 135 years
• You will be taught by a range of highly qualified and experienced teachers and tutors
• Personal academic tutor to support you throughout your program

Entry Criteria

• A commitment to, and understanding of, primary education in general and primary physical education in particular
• Suitable presentational qualities, including a good standard of written English
• A degree equivalent to UK first-class or second-class honours (2:2 or above)
• GCSEs at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent) in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics
• GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent)
• Academic reference required for all students who have graduated in the last five years
• Interview forms part of the selection process

English Language Requirements

• International students require IELTS 6.5, with a score no lower than 6.0 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification

How to Apply

• Apply online through GOV.UK
• Read our guide to applying for PGCEs and Postgraduate Teacher Training
• International students can apply through the international student pages

Facilities

• The Faculty of Education enjoys the enviable position of being one of the country’s leading providers of transformative education, training and research for the teaching and education workforce
• State-of-the-art £9m building
• 300-seat lecture theatre
• Five well-equipped ICT suites
• 18 teaching rooms complete with the latest technology

Finance

• 2025/26 tuition fees:
  • UK Full-Time: £9,535
  • International: £17,000
• Financial support available for eligible UK students
• Scholarships available

Your Future Career

• This PGCE is accredited by the Department for Education
• Successful completion of the program will enable you to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
• You will be well placed to progress into employment as an early career teacher in a primary school
• Opportunities for subject leadership roles within a school

Course Changes

• Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of this information, however our courses are subject to ongoing review and development
• Changes may be necessary to comply with the requirements of professional bodies, revisions to subject benchmarks statements, to keep courses updated and contemporary, or as a result of student feedback
• We reserve the right to make variations if we consider such action to be necessary or in the best interests of students.