Primary Education (3-11) (Provider-led University-based) with QTS, PGCE

Program Overview

---

Primary Education (3-11) (Provider-led University-based) with QTS, PGCE

Overview

Are you looking for a rewarding career where you will be able to impact some of the most crucial years of a child's development? Our PGCE Primary (university based) course is for you.

We develop excellent teachers who are resilient, critical, and reflective classroom practitioners. You will benefit from the university’s commitment to inclusivity, diversity and serving disadvantaged communities. The well-structured curriculums and placement-based training prepare trainees well to enter the world of teaching (Ofsted 2023).

The PGCE Primary course aims to prepare beginning teachers to meet the Teachers’ Standards. Throughout the course, beginning teachers will be challenged to achieve these standards to the highest level and we shall aspire to enable them to achieve outstanding levels of professional practice. Of equal importance is the academic qualification awarded: Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE). The academic and professional dimensions to Initial Teacher Education go hand in hand. The abilities to address complex issues and develop critical thinking skills are important dimensions to university-based taught modules. These issues are often based on professional experiences gained from both assessed and non-assessed school placements.

We believe that Initial Teacher Education should go beyond skills and teaching routines to foster strong values and a strong commitment to the well-being of children in the widest sense. Social Justice is an important driving-force behind the programme.

Partnership settings are central to the success of the preparation of new teachers on this programme. The school-based element of teacher education incorporates professional and academic opportunities. These are inextricably linked to the preparation for Qualified Teacher Status*.

Beginning teachers will follow one of two pathways: 3-7 years, covering Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 or 5–11 years, covering Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The age phase route they follow will determine the assessed placements undertaken.

Course Content

• Curriculum and Pedagogies (20 credits)
• Progression and Assessment (20 credits)
• Understanding Behaviour and Learning (20 credits)
• Professional Practice 1
• Professional Practice 2

Entry Requirements

UK Citizens and Permanent Residents

• An undergraduate (honours) degree at 2:2 or above
• GCSE Mathematics, GCSE English Language and GCSE Science all at grade 4/C. Equivalent qualifications may be considered.

International Entry Requirements

The University of Greenwich accepts a broad range of international qualifications for admission to our courses.

Fees and Funding

Home/International Fees 2025/26

• Home: £9,535
• International: £17,500

Careers and Placements

You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in two primary schools, with intensive training placements for an additional four weeks where you will focus on core elements of practice. This will be an integral part of your study and provides the context in which you can develop your professional skills, knowledge and understanding.

There will also be further opportunities to engage in school-based training in a range of specialist schools and educational contexts.

Support and Advice

Academic Skills and Study Support

We want you to make the most of your time with us. You can access study skills support through your tutor, our subject librarians, and our online academic skills centre.

Support from the Department

During the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your studies. Your tutor will be on hand to offer both personal career and academic guidance. Individual support and designated workshops are tailored to meet the needs of each of our students in order to ensure high quality outcomes.

Accommodation

Our Avery Hill halls of residence are a home away from home to over 1,200 students. For those studying in Greenwich, our free shuttle bus service takes you to Greenwich campus in only 25 minutes. Excellent transport links also mean you can be in central London in under 30 minutes, and you're a short walk away from the historic Eltham Palace.

The Avery Hill student village has many useful facilities including a convenience store, launderette and two cafes. The halls are an ideal option for those wanting access to the hustle and bustle of London while living in a safe and relaxing parkland environment.

With our seven different halls, you have a variety of options depending on your preferences and budget. Rooms start at £133.98/wk and include Wi-Fi, utility bills, access to our on-site gym, 24/7 security and 24-hour residential support.

Mode of Study

• Full-time

Duration

• 1 year

Location

• Avery Hill Campus

Start Month

• September

UCAS Code

• P596

Available to Overseas Students?

• Yes

Can I Use Prior Learning?

Find out more on our Recognition of Prior Learning pages.

Program Outline

---

Degree Overview:

This PGCE Primary (university-based) course is designed for individuals seeking a rewarding career in primary education, impacting the crucial developmental years of children. The program aims to develop excellent teachers who are resilient, critical, and reflective classroom practitioners. It emphasizes inclusivity, diversity, and serving disadvantaged communities. The well-structured curriculum and placement-based training prepare trainees to enter the teaching profession. Throughout the course, beginning teachers will be challenged to achieve these standards to the highest level and we shall aspire to enable them to achieve outstanding levels of professional practice. Of equal importance is the academic qualification awarded: Postgraduate Certificate (PGCE). The academic and professional dimensions to Initial Teacher Education go hand in hand. The abilities to address complex issues and develop critical thinking skills are important dimensions to university-based taught modules. These issues are often based on professional experiences gained from both assessed and non-assessed school placements. We believe that Initial Teacher Education should go beyond skills and teaching routines to foster strong values and a strong commitment to the well-being of children in the widest sense. Social Justice is an important driving-force behind the programme. Partnership settings are central to the success of the preparation of new teachers on this programme. The school-based element of teacher education incorporates professional and academic opportunities. These are inextricably linked to the preparation for Qualified Teacher Status . Beginning teachers will follow one of two pathways: 3-7 years, covering Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 or 5–11 years, covering Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The age phase route they follow will determine the assessed placements undertaken.

---

Outline:

• Year 1: Students are required to study the following compulsory modules:
• Understanding Behaviour and Learning (20 credits)
• Progression and Assessment (20 credits)
• Curriculum Pedagogies (20 credits)
• Becoming a teacher (0 credits)
• Aiming for Excellence (0 credits)

---

Assessment:

• Assessment methods include essays, portfolios, presentations, and practical teaching in school.
• The course provides an opportunity to gain Master's-level credits by submitting appropriate assignments.

---

Teaching:

• Studies cover all elements of the National Curriculum and Core content framework.
• Workshops are interactive, encouraging collaborative work, practical tasks, and exploring theoretical perspectives.
• Students have the opportunity to take an enhancement in an area of personal interest or expertise (e.g., special educational needs).
• Timetabled learning may fall between 9am and 9pm depending on your courses and tutorials and 8am-4.30pm when on placement within a school.
• The typical student intake per year averages 100-110.
Students attend all lectures. Teaching groups are 20-25 and personal tutor groups are 15-20.
• Outside of timetabled sessions, students are expected to dedicate time to self-study for coursework, presentations, and portfolio subject knowledge.
• Students can join a range of student societies, including Education.

---

Careers:

• Graduates of this course can pursue a teaching career in primary schools.
• Employment rates are outstanding and have consistently been well above national and London averages year-on-year.

---

Other:

• The University of Derby has co-designed and accredited the curriculum and will recommend QTS and the University Greenwich will make the academic award.
• We have research-rich communities across the partnership.
• We impact on areas of deprivation.
• We champion reading for pleasure with a focus on social justice.
• Our courses are representative of the students we teach and the communities we serve.
• We develop local teachers who teach with passion and purpose for the empowerment of the children.
• When you join us, you will be taught by an experienced team of experts with an academic, research and primary school background.
This includes academics from a range of disciplines and recent head teachers and teachers. The University of Greenwich has a long history in education and our academics are experts in their respective fields committed to sharing their expertise with aspiring teachers.
• You will spend a minimum of 24 weeks in two primary schools, with intensive training placements for an additional four weeks where you will focus on core elements of practice.
This will be an integral part of your study and provides the context in which you can develop your professional skills, knowledge and understanding.
• There will also be further opportunities to engage in school-based training in a range of specialist schools and educational contexts.
• The Employability and Careers Service provides support when you are preparing to apply for placements and graduate roles.
It includes CV clinics, mock interviews, and employability skills workshops.
• Each School also has its own Employability Officer, who works closely with the industry and will provide specific opportunities relevant to your own course.
• We hold an Employability Fair which is attended by Partnership schools.
• We want you to make the most of your time with us.
• Where appropriate, we provide support in academic English and mathematics.
• During the course, you will be allocated a personal tutor who will support your studies.
Your tutor will be on hand to offer both personal career and academic guidance.

---

| Group | Fees | | ----------- | ----------- | | Home | £9,250 | | International | £17,000 |