Program Overview

PGCE Primary

The PGCE Primary course is designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to become effective teachers in primary education. The course focuses on developing a strong understanding of the primary curriculum, as well as the skills needed to create a supportive and inclusive learning environment.

Course Overview

• The course is delivered through a University-based core route and through a partnership with the Nicholas Postgate Academy Trust (NPCAT).
• The course codes for PGCE Primary are Y068 (core code) and S888 (NPCAT code).
• The course is worth 60 Masters-level credits, which can be put towards a Masters degree through Accreditation of Prior Credited Learning (APCL).

Accreditation

• On successfully completing this course, students will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is awarded by the Department for Education (DfE).
• The course has been rated "good" by Ofsted.
• The Department of Education at the University of York is ranked 72nd in the World for Education (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2025).

Course Content

• The course provides a stimulating, collaborative, and supportive learning environment, where students can develop their skills and understanding as beginning teachers.
• Learning occurs in taught sessions and on teaching placements, which take place in a diverse range of partnership schools within the state and independent sector.
• Students will understand how to create a safe and positive climate for learning, support pupils with a range of different needs and abilities, and develop a strong sense of subject-specific pedagogy.

Placements

• Over the course of two contrasting teaching placements in two different schools, students will have the opportunity to work in both Key Stage one and Key Stage two, with different age groups and different abilities.
• Students will experience a variety of schools and approaches, enhancing their understanding and teaching skills.

Learning Outcomes

• The course is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes, which will give students a clear understanding of what they will be able to accomplish at the end of the course.
• The learning outcomes for this course include:
  • Independently and creatively planning, resourcing, and delivering lessons by applying theory, discipline knowledge, and appropriate level expectations.
  • Creating an inclusive, stimulating learning environment by managing classroom dynamics and adapting to learning needs.
  • Effectively assessing learning and progression through critiquing a range of well-developed formative and summative strategies.

Fees and Funding

• The annual tuition fees for 2026/27 are:
  • £9,535 for UK (home) students
  • £26,900 for international and EU students
• Additional costs include:
  • Transport to and from placements
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check (£44)
• Teaching bursaries and scholarships are available, as well as living costs guidance.

Teaching and Assessment

• The course is taught by world-leading academics who will challenge students to think independently and excel in all that they do.
• The teaching format includes lectures, presentations, workshops, seminars, and school and classroom activities.
• Students will be assessed through three academic assignments and will be guided by mentors in their placement schools and supported in school and in university by specialist university tutors.

Careers and Skills

• Most graduates become teachers, but the skills learned on the course will open other career paths too.
• Career opportunities include:
  • Primary school teacher
  • Dyslexia support worker
  • Education consultant
  • Youth worker
• Transferable skills include:
  • Ability to articulate complex ideas
  • Learning/teaching methods and strategies
  • Managing time and setting priorities

Entry Requirements

• Qualification: 2.2 or equivalent undergraduate degree
• Additional requirements:
  • GCSE Mathematics grade 4 (C)
  • GCSE English grade 4 (C)
  • GCSE Science grade 4 (C) in Biology or Chemistry or Physics or Combined Science
• English language requirements:
  • IELTS (Academic and Indicator) 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component
  • Cambridge CEFR B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component
  • Oxford ELLT 7, minimum 6 in each component
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced 136, minimum 126 in each component
  • Duolingo 120, minimum 105 in all other components
  • LanguageCert SELT B2 with 33/50 in each component
  • LanguageCert Academic 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component
  • Kaplan Test of English Language 478-509, with 444-477 in all other components
  • Skills for English B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component
  • PTE Academic 61, minimum 55 in each component
  • TOEFL 87, minimum 21 in each component
  • Trinity ISE III Merit in all requirements

Applying

• To apply, students will need to complete an online application via Apply for Teacher Training.
• The course codes for PGCE Primary are Y068 (core code) and S888 (NPCAT code).