PGCE Primary with Qualified Teacher Status (Taught)

PGCE Primary Education at Derby

• Study a course ranked as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted – the highest possible accolade

• Gain substantial practical experience on teaching placements in our partnership schools across the region

• Be inspired by our team of dedicated, friendly tutors who are renowned internationally for high quality teaching and research

• Choose a curriculum enhancement in a range of subjects to advance your skills in a specific area

• Take your career prospects to the next level: at the end of this course, you will receive 60 credits towards a masters degree.

Practical classroom skills
Hands-on teaching experience in schools is a key part of our PGCE Primary. For a total of 24 weeks, you will undertake two main teaching placements – and a number of shorter enhanced placements – in different settings, supported throughout by a range of expert colleagues including our trained school mentors, subject specialists and link tutors.

As one of the major Initial Teacher Education providers in the East Midlands, we have longstanding partnerships with more than 400 schools across the region – a relationship which Ofsted described as ‘excellent’. All placements are organised for you by our Partnership Office.

Choose an age phase
You can tailor your studies to match your own interests and career plans. Depending on your preference and any prior experience, you can choose to specialise in teaching Early Years (3–7 year olds) or (5–11 year olds).

How you will learn
You will have lots of opportunities to practise your teaching skills – with the support of fellow trainees and expert colleagues – through presentations and other activities. Sessions at the University are highly interactive, intellectually stimulating and supportive, with regular seminars, tutorials and workshops as well as more traditional lectures. You are expected to prepare thoroughly for all sessions so that you can engage fully and maximise the benefits.

In addition, you will enjoy a range of experiences in a variety of school settings. Your teaching placements will provide you with vital practical experience. Throughout you will be supported by our ‘outstanding’ trained school mentors and university tutors.

To achieve Qualified Teacher Status, you will need to pass all modules of the PGCE course.

Assessments are spread across the course and focus on practical, professional and academic competences. Your professional progress towards the Teachers’ Standards will be assessed in school by your trained mentors. At the University, your academic work will be assessed using a variety of strategies including essays, subject knowledge audits, presentations and posters.