PGCE - Primary

The University of Winchester is the accredited provider for PGCE School Led provision at a number of well-established school partnerships. We work very closely with our partnerships, developing and supporting your Initial Teacher Education curriculum and learning experience, which reflect the ethos and practice of the Institute of Education at the University of Winchester and of local schools.

We know how important it is that teachers are autonomous, innovative, critical and reflective practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enable all children to grow and learn.

Mastering how to teach well really matters. Our curriculum will enable you to develop strong subject knowledge, learn how to teach all primary subjects effectively, innovate, and meet the needs of the children you will teach.

Course Details

The majority of learning takes place in partnership schools, working alongside an experienced teacher mentor. You will learn in the classroom and through regular weekly training sessions, as you work towards the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The majority of training sessions are taught at the school partnership, by colleagues in your partner schools. In addition, a number of training sessions are taught at the University of Winchester, taught by University colleagues.

During your time in school, you will undertake two assessed placements, developing your understanding and skills through classroom practice. The placements are carefully planned and supported by a teacher mentor and University link tutor.

You will spend a further 20 days engaged in Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks, where you will develop a reflective approach to your practice and the ability to work flexibly, responsively, and effectively in the classroom,

Your QTS Status allows you teach any age range, however this programme prepares you to teach the 5-11 age range.

Applications are submitted via DfE Apply and you will apply directly to the school you are interested in studying with. You can apply to up to three training programmes when you submit your application, and this can include both University PGCE and School Led choices.

Accreditation

We are accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver Initial Teacher training programmes to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

The PGCE counts as 60 Master's credits, equating to 1/3 of a Masters.

Year 1 Modules

Teachers and Education

This module will develop critical understanding of what it means to be a teacher in the mid 2020s and some of the policy and societal issues that inform and shape the role. Key theories, or ‘big ideas’, underpin the module, forming strands of learning that will be explored during curriculum sessions. Students will be introduced to the professional expectations and responsibilities associated with being an educator. They will develop their understanding of key pedagogies, planning and assessment and the importance of reflective practice.

As part of this module student will receive additional, mandatory sessions relevant to their route

Curriculum Concepts and Contexts

This module will introduce students to the structure, key concepts and specialist subject knowledge of curriculum subjects. Informed by research and contemporary policy, students will examine teaching approaches likely to engage children and promote learning. Students will explore one area of the curriculum for their assignment.

Pupils, Inclusion and Diversity

The module focuses on understanding child development and meeting individual needs. Students will engage in current issues relating to inclusion and additional needs and will develop some specialist knowledge of specific learning requirements. In addition, students will consider the role of other adults, parents and agencies in protecting children’s social, emotional and educational wellbeing.

Professional Placement

Whilst on school-based professional placement, students will be guided and supported by a teacher mentor. Students will become familiar with the class and school policies and plan and teach groups and whole class lessons focusing on explaining and modelling, and establishing positive learning environments. They will progress to whole class teaching and rehearse and refine effective behaviour management and assessment strategies. Students will engage in continual reflective practice, collecting evidence and evaluating and recording their personal and professional progress. Students will engage in ITAP sequences as part of this professional placement.

Entry Requirements

UK

GCSE English language, mathematics and a science at grade C or 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University. If you have taken a combined Science GCSE, a minimum grade of 4-3 is required.

You will need to provide original certificates to the University. If you only hold a ‘statement of provisional results’ and do not hold original certificates, please contact the relevant awarding body to obtain a ‘certified statement of results’ as soon as possible. Further information about obtaining a replacement exam certificate is available on the gov.uk website.
Functional Skills, Key Skills, Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy qualifications are not accepted by the University as GCSE equivalents.
If you do not hold GCSE qualifications, please contact us to confirm that we are able to accept the qualification you hold.

If English is not your first language: IELTS 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in academic writing) or equivalent is required.

If you have completed your qualifications outside the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) are able to help you obtain a UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) statement of comparability for free. For further information, please visit the get into teaching website.

We will look for evidence of a commitment to the teaching profession, an understanding of professional requirements, and an awareness of current educational issues in an application. Prior experience in a school is not required, however prospective students may find experience in a school useful for obtaining insights into the primary education classroom. Experience in a school or similar setting may also provide reassurance to prospective students that teaching is the right choice for their career.

We will also look for you demonstrate competency in Fundamental skills in English and mathematics during the selection process.

If you meet all of the above criteria or are expecting to meet the criteria prior to the course start date, you have a strong chance of being invited to interview.

International

A first or second-class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification). This can be in any subject.

You will need to provide original certificates to the University. If you only hold a ‘statement of provisional results’ and do not hold original certificates, please contact the relevant awarding body to obtain a ‘certified statement of results’ as soon as possible. Further information about obtaining a replacement exam certificate is available on the gov.uk website.
Functional Skills, Key Skills, Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy qualifications are not accepted by the University as GCSE equivalents.
If you do not hold GCSE qualifications, please contact us to confirm that we are able to accept the qualification you hold.

If English is not your first language: IELTS 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in academic writing) or equivalent is required.

We will also look for you demonstrate competency in Fundamental skills in English and mathematics during the selection process.

If you meet all of the above criteria or are expecting to meet the criteria prior to the course start date, you have a strong chance of being invited to interview.

Additional Requirements

If you are offered a place after attending an interview you will need to meet the following additional requirements. The University will send you more information about when and how you need to complete each of these tasks if you accept our offer.

Obtain enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check after accepting an offer. Please note, the cost of the clearance check is covered by the applicant. If you interrupt your studies and return the following academic year you may be required to pay for a new DBS clearance check.
If you have spent over 6 months outside the UK in the last 5 years you will be required to obtain criminal records checks from each of the countries you lived in for over 6 months continuously. Further information about obtaining a criminal records check from outside the UK is available on the gov.uk website. Please note, obtaining criminal records checks from other countries can take a long time.
You will also be required to complete an occupational health check to confirm that you are fit to teach.
All applicants are also subject to checks against the Secretary of State’s Teacher Prohibition Orders.

Childcare Disqualification

Student teachers who are enrolled on an initial teacher education programme at the University, including school-led programmes, which involve placement in a primary school or setting in its later years provision and/or early years provision (nursery and reception classes) need to be aware of the following requirements: Childcare Disqualification.

2025/26 Course Tuition Fees

	UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland	International
Year 1*	£9,535	£16,700

HOW TO APPLY

The way to apply for postgraduate teacher training in England has changed. You can now use Apply for teacher training, a new GOV.UK service.

Apply for teacher training is easy to use and gives clear guidance to help potential teachers make strong applications.

To learn more about the new service and to get help with your application, visit Get into Teaching.