PGCE information session

Sign up to our upcoming online PGCE Primary information session. Get an introduction to the PGCE teacher training courses for Primary level at The University of Manchester. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

Sign up now for our PGCE Primary information session

PGCE Primary

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
Duration
1 year
Entry requirements
  • Bachelors degree (minimum 2:2 or international equivalent).
  • Two A-levels in non-vocational subjects (minimum grade C).
  • GCSEs in English Language, Mathematics and Science, plus at least three other non-vocational subjects (minimum grade C).

Full entry requirements

How to apply

Apply through the government website

Course options

Full-time Part-time Full-time distance learning Part-time distance learning
PGCE Y N N N

Course overview

  • Become an outstanding primary school teacher with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
  • Enjoy extensive periods of classroom experience supported by outstanding tutors and mentors.
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PGCE Primary - The University of Manchester

Open days

The University holds regular open days , where you will have the opportunity to tour the campus and find out more about our facilities and courses.

You will find out more about the School of Environment, Education and Development, our resources, and meet academic and admissions staff who will be able to answer any questions you have.

Fees

For entry in the academic year beginning September 2024, the tuition fees are as follows:

  • PGCE (full-time)
    UK students (per annum): £9,250
    International, including EU, students (per annum): £22,500

Further information for EU students can be found on our dedicated EU page.

The fees quoted above will be fully inclusive for the course tuition, administration and computational costs during your studies.

For general fees information, please visit postgraduate fees

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

There are three types of Government funding available for teacher training: 
  • tax-free bursary or scholarship;
  • tuition fee loan and maintenance loan;
  • extra financial support if you're a parent or have an adult dependant or a disability. 

Depending on your circumstances you could receive all three. Learn more on the Department for Education website .

You can also find out about scholarships and bursaries on our funding page .

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Contact name
Recruitment and Admissions Team
Telephone
+44 (0)161 543 4710
Email
Website
http://www.seed.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/education/pgce/
School/Faculty
See: The School .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Entry requirements

Academic entry qualification overview

  • Bachelors degree (minimum 2:2 or international equivalent).
  • Two A-levels in non-vocational subjects (minimum grade C).
  • GCSEs in English Language, Mathematics and Science, plus at least three other non-vocational subjects (minimum grade C).

English language

In addition to a grade C at GCSE in English Language, applicants whose first language is not English are required to meet the following language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.5 overall, 6.5 in writing, no sub-section below 6.0, or
  • TOEFL iBT overall score of 90 with a minimum score of 22 in writing and 20 in the other sub-sections, or
  • Pearson PTE overall score of 62 with a minimum score of 62 in writing and 59 in the other sub-sections, or
  • Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (CAE) or Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE) overall score of 176 or above, with 176 in writing and no sub-section below 169

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years.

Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Professional entry qualification

Applicants who do not meet this criteria, but who have four years of relevant postgraduate employment or voluntary work, may be considered at the discretion of the Admissions Tutor.

Application and selection

How to apply

Advice to applicants

You must apply through  DfE Apply .

Applications or CVs sent directly to the University will not be considered.

You must submit the following with your completed application form:

  • contact details for two referees who can provide a written reference supporting your suitability for teaching
  • a personal statement which should be between 500-1000 words in length in a good standard of written English. Here are some examples you could write about (they are just a guide, you do not need to write about all of them):
    • skills you have that are relevant to teaching
    • any experience of working with young people
    • for secondary teacher training: your interest in the subject you want to teach
    • your understanding of why teaching is important
    • your reasons for wanting to train to be a teacher
    • any activities you’ve done that could be relevant to teaching like first aid courses, sports coaching or volunteering

We recommend that you submit your application as soon as you are able to, once applications open. It is possible that we may need further evidence of qualifications in order to make a decision on your application, so please ensure that all relevant documents are available on request.

Before submitting your DfE application, please make sure that the information you enter regarding your qualifications is correct and accurate. We have the right to cancel your application if we determine (having carried out any necessary checks), or have reasonable belief, that your application contains false information. If you have any reason to believe that the information we hold about you is untrue, incomplete or inaccurate, you must tell us immediately.

Interview requirements

Your application will be assessed by our admissions team and if successful, we will invite you to an online interview. All universities interview candidates for PGCE courses.

The interview process takes place over a half day, and includes the following:

  • identity and qualification checks - please bring with you photographic ID (such as your passport or driving licence), proof of address and copies of your academic qualifications;
  • an introductory talk from University lecturers;
  • a personal interview with one of our tutors and a representative from our school partnership;
  • Primary PGCE applicants will be asked to deliver a short presentation, details of which will be given when you are invited for interview.

Aptitude test requirement

The Government is replacing the professional skills tests with a new system of provider-led assurance in relation to trainees' fundamental knowledge in English and Mathematics. Under this new approach you will not be required to pass professional skills tests prior to commencing your PGCE, but you will need to demonstrate your fundamental knowledge by the end of the programme.

Fitness to practise / health requirements

If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with a confidential health screening check as advised by the Department for Education. 

Health screening will be undertaken by the Student Occupational Health Service, who will advise on any follow-up vaccinations or other intervention which may be indicated.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

If your application is successful, we will require you to comply with an enhanced check through the Disclosure and Barring Service as advised by the Department for Education.

You must also meet the University's suitability requirements for the safeguarding of children.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. 

In your new application, you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

Course details

Course description

PGCE Primary will train you to teach children aged 5 to 11. It provides training in all primary stage National Curriculum subjects, with a particular focus on Mathematics, English and Science.

Completion leads to a postgraduate qualification and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

University-based sessions cover education theories, ideas and concepts, and will enhance your awareness of current educational issues.

You will spend a significant amount of time studying the core subjects outlined above, while also studying Religious Education, History, Geography, Art, Music, Design and Technology and PE.

Special features

  • We have links with more than 200 schools, academies, and colleges, and you will benefit from significant school-based teaching experience.
  • Our leading experts in education have trained more than 5,000 teachers in the last 15 years.
  • Our students come from all over the globe and are from a variety of backgrounds - from recent graduates to mature learners.

Additional course information

Your University tutors, who are all highly experienced Primary practitioners, will provide excellent support for your academic work and your personal development.  

School mentors will provide advice and guidance whilst you are on placement. The culture of team working and best practice sharing among students will provide you with a support network available when you need it the most.

Teaching and learning

The structure of our PGCEs includes both school-based and university-based learning.

The course is run in partnership with more than 200 local primary schools located across Greater Manchester, including Bolton, Trafford, Tameside, Manchester, Bury, Stockport, Rochdale, Salford, Oldham, north Cheshire and south Lancashire.

You will spend 120 days of the programme learning and practising teaching on placement. The professional placements are:

  • School experience block 1 (10 weeks, autumn term);
  • Inclusion placement (1 week, spring term);
  • Early Years Foundation Stage placement (2 weeks, spring term);
  • School experience block 2 (11 weeks, spring/summer terms).

When on placement, you will observe and teach classes under the guidance of an experienced primary teacher. You will also have a mentor to help you to plan lessons, deal with marking and assessment, and improve your teaching skills.

Your remaining time will be spent at the University, for example in lectures and seminars.

We will support your training to become a primary school teacher by providing:

  • an understanding of teacher professionalism;
  • evidence to inform your practical actions, principles and values in educational settings;
  • teaching that values diversity and respect for all backgrounds;
  • the required knowledge, understanding and practical skills. 

As a guide, you should anticipate that time in university-based learning combined with school-based placements will roughly equate to the time commitment of a full-time job, with additional time required in evenings and weekends for background reading, lesson planning and completing written assignments.

Coursework and assessment

You will be assessed during your school placements, and you will receive high-quality feedback to enhance your development.

Your subject knowledge in English, Mathematics and Science will be audited regularly through taught course sessions, and you will also complete three 20 credit master's-level assignments during the year.

The written assignments will allow you to gain a maximum of 60 master's-level credits, and guidance and support to complete these assignments will be available from your University tutors.

Facilities

The course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE) with most PGCE University days based in the Ellen Wilkinson building, centrally located on the University's Oxford Road campus, close to the Main Library, Alan Gilbert Learning Commons, and the Students’ Union.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service.

For more information, email  dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

I realised a couple of years ago that the thing which was missing in terms of job satisfaction was the ability to make a direct impact on others, particularly children, to help improve their futures.

My school-based placements have been great its what the course is all about and makes it all real. Having visits from University tutors, and the odd day here and there during the placement, means you remain connected to the Uni and your course mates.

Tim Charlton / PGCE Primary Alumnus
Completing a PGCE is one route to becoming a fully qualified teacher. This form of teacher training is recommended for anyone with an undergraduate degree who is looking to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). 

You need QTS to teach in a state-maintained or special school in England and Wales. Whilst other routes to gain QTS exist, they do not all come with the postgraduate qualification of a PGCE. 

A PGCE from The University of Manchester is a valued qualification regionally, nationally, and internationally. 

When you study a PGCE with us, we help you prepare for a successful career in education. You will be given clear direction, advice and support when making applications for teaching posts and our employment rates are consistently high. 

In addition to this, a PGCE qualification can count as 60 of the 180 credits required for a master's degree, and The University of Manchester offers a range of postgraduate Education courses should you wish to continue your professional development as you progress further in your career. 

Visit our careers and employability page  for more information. 

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .