Overview

Choosing to study a PGCE in Primary Education is your first step to inspiring children in learning about their world, and at Birmingham Newman University, we would love to support you in joining the profession. We understand that the Primary 3-11 age range is a crucial time for children’s development and learning. It is at this formative and particularly receptive stage of development that attitudes towards learning are formed, attitudes that will impact future life course development.

The Birmingham Newman Direct – PGCE Primary school-based programme route (3-11) and the PGCE Primary and Physical Education route (3-11) are designed to prepare you for teaching within your chosen primary age range (either 3-7 or 5-11). There are three modules developed to support your knowledge and understanding of theory, policy and practice, including the Early Years, National Curriculum and SEND frameworks.

Two level 7 modules are studied consecutively in the first and second term. These are worth 30 credits each. The third training module, studied across all three school terms, enables you to observe, reflect on and then undertake the role of the teacher in the primary phase. This is a non-credit bearing professional module which includes university training and work-related experience in school settings. The course will enable you to meet the requirements for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

What careers can I consider?

Birmingham Newman Initial Teacher Education graduates have a high employment rate and are well respected in the region and beyond. Most students take up a position in teaching, although some pursue other careers using the range of transferable skills gained during study. Our graduates have secured employment in a variety of settings and many roles such as subject lead, senior leadership, international posts and consultancy.

On successful completion of the course including demonstrating the required teaching standards, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status with the Department for Education, who confer QTS, ready to start your first teaching job. After your successful completion of the PGCE at level 7, you will also be invited to enrol on the master’s programme to continue your postgraduate studies and support your professional development.