About this qualification
Delivered by our partners at the National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE).
Our unique teacher training qualification combines school-based learning with a university-led programme, designed and delivered by expert educators. You’ll be based in a school throughout the qualification, receiving support from both a Personal University Tutor and an in-school mentor. The programme covers Primary level (5-11 and 7-11 age ranges) and a variety of subjects at Secondary level (11-16, 11-18 age ranges), as well as specialised 14-19 age range subjects typically taught in Key Stages 4 & 5.
The qualification utilises online teaching materials, webinars, and live tutorials to provide practical learning experiences. You’ll also collaborate with fellow trainee teachers in weekly online sessions and termly educational conferences. Additionally, applicants can teach in independent schools. With a broad network of partner schools, you may have the opportunity to train in a location that suits you.
Entry Requirements
Prior experience in teaching or in schools is not a prerequisite of acceptance onto the qualification.
GCSE
Have achieved a standard equivalent to a Grade-4 (C grade) GCSE in English and Mathematics. For those training to teach pupils aged 3-11, a Grade-4 (C grade) in a Science subject is also required.
Higher Education
Hold a UK undergraduate degree or equivalent.
Application & Interview
Take part in a rigorous selection process to assess their suitability to train to teach. This involves an application form, pre-interview tasks for subject knowledge, English and Maths, and an interview.
Background Checks
Students must have undergone suitable background checks with regard to the Keeping Children Safe in Education statutory guidance, including an enhanced DBS check. The DBS is paid for by the school for students on the employed route.
English as a Foreign Language
Participants whose first language is not English must demonstrate proficiency in verbal and written English language, with the equivalent of IELTS 6.5 overall with no component less than 5.5, or TEFL 600. If you have IELTS 6.0 you may be eligible to study our online pre-sessional English qualification.
Qualification information
The qualification aims to develop teachers who are confident, inspiring and highly effective in transferring knowledge and skills to their pupils. In doing so, the qualification aims to:
- Enable you to explore wider perspectives in education and the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the codes of practice.
- Equip you with the skills to reflect on your personal and professional development and respond positively to feedback through critical analysis of your practice.
- Support you in developing an enquiry-led approach to research of your own practice and reflect on strategies for effective teaching and learning
- Foster a culture of independent learning and self-awareness so you can take responsibility for your own professional
development, while understanding your strengths, weaknesses
and how to progress your own teaching.
Career Path
Our PGCE with QTS is a teacher training qualification, which upon successful completion certifies trainees to teach in state-maintained schools in England. Many independent schools now also prefer their teachers to have the qualification.
Units Covered
A 15-credit module consists of 150 hours of learning, which comprises a mixture of taught and independent study.
We regularly review our qualification content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, qualification modules may be updated.
How you’ll be taught
Our qualification comprises four modules and is typically studied over one academic year (three school terms), but this can be extended. You will receive day-to-day support from a school-based mentor, as well as your own Personal University Tutor. Both colleagues will support your progress throughout and ensure that your workload is well-managed.
The modular structure of the qualification is blended in approach. It combines online learning with practical in-school support. Up to two in-person educational conferences provide opportunities for trainees to come together and share experiences.
Unit 1
Unit 2
Unit 3
Unit 4
Unit 1
Behaviour and Classroom Management
This module aims to develop your understanding of principles of educational psychology, neuroscience and contemporary educational theory on behaviour. You will explore how children learn, what influences their behaviour and what strategies and interventions are effective for promoting good teaching and learning.
Unit 2
Curriculum Delivery and Assessment
This module aims to develop your knowledge of subject pedagogy, effective lesson planning and application of statutory codes for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), as well as principles of assessment and feedback practices.
Unit 3
Development of the Teachers’ Standards
This module aims to develop a reflective and self-critical approach to teaching. As such, you will be required to demonstrate effective practice via critical evaluation and systematic analysis of your own teaching practice in line with The National Teachers’ Standards in England (Department for Education 2012).
Unit 4
Practical Teaching Practice
The Practical Teaching Practice module is practice-based and runs throughout the qualification. You will be encouraged to set, review and show that you can meet targets related to your professional practice and demonstrate your competency in all of the Teachers’ Standards.
We regularly review our qualification content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, qualification modules may be updated.
How you’ll be assessed
Assessment throughout our PGCE with QTS is varied and designed to stimulate learning. It includes lesson observations, case study research, oral presentations and written assignments. The Practical Teaching Practice module runs throughout the qualification, and formative assessment regularly informs your progress and helps you to develop your teaching. At the end of the qualification, a summative assessment of your competency against the Teachers’ Standards is made. Throughout the year, you will also receive visits to your school from university staff who will observe your teaching and provide further support in your progress.
During your study, you’ll have the opportunity to access an experienced team, including associate lecturers, progression coaches and student experience officers, who will support your studies through regular feedback and dedicated live seminars. Please note that staff may be subject to change.
Fees & Funding
Funding route
Full-time
Part-time
Tuition-fee Funded
£7,950
£3,975 per year
Employed Route
£6,500
£3,250 per year
