PGCE Primary

We have been a leading provider of teacher education since 1890, and it is this exemplary heritage, coupled with our drive to innovate and excel that makes us one of the foremost institutions for teacher training in the UK.

Undertaking teacher training at the University of Nottingham enables you to benefit from a combination of expert academic knowledge and an emphasis on practical skills. Our trainee teachers are placed in schools in week one, and are fully supported by a bespoke programme of assistance throughout their training year. Furthermore, you will be taught by academics who are all experienced teachers and who are recognised nationally and internationally for their work.

By choosing to study teacher training at Nottingham, you will not only be maximising your potential to become an amazing teacher, but you will also have an in-depth understanding of the relationship between educational theory and practice, making you a highly skilled education professional.

Key facts

• We are ranked 4th in the UK for education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018
• The programmes inspected during our last visit from Ofsted were rated 'Outstanding'
• Over 95% of our teacher training graduates secure employment as teachers

This programme is designed to equip you with the skills you need to become an effective educator and to enable you to develop your own theories of learning and models of good practice. It gives you extended placements in at least two schools, enabling you to gain a broad experience of different and contrasting educational settings.

First school placement

During this first school placement you will undertake a variety of tasks and observations as you are gradually introduced to teaching. You will work closely with your school-based mentors and with your tutor, who visits you in school.

Second school placement

This long-term placement allows you to become part of the school community and to work professionally as a member of a team. It begins in the spring term and continues into the summer term. It is an intensive and demanding phase of the course and begins with an induction to prepare you for teaching in a new context.

During the induction phase you will get to know the school mentor and other staff, observe teaching and support in the classroom, become familiar with the materials and facilities for teaching, and with the way pupils are grouped and cared for within the school system.

As part of this second placement you will undertake a school-based inquiry project where, working with others, you will formulate and develop a research project on an area of interest.

In addition to your school placements, you will undertake a number of university-based days over the course of the year, during which you will be part of interactive, practical sessions that support you to reflect on, and develop your practice.

Throughout the course you will have a personalised programme of professional development, reflecting on the insights derived from experiences through the year. You will be continually challenged to think about your own personal growth and identity as a beginning teacher.

Assessment

Your practical teaching will be assessed by University tutors and school-based mentors/coordinators and moderated by external examiners. All elements of your work across the year will be taken into account and there are no written exams. You will need to demonstrate your practical abilities as a teacher and your theoretical understanding of this practice and must fulfil the requirements for the Teacher Standards.

We have a very strong, collaborative partnership with the schools we work with, which supports your development as a beginning teacher. University tutors and school coordinators/mentors work closely with you, and each other, throughout the year to support and challenge you to develop into the best teacher you can be.

Applying

You need to apply via UCAS-TT, using our institution code: NOTTM N84. You must complete and submit the application form following the UCAS instructions, and submit a personal statement.

Suitable candidates will be invited to interview at the University and if successful, you will be offered a place.

GCSE equivalencies

If you do not have GCSE qualifications, please view our information on the qualifications that we will accept as equivalent to GCSE  in English language, maths and science.

Core

The modules we offer are inspired by the research interests of our staff and as a result may change for reasons of, for example, research developments or legislation changes. This list is an example of typical modules we offer, not a definitive list.

Tuition fee and maintenance loans

You may be eligible to apply for a fee loan from the Student Loans Company, which covers the cost of the tuition fee. Maintenance loans are also available from the Student Loans Company.

University of Nottingham Core Bursary

As a student on a PGCE course, you may be eligible for income assessed Core Bursary of up to £2,000. 

University of Nottingham Potential Bursary

These bursaries include support for students with financially dependent children or adults, or students who have been in care.

International and EU students

The International Office provides information and advice on funding your degree, living costs and working while you study, as well as country-specific resources.

Additional costs

As a student on a teacher training course, you should factor some additional costs into your budget, alongside your tuition fees and living expenses. This includes travel costs to your placement school which will obviously vary according to where you live, where you need to travel to, and your mode of transport. Some of our courses will also include local visits or field trips which will also incur costs.

You should be able to access most of the books you'll need through our libraries, though you may wish to purchase your own copies or more specific titles. The school covers the cost of a DBS check. Please note that this information is subject to change.

As a newly qualified teacher you'll begin on a salary of at least £22,467, or £28,098 in inner London.

You may choose to put your 60 masters-level credits towards MA Education or MA Education (Flexible).

Over 95% of our teacher training graduates secure employment as teachers but other career destinations include counsellors, education advisers and vocational/industrial trainers and instructors.

Downloads and links

2019 postgraduate study guide

Request a study guide Download the brochure

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