PGCE Primary (School Direct)

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.

We offer two primary training routes, both of which result in a PGCE with up to 60 masters-level credits and Qualified Teacher Status that enables you to teach in UK primary schools:

• PGCE School Direct starting in August
• PGCE starting in September

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.

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Key facts

• We are ranked 4th in the UK for education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2018
• In our most recent Ofsted inspection we were rated 'Outstanding'
• Over 95% of our teacher training graduates secure employment as teachers

School Direct

You will have a two day induction at the University at the end of August, after which you will begin your first school placement. You will follow the school calendar, working four days per week in school throughout the whole of the school year, with a training day at the University every Friday.

You will also complete a placement in a second school that promotes collaborative learning, and have the opportunity to undertake placements in a range of educational settings.

PGCE

Beginning in early September, this route gives you extended placements in at least two schools, enabling you to gain a broad experience of different, and contrasting, educational settings. In addition to your school placements, there are days spread over the year based at the University where you will be part of interactive, practical sessions that support you to reflect on, and develop your practice.

Both of these programmes are 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. This means that 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.

Assessment

Two masters-level modules are included in each route, and 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.

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.

UK students may be eligible to receive funding such as student loans, grants and teacher training bursaries. Please see the school website for further info on PGCE and School Direct routes. Information is also available from the Department for Education.

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.

As a student on a PGCE/PGCE School Direct 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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