PGCE Primary Education 3-11
PGCE Primary with QTS, Postgraduate, September 2025
Key Details
- M778 Course Code
- 1 Years
- TBC Typical UCAS Tariff
As a teacher training provider since 1968, we know great teachers transform lives. Our job is to help you become the best teacher you can be. We don’t judge you on your background, but on your potential – just as every child deserves a teacher who inspires them to discover their own abilities. With personalised support and a diverse learning community, we’ll help you become the role model future generations need. This course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), preparing you to teach across the Primary age range, with the opportunity to specialise in 3-7, 5-11 or 7-11.
The primary years shape a child’s future, and our course prepares you to teach across the full primary curriculum.
The course is structured around five key curriculum themes, designed to build your understanding of education theory, policy and practice to develop an inclusive and adaptable teaching approach.
Our approach ensures you feel valued. You’ll learn in groups that reflect a primary classroom and receive tailored support from tutors to grow both personally and academically. You’ll also learn from experts within the wider education sector through guest lectures, conferences and specialist workshops.
We have strong partnerships with schools across the West Midlands, built on years of trust. We bring local teachers and their pupils to campus before your first placement, so you can practise and gain confidence in a low-pressure environment. And when you step into the classroom, you’ll be mentored by experienced teachers who support you every step of the way.
This course is available full-time or part-time, giving you the flexibility to train in a way that suits you.
Finally, we may be a local university, but you’ll be part of a global teaching community. You’ll engage with leading education practices worldwide through guest speakers and collaborative learning opportunities.
All PGCE Primary 3-11 students at Birmingham Newman University study the same mandatory core module. The second level 7 module you will study is dependent on your chosen age phase (3-7, 5-11 or 7-11) and training route: guidance will be provided on enrolment to ensure you are registered on the correct module.
You will learn the principles of curriculum design and delivery, and theories of learning and teaching, alongside developing practical insights and skills in the effective teaching and assessment of young children. You will study three modules: two level 7 modules, worth 30 credits each, and a non-credit bearing professional module which includes university-training and work-related experience in school settings.
School-based training is central to the PGCE programme. You undertake placements in at least two primary schools, providing opportunities to observe and practise a range of methods and approaches. Over the course of the programme you will spend at least 120 days in school split into block placements.
Full time students will attend placements in all three terms of your PGCE year. Part time students will complete one block placement in year one and two block placements during the second year of study.
School-based learning includes observation of experienced teachers, a structured programme of group and whole class teaching and a series of directed activities to explore wider school issues. In order to support your professional development, this work-related study is organised into three stages: Understanding Professional Practice, Managing the Classroom and Meeting the Teachers’ Standards. Each stage supports your transition from trainee to Early Career Teacher through clear guidance and shared expectations
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 Masters programme to continue your postgraduate studies and support your professional development.
Birmingham Newman University is located in Britain’s second city – Birmingham. With one of the youngest city populations in Europe, it is a vibrant and dynamic place to study.
Studying at Newman University, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
Dining out
Birmingham has lots of wonderful places to dine out with a range of different cuisines. Places where you can dine out include; Brindley Place, Mailbox and Hagley Road (just 10 minutes’ from Birmingham Newman).
Entertainment
Whether you like to go to; the theatre, gigs or clubs, or enjoy: sports, shopping visiting art galleries or exhibitions – Birmingham will not disappoint and you will be spoilt for choice!
Location
Getting around Birmingham is easy via train, bus or by car. Birmingham has excellent transport links to the rest of Britain, making it easy for those weekend getaways!
Why not explore the city for yourself by visiting one of our Open Days?
Want to find out more about Birmingham? Then take a look at some Birmingham City Secrets.
Entry Requirements
Apply for PGCE courses on DfE Apply.
We recommend an application is made as early as possible, once the DfE portal has opened.
A UK Bachelors Degree (or recognised equivalent qualification).
GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalents). Please be aware that whilst these GCSEs are not mandatory at application point, these qualifications must be obtained by enrolment. See our page for additional GCSE equivalency information.
Students will also be required to be assured against a set of fundamental maths, science and English skills by the end of their initial teacher training.
For further information about the Interview Process see our ITE Interview page.
You will need to obtain Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance and meet the requirements for fitness to train to teach prior to starting the course. For more information on your DBS application please visit the How do I complete my DBS form advice page.
Course Fees
The full-time course fee for September 2025 is £9,535.
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
The part-time course fee for September 2025 is £9,535 which is the standard rate for postgraduate courses. This is divided between the two training years.
Modules
Additional Information
To ensure that the course content is as up-to-date and relevant to current teaching theory and practice as possible, this course will be re-validated at least every five years or sooner, if external changes require it.
Work-related placements in school and visits to other education settings will require some travel. Placements may be 1 hour 30 from a student’s term-time address.
If you are interested in working in Catholic schools or simply wish to keep options open for the future then why not consider the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies? Past students have found it extremely helpful regardless of religious belief. For more information please visit the webpage or contact course leader Eamonn Elliot directly e.w.elliott@newman.ac.uk
General Academic Regulations: Terms and Conditions for students attending our courses