Birmingham Newman Direct
Choosing to study a PGCE in primary or secondary education is your first step to inspiring children in learning about their world, and at Birmingham Newman University alongside our partnerships, we would love to support you in joining the teaching profession.
What is Birmingham Newman Direct (previously School Direct)?
The ‘Birmingham Newman Direct’ programme is an exciting school-based Initial Teacher Education route incorporating both academic and school-based modules and providing trainees with the opportunity to immerse themselves into school life from the very start of their course.
The programme is designed to prepare you for teaching within your chosen age range (for primary either 3-7, 5-11 or 7-11). For secondary (age range 11-16) we offer a range of subjects; Maths, English, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Computing, Modern Foreign Languages (French, German or Spanish), P.E., R.E., History, Geography and Drama.
The University modules are based on five Birmingham Newman curriculum themes: Role of the Teacher; Learning, Teaching and Assessment; Adaptive Practice, Understanding and Managing Behaviours and Subject Knowledge. As part of the programme, you will also take part in four intensive training and practice weeks, designed to further your understanding, knowledge and practice in key areas of primary education.
For those wishing to work within Catholic schools, or who wish to develop their understanding of Religious education, there is also the opportunity to undertake the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS).
We work with a number of schools and partnership across Birmingham and the West Midlands. Our school partnerships offer places for primary and secondary Initial Teacher Education (ITE) leading to an award of PGCE with recommendation for QTS. Our school partnerships manage their own vacancies – you can search for suitable vacancies using the Department for Education (DfE) website.
When you have found programmes that are of interest you should then submit your application via DfE Apply.
There is not set deadline but courses will close when they become full – we always recommend that you apply as soon as you can to avoid disappointment.
Useful links
- Birmingham Newman Direct (Primary)
- Primary ITE
- Secondary ITE
- CPD courses
- Primary Mentor Training
- Secondary Mentor Training
- School Direct Partnerships
Application process
- Find out more – How to apply
- Please contact Admissions
- Email: admissions@newman.ac.uk
- Tel: +44(0)121 476 1181
The benefits of Birmingham Newman Direct
Hands-On Classroom Experience
- Trainees spend significant time in schools, gaining practical experience from day one.
- Opportunity to apply theory immediately in real teaching environments.
Strong Mentorship
- Close support from experienced teachers and mentors within the school.
- Regular feedback and guidance tailored to individual development.
Employment Prospects
- Many school-based programmes are linked to employment opportunities within the host school or partner schools.
- Builds strong professional networks early in the career.
Integration with School Culture
- Immersion in the day-to-day life of a school helps trainees understand policies, routines, and expectations.
- Easier transition from trainee to qualified teacher.
Collaborative Learning
- Access to a community of trainees and staff for shared learning and support.
- Often includes training days with other schools in the partnership.
Academic Qualification
- Leads to a PGCE and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), with Master’s level credits.
- Combines practical experience with academic rigour.
Why Birmingham Newman?
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.
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 Birmingham Newman, you have the advantage of being near to the city, but living in, or commuting to peaceful and comfortable surroundings on campus.
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 Newman). 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!
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!
What does the course cover?
You will undertake two Master’s modules at level 7 across the year which will be supported by university academic staff. This will give you a thorough understanding of current evidence based practice and educational research.
School-based training is central to the ‘Birmingham Newman Direct’ PGCE and will be a feature of all three terms of your PGCE year. You will undertake placements in at least two schools, providing opportunities to observe and practise a range of methods and approaches.
School-based training 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 Standards. Each stage supports your transition from trainee to Early Career Teacher through clear guidance and shared expectations.
Qualifications needed
Students apply for PGCE courses via DfE Apply.
For primary a UK Bachelors Degree (or recognised equivalent qualification).
For secondary the degree needs to be at least 50% or more in the subject that you wish to study. If this is lower than 50% there may be the opportunity to complete subject knowledge enhancement courses. We may also consider other degrees in modern foreign languages where the applicant is a native speaker.
For primary and secondary GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalents). In addition, for primary ITT you will need Science at grade 4(or C) or above.
Please be aware that whilst these GCSEs are not mandatory at application point, these qualifications must be obtained by enrolment. See the Birmingham Newman website for additional GCSE information.
Students will also be required to be assured against a set of fundamental maths and English skills by the end of their initial teacher training. 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.
International Students
Birmingham Newman University is not licensed by the UK Government to sponsor migrant students under the Student route and is therefore unable to accept applications from international students at present.
Funding and Financial Support
Students will pay £9,535 through student finance to Birmingham Newman University.