Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS in Primary (3-7 or 5-11)

Find out more about our Postgraduate Certificate in Primary Education (PGCE) with QTS degree at Warwick

N/A*

PGCE

1 year full-time

1 September 2025

Centre for Teacher Education (CTE)

University of Warwick

The Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a high-quality, Ofsted rated outstanding programme founded on the Warwick Teacher Values of Social Justice, Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity. Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education has strong partnerships with schools across the region. With us you will become an effective and confident teacher and make a real difference to young people’s futures.

The course is fully accredited by the Department for Education, and in 2024 received an 'Outstanding' grade from Ofsted. The ambitious curriculum both encompasses and goes beyond the ITT Core Content Framework.

*For more information on how to apply please visit our Centre for Teacher Education webpagesLink opens in a new window.

Our Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS focuses on the 5-11 age range and our Early Years Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) with QTS focuses on the 3-7 age range. Our courses will develop you into a highly effective teacher, equipped with the values, skills, and knowledge to become a successful school leader.

On the course you will learn key pedagogic principles e.g. behaviour management, assessment for learning and how to meet the needs of all through creating an inclusive classroom. You will develop your subject knowledge whilst learning how to plan and teach across all National Curriculum subjects, and the Foundation Stage Curriculum (Early Years Programme). Enhanced training in SEND teaching and learning is a distinctive aspect of our school and professional experience.

You will have access to excellent personal, academic and pastoral support. From our partner schools, you can expect a programme of high-quality mentor support and professional training and development, which complements the University-based elements of the course, and which will support your development of classroom practice.

In partnership with regional schools, we will ensure that you have the skills and knowledge needed to forge a strong personal and professional identity, which you will continue to develop throughout your career. The Warwick Teacher Values, of Social Justice, Intellectual Curiosity and Creativity run through all our programmes.

Please visit the Centre for Teacher Education website to find out more.

Regular tutorials and a flexible seminar programme ensure that you are treated as an individual from the outset and are supported to progress according to your ability, taking account of your professional and personal development needs. Teaching is mainly through small group workshop sessions that provide time to explore how your own teaching is informed by what you learn on the course.

Typical contact hours

A minimum of 120 days are spent in school consisting of extended placements in different age phases in a minimum of two different schools, as well as enhancement days focussing on specific themes including meeting the needs of EAL learners and designated time in an SEND setting. In addition, you will be engaging with four different opportunities for Intensive Training and Practice (ITaPs) which will build your confidence and expertise in carefully selected aspects of the planned curriculum.

University sessions are carefully sequenced and interspersed throughout the year to support your development as a teacher. A university day typically consists of 3-4 sessions a day and will predominantly consist of face to face workshops on campus so you can learn collaboratively and practically under the guidance and expertise of our highly experienced teaching team. There will be some online delivery and designated time for independent study.

Class Size

You will be assessed through a variety of different Master's level assignments, which are aimed at assessing your professional and subject specific learning and your ability to critically analyse and apply theory to classroom practice. You will also be assessed on whether you meet the Teachers’ Standards at a level appropriate for an Early Career Teacher.

Reading lists  

If you would like to view reading lists for current or previous cohorts of students, most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library on the Talis Aspire platform.  

You can search for reading lists by module title, code or convenor. Please see the modules tab of this page or the module catalogue.   

Please note that some reading lists may have restricted access or be unavailable at certain times of year due to publication dates. If you cannot access the reading list for a particular module, please check again later or contact the module’s host department. 

Your timetable

Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you when you join us.

2:2 undergraduate degree (or equivalent). At least Grade C or 4 in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science (or equivalent).

Apply through DfE Apply for postgraduate teacher training programmes.

• Band B
• IELTS overall score of 7.0, minimum component scores of two at 6.0/6.5 and the rest at 7.0 or above.

Suitability and safeguarding checks.

Optional modules

There are no optional modules for this course.

Page updates

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