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Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary (2-7 or 5-11) (2021 Entry)



  • Course Code
  • P-X31A
  • Course Type
  • Postgraduate Taught
  • Qualification
  • PGCE
  • Duration
  • Full-time: 1 year
  • Location of Study
  • University of Warwick


The Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education is a high-quality programme of professional education. Warwick's Centre for Teacher Education has partnerships with schools across the region. You'll become a confident teacher and make a real difference to young children's development.


Our Primary Postgraduate Certificate in Education is based on a partnership between us and schools within the region. It is a high-quality programme of professional education, leading to qualified teacher status (QTS) and Master’s level credits. Our course aims to develop you into a highly reflective practitioner, able to adapt and respond to changes in settings and national educational contexts, and able to take responsibility for your ongoing professional development in preparation for future leadership.

From us, you can expect a taught course which will prepare you for the realities and rigours of teaching a broad curriculum fit for the 21st century. You’ll also have access to excellent personal, academic and pastoral support. From our partner schools, you can expect a programme of mentor support and professional training and development, which will complement the University-based elements of the course, and which will support your development of classroom practice.

You may also wish to consider our School Direct routes. Please visit the Centre for Teacher Education website to find out more.

Enhanced training in SEN teaching and learning is a distinctive aspect of our school and professional experience.

The Warwick Teacher Values, based on social justice, curiosity and creativity run through all our programmes.


Core Modules

  • Professional Enquiry: This module is concerned with pedagogy – the method and practice of teaching. It addresses central issues such as, teaching methods, how children learn, meeting individual needs, assessment, differentiation and behaviour management.
  • Subject Studies: This module is concerned with ensuring that you are able to teach children English, Mathematics and Science as well as all of the foundation subjects. It will develop you subject knowledge as well as provide you with a wealth of teaching approaches and activities for each subject.
  • Professional Practice: this module includes both taught content and school placements, and is underpinned by professional enquiry.

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.

You will be assessed through written Masters’ level assignments, which are aimed at assessing your professional and subject specific learning. You’ll also be assessed on whether you meet the Teachers’ Standards at a level appropriate for a newly qualified teacher.


Minimum requirements 2:ii undergraduate degree (or equivalent). At least Grade C in GCSE English Language, Mathematics and Science (or equivalent). Please note, the new Grade 4 is considered equivalent to the old Grade C within the new grading system from 2017 onwards.

English Language requirements 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

International Students
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications. For more information please visit the international entry requirements page.


Apply through DfE Apply for postgraduate teacher training programmes.


For up-to-date information concerning fees, funding and scholarships for Home, EU and Overseas students please visit Warwick's Fees and Funding webpage.

Scholarships

Scholarships and bursaries are available for teacher training.


Upon completing one of our courses, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and will gain 90 credits at Master’s level. This allows you to fast-track to stage two of CTE’s Master’s degree, quickly progressing your professional development.

Career progression may be through taking responsibility for co-ordinating an area of the curriculum or leading a Key Stage, with next steps being a senior management role.

Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant offering impartial advice and guidance together with workshops and events throughout the year. Previous examples of workshops and events include:

  • Applications and Interviews for Teaching Jobs
  • Preparing for Teaching Job Interviews
  • Writing a Personal Statement for Teaching Jobs
  • Careers Drop In (for applications and interview support)

The Centre for Teacher Education offers several information evenings where you can learn more about the department and course.

There are several different ways to visit the University of Warwick throughout the year. We host bespoke PG visits, where you can talk directly with your chosen department and explore our campus through a personalised tour. Some departments also host their own events and open days, where you can learn more about your department or course of study. To find out more about all of these opportunities, visit our Postgraduate Visits page.