Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary (2-7 or 5-11) (2022 Entry)
About this taught graduate course
Course overview
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 will 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.
General entry requirements
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.
Apply through DfE Apply for postgraduate teacher training programmes.
English language requirements
You can find out more about our English language requirements. This course requires the following:
- 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 qualifications
We welcome applications from students with other internationally recognised qualifications.
For more information, please visit the international entry requirements page.
Additional requirements
You will be asked to demonstrate your suitability to become a trainee/ teacher by completing an Enhanced Disclosure DBS.
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, adaptative teaching 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 your 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.
Optional modules
There are no optional modules for this course.
Teaching
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.
Typical contact hours
A minimum of 120 days are spent in school consisting of three extended placements in three different schools with three different age groups, as well as short enhanced placements focussing on specific themes, including a week in a SEND setting.
University sessions are taught in blocks between school placements with the largest block at the beginning of the year. You will typically have 3-4 sessions a day as well as time for independent study.
Assessment
You will be assessed through written Masters’ level assignments, which are aimed at assessing your professional and subject specific learning. You will also be assessed on whether you meet the Teachers’ Standards at a level appropriate for a newly qualified teacher.
Reading lists
Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.
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.
Your career
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)
Centre for Teacher Education (CTE)
Our vision and ambition for the Centre for Teacher Education (CTE) derives from a commitment to continue the long history of Teacher Education at the University of Warwick where generations of new teachers gain employment in our partner schools to improve the life chances of the children they teach. Our programmes are underpinned by our core values of social justice, intellectual curiosity and creativity.
Our commitment is to ensure we support and develop you as a newly-qualified teacher and engage you as part of our alumni community. CTE’s Master's in Professional Education is aimed at practising teachers and school leaders and is designed to ensure the content aligns with an individual’s educational research interest. You will focus your research on an area of your own choice to ensure your studies and learning has real value and impact within your school context.
We pride ourselves on making a difference to our students. We place high-quality teaching and student support at the heart of what we do and recognise that our success is built on the strength of our partnership with our students and schools. Teaching is our top priority and our commitment to our students is paramount.
Learn more about us from our website.
Our Postgraduate Taught courses
Tuition fees
Tuition fees are payable for each year of your course at the start of the academic year, or at the start of your course, if later. Academic fees cover the cost of tuition, examinations and registration and some student amenities.
Taught course fees Research course fees
Fee Status Guidance
The University carries out an initial fee status assessment based on information provided in the application and according to the guidance published by UKCISA. Students are classified as either Home or Overseas Fee status and this can determine the tuition fee and eligibility of certain scholarships and financial support.
If you receive an offer, your fee status will be stated with the tuition fee information, however we are awaiting guidance from the UK government regarding fee status for EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members living in the UK for academic year 2021/22 onwards. We are not able to confirm the fee status for these students until the relevant eligibility criteria have been confirmed. Once we have received further information from the UK government, we will provide you with an update on your fee status and let you know if any additional information is required. If you believe your fee status has been incorrectly classified you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire (follow the instructions in your offer) and provide the required documentation for this to be reassessed.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) provides guidance to UK universities on fees status criteria, you can find the latest guidance on the impact of Brexit on fees and student support on the UKCISA website.
Additional course costs
Please contact your academic department for information about department specific costs, which should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below, such as:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and financial support
Find out about the different funding routes available, including; postgraduate loans, scholarships, fee awards and academic department bursaries.
Living costs
Find out more about the cost of living as a postgraduate student at the University of Warwick.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Taught course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for taught postgraduate courses at Warwick.
Research course applications
Here is our checklist on how to apply for research postgraduate degrees at the University of Warwick.
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Admissions statement
See Warwick’s postgraduate admissions policy.
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Postgraduate Open Day
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Departmental events
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