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Key details

Course area
Teacher Training
Student types
Courses for 19+ studentsUniversity Level
Course type
Full-time University Level course
Course level
Level 7
Start date
Wednesday 26th August 2026
Location
Basford 664 Nuthall Road, Nottingham, NG8 6AQ
Fees
£8,250.00
Course code
Parent course code:C059172 Child course code: Q059173
UCAS course code
PGCP
UCAS institution code
N30
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Course introduction

This course is perfect for graduates who wish to train as a Primary or Early Years teacher and wish to be immersed in a school from the beginning.

Our school-based Initial Teacher Training programme is accredited by the University of Derby. It places Beginning Teachers in the classroom from day one working alongside experienced mentors to learn the skills of teaching 'on the job'.  ITT programmes at the University of Derby have just been rated as 'Outstanding' in the institution's Ofsted report.  You can read the full Ofsted report here.

This course is designed to help you become a creative classroom practitioner across all primary curriculum subjects, with the skills and confidence to respond positively to children’s wide-ranging learning needs. At the same time you will gain a deep understanding of child development and theories of learning. 

As part of the course, you can choose to specialise by studying: 

  • PGCE 3-7 (Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1)
  • PGCE 5-11 (Key Stages 1 and 2) 

You will study modules such as: 

  • Understanding Behaviour and Learning
  • Curriculum Pedagogies
  • Progression and Assessment
  • Professional Practice: Fundamentals of Practice
  • Professional Practice: Aiming for Excellence 

You will have lots of opportunities to develop your teaching skills – with the support of fellow trainees and expert colleagues – through presentations and other activities. Sessions at College and University are highly interactive, intellectually stimulating and supportive, with regular tutorials and workshops as well as more traditional lectures. 

You are expected to prepare thoroughly for all sessions so that you can engage fully and maximise the benefits. 

In addition, you will enjoy a range of experiences in a variety of school settings. Your teaching placements will provide you with vital practical experience.

Course information

1 year

Post Graduate Certificate in Education (Primary) with QTS

You must have a good UK Honours degree at a minimum of second class honours, lower division or 2:2, or equivalent, plus grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE Mathematics, English and a Science (there are currently a range of equivalences which can be accepted.)

Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered.

Equivalency tests will be accepted in English, Mathematics and Science.

Demand for places Primary Teaching courses is very high, so you must also:

  • Be able to communicate clearly and in spoken and written English, with a good understanding of correct grammar
  • Meet the Secretary of State's requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach
  • Meet all the Department for Education entry requirements for Initial Teacher Education courses including suitability and fitness to teach checks
  • Achieve clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service at the start of the course. You must not have previously been excluded from teaching or working with children. 

You will specialise in Early Years: age 3-7 (Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1), Primary: age 5-11 (Key Stage 1 and 2), (Key Stage 2). 

You must demonstrate engagement with the relevant Key Stages prior to application. We value applications from students with a range of talents, experiences and backgrounds, but only UK residents are entitled to funding. 

If you apply when you are in the final year of your degree, you may not have a degree certificate before you start the course. Statements of Achievement, Diploma Supplements or a letter from the awarding University are acceptable provided it contains full details of the degree that has been awarded and the date of award. Ensure you obtain a copy of the certificate as soon as it is available. 

Additional Information 

  • A Prohibition List check will automatically be carried out after we have received a Firm acceptance of an offer
  • An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University of Derby is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this when required
  • Two references are required and these must be either an academic or employer and must come from a professional email address
  • All qualifications will need to be certified from the awarding boards. Copies can be accepted but all relevant qualifications will need to be verified in person either at interview or at enrolment
  • Photographic ID is also required and must be verified in person either at interview or enrolment. We can accept Passports/Driving License/Provisional Driving License
  • A personal statement is mandatory for these courses and must indicate why you wish to study the course in detail and must be specific to education
  • An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service certificate cleared by the University of Derby is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this once you have applied

To achieve Qualified Teacher Status, you will need to pass all modules of the PGCE course. Assessments focus on the practical, professional and academic competences at each stage of your programme. Your professional progress towards the Teachers’ Standards will be assessed in school by your trained mentors. At College and University, your academic work is closely aligned to your professional practice using a variety of strategies including critical evaluations, subject knowledge audits, presentations and professional discussions.

There are few professions as important and satisfying as teaching. This course offers the ideal route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to embark directly upon your career in a school and to develop your role as a teacher in today's society. 

In a profession with lots of opportunities for career progression, you will gain a stepping stone towards a masters degree. When you complete this course, you will gain 60 credits at masters level so that you can fast track to stage two of a masters degree and accelerate your professional development. The University of Derby’s MA Education is an excellent option, especially if you have your sights set on more senior roles such as head teacher or deputy head teacher. 

As an early career teacher, you can also benefit from continuing support as you take your career forward. There is a wide range of resources, subject updates, events, conferences and development opportunities to ease your transition into professional practice which are provided by the University of Derby.

As you begin your journey into teaching, through 'Professional Practice: Fundamentals of Practice’ you will observe experienced practitioners in the classroom, teach alongside your mentor and begin to take responsibility for the class as a whole. You will put into practice the skills of planning, delivery and assessment that you cover in your College and University-based training. You will also gain the wider professional skills developed as a teacher such as communicating with parents, contributing to after-school activities and taking part in staff development. This will take place in one school setting during the Autumn term. 

As you progress through the programme, through 'Professional Practice: Aiming for Excellence' you will build on these skills as you gain further classroom experience in three different settings, broadening your experience across age phases and settings. You will be given time to observe other teachers and get to know your class through an induction process at each setting. As you refine your knowledge and skills, you will begin to take more responsibility for the class in all areas. 

In addition to your placements, you will progress through 4 weeks of Intensive Training and Practice (ITaPs) across the year drawing on topics such as behaviour for learning and adaptive practice. These four foundational areas of learning are designed to help you to justify, exemplify and apply strong classroom delivery, drawing on research-informed evidence.

This course is subject to validation.

About the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)

The TEF is a national scheme run by the Office for Students (OfS) that aims to encourage higher education providers to improve and deliver excellence in the areas that students care about the most: teaching, learning and achieving positive outcomes from their studies.

View our TEF assessment (opens in a new window/tab) Learn more about the TEF (opens in a new window/tab)

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