Overview
The Primary PGCE is built on a consideration of the relationship between theory, practice and research.
It provides the professional expertise to teach children aged 5-11 years. The emphasis is on learning from experience through reflection and enquiry.
You’ll undertake a combination of academic and professional study. This is to achieve recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
During the PGCE you undertake 60 credits of master’s level modules. When you pass all components, you graduate with the PGCE at master’s level and will be recommended for QTS.
Important information
We’ve highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.
Your course and study experience – disclaimers and terms and conditions
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.
View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2024-25.
See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.
What you’ll learn
Course modules revolve around school and classroom practice.
The course consists of school experience, primary professional studies and curriculum studies. The focus on professional studies and curriculum studies. This prepares you for delivering the National Curriculum. You will cover:
- art
- design and technology
- English
- geography
- history
- information and communication technology
- mathematics
- music
- physical education
- religious education
- science
We also offer expertise in historical, philosophical and sociological perspectives on education.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
Course content changes
Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
Optional modules availability
Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Compulsory Modules
Subject pedagogy in practice (Primary)Â (20 credits)
Developing critcal perspectves (Primary)(20 credits)
Curriculum development through enquiry in practice (Primary)Â (20 credits)
How you’ll learn
The course begins at the start of September and completes in the following July.
It is delivered by the education section of the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences.
We work in strong partnership with local primary schools. This partnership provides a wealth of experience and opportunities for critical reflection.
The course covers all aspects of the primary school national curriculum. It explores both Key Stages 1 and 2.
School placements provide you with the opportunity to take charge of the whole class. You’ll receive support from an experienced teacher. The course is structured around school term dates rather than university semesters.
Depending on your modules, you’ll be assessed through a combination of:
- Essay
- Oral presentation
- Written exercise
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You’ll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- peers
- academics
- personal tutors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
You’ll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your development
Placements
Practical placements in schools take place across 120 days during the course. This provides a foundation for the professional journey towards being an outstanding practitioner. Placements will improve confidence and competence in the classroom.
We have many long-lasting relationships with various partnership schools. This enables a wide range of experiences across a range of contexts.
You’ll spend 120 days of the PGCE year in many partnership schools. You’ll also learn about Diversity and Equality and Special Educational Needs in schools.
The integration of school-based experience and university-based sessions is a powerful feature of the course. Many students each year gain employment in the school where they have trained.
Your future
Our graduates are high-quality professionals who meet the standards for Qualified Teacher Status. They exercise the professional judgement required to promote the highest quality education. They engage with enquiry-based learning, research and theory.
Our Careers Service
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Quality and ranking
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading research – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014 – Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Global Top 130 University – QS World University Rankings 2025
- Global Top 170 University – Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024
- Top 150 for Education – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 100 in the world for sustainable development – Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024Â
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK
Facilities
You’ll have access to facilities and a growing collection of online resources. This includes a well-stocked Education Resource Centre.
You’ll have access to two postgraduate research student study rooms. The largest study toom has recently been upgraded with additional workstations and soft seating area.
We have two on-site clinics:
We also have a well-equipped resource centre.
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2025 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree. Before you apply you also need GCSE or O level passes (grades A–C/ 4-9), or equivalent in:
- English language
- mathematics
- a science subject
It is desirable for you to have spent time working and/or observing in a UK primary classroom before applying. Experience is advantageous as it will inform your application and any later performance in the selection process.
