Early Years Education PGCE

A one-year full time postgraduate course, the PGCE (Early Years) is aimed at those who wish to prepare for a teaching career specialising in the 3-8 age range.

The course is approximately 36 weeks in duration, beginning in early September and lasting until late June of the following year.

HOW WILL I STUDY?

In addition to seminars, tutorials, workshops and individual/group work, at least eighteen weeks are spent obtaining practical teaching experience. At the outset of the course, students will spend a short period of time in SureStart centres with 2-3 year old children. The initial assessed placement is spent in a nursery setting towards the end of October, lasting for a period of five weeks. An additional five weeks in January/February is spent in a Foundation Stage classroom (i.e. Year 1 or 2 in a primary school) and a further 6 weeks spent in a Key Stage 1 classroom (i.e. Year 3 or 4 of a primary school) in April/May. Students will then get the opportunity to spend two weeks in an additional alternative educational setting of their choice in Northern Ireland. A small number of students will also get the chance to undertake their final two week placement in a European setting. Students will spend every Monday in schools for observation purposes.

WHO WILL BE TEACHING ME?

In University and on your professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-led and experienced practitioners. As a small, specialist institution, our tutors get to know you - your strengths, your weaknesses, your abilities and your talents and will support you to become a learning leader.

HOW WILL I BE ASSESSED?

The course is assessed wholly by course work and continuous assessment, including the assessment of practical teaching.