PGCE Primary Education QTS (Qualified Teacher Status)

Teaching is far more than a job.

For many, teaching is a calling. An opportunity to engage and inspire children and enable them to develop the skills and knowledge they need to thrive. Finding different ways of helping all children to learn is immensely rewarding and at University College Birmingham, we are committed to supporting our students to become excellent teachers able to adapt to a fast paced and ever changing sector.

Our PGCE Primary QTS course not only gives you the professional theory and knowledge you will need to teach and excel in a modern primary school setting, but also the invaluable, hands-on experience of working where it counts. The classroom.

At University College Birmingham, you will be supported on your journey to becoming a teacher by a highly dedicated team with experience and expertise across all areas of the primary curriculum.

Whether your aspiration is to work in a mainstream school or one for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), completion of this course will lead to Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) status, enabling you to start your journey in a profession which boasts a competitive salary, generous pension and financial support while training.

As part of the course, there is the opportunity to specialise in teaching children from ages 3-7 for students who are more interested in working in the EYFS and Key Stage 1.

For students who are more interested in working in Key Stage 1 and 2, there is the opportunity to specialise in teaching children aged 5-11.

For those students who specialise in the 3-7 age range, there are two school placements in either nursery or reception, year 1 or year 2. For those who choose the 5-11 age range, there will be school placements in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

Preparing students to meet the diverse needs of children is at the heart of our course and we provide the opportunity for all students to gain valuable experience working in a special school. Our students also have the opportunity to develop their own interests and expertise in teaching through a school-based legacy project.

Ready to take the leap?

To be eligible to apply, you will need a minimum of a 2:2 in any BA or BSc (Hons) degree. You will also need to ask yourself which age group you’d like to teach:

3-7 year olds – focus is Foundation Stage (pre-school) and Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2)
5-11 year olds, focus is Key Stage 1 (years 1 and 2) and Key Stage 2 (years 3 to 6)

Either pathway leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and enables teachers to work in any year group across the primary age range.