Primary School Direct (5-11) PGCE with QTS

In conjunction with Primary Lead School partners, the University of Chester offers Primary (5-11) leading to the award PGCE with QTS.

Teaching is an extremely rewarding and challenging career. Our course is designed to provide you with the knowledge, understanding, and skills that you need to be an outstanding teacher. We aim to nurture teachers who are passionate about the development of their own and their pupils' learning.

Please note, the Application deadline for International applicants is 5th June 2023. Any applications received after this date may not be considered for the September 2023 intake due to Application, CAS, and Visa processing time requirements.

Why study this course with us?

The University of Chester Partnership focuses on developing skilled, knowledgeable teachers with a high employability rate. The partnership offers academic challenges and school learning opportunities, fostering a passion for teaching and learning. The Chester experience emphasizes enrichment opportunities, allowing students to develop expertise and employability in various educational settings. The government plans to change the National Qualifications Test (NQT) transition period from one year to two years, starting in September 2021 and operating in some regions from September 2020. Upon achieving QTS, all NQTs entering a job from September 2021 or 2020 will receive a 2-year package of ongoing training and support.
These entitlements are enshrined in the Early Career Framework, and the government promises additional funding and mentoring support for new entrants to the profession. The university is aligning its Level 7 Masters programs with the Early Career Framework and is committed to supporting schools and NQTs in their careers.

• Applicants

   

  should normally possess

   

  an honours degree (minimum 2:1) in a biological/behavioural/ecological science (e.g. animal behaviour, conservation biology, zoology) including components of experimental design and statistical analysis. 

• 6.5 (Min 5.5 in each sub-skill)

• For those who do not have IELTS or an acceptable in-country English language qualification, the University of Chester has developed its own

   

  online English language test which applicants can take for just £50.

The University of Chester supports PGCE students in their recruitment process for teaching posts through careers events and advice. With a high employment rate, many graduates are employed within partnership schools or travel further afield. The University's award-winning Careers and Employability service offers various employability-enhancing experiences, including curriculum, employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, and guidance. The service is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed, and tailored to individual goals, enabling students to develop as individuals and contribute to the community. It provides access to part-time jobs, extra-curricular workshops, and practical one-to-one help with career planning, CVs, applications, and mock interviews.
Group sessions on career planning are also provided within each course. Students and graduates can use these services free of charge for up to two years after graduating.