Try to spend some time in primary and secondary schools. You will find similarities and differences in each age phase. Observing in both will help to confirm your age range preference.
Got any additional questions about studying with us?
Explore the frequently asked questions below.
In order to make an informed career choice, you will benefit from talking to practicing teachers and gaining experience working with children and young people.
Although nationally it is not a requirement for applicants to initial teacher training to gain prior school experience, we strongly recommend this, if possible. Spending time in school will enable you to gain insights into the role of a teacher, reflect on how teaching and learning happen, and consider a range of factors affecting children’s learning. Recent school experience will help you to decide whether teaching is the right profession for you.
All teacher-training programmes are intensive professional training courses. When undertaking the University elements of your programme you will be on campus most weekdays from 09:00 – 17:00. When you are on school placements, you will be expected to meet individual school requirements. This means you will usually be expected to arrive at school by 08:00 and remain in school after the end of the timetabled day to work collaboratively with colleagues and attend meetings, as required.
UEA offers Primary and Secondary Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) programmes, with 90 Master’s level credits. You can choose to study the PGCE through either our university-led or School Direct routes. The taught programmes are common for both routes and the amount of time spent in school is also the same.
On the School Direct route you will already know the lead and partner schools in which you will have at least one of your placements when you are offered a place on the course.
Explore our School Direct programmes and the schools we are working with to find out more.
UEA meets the national expectation for all providers of non-employment based graduate teacher training programmes to provide 120 days (24 weeks) of school-based training.
You will be recommended for the award of QTS once you have demonstrated that you meet the Teachers’ Standards and on successful completion of the course.
Some students are eligible for tax-free bursaries or scholarships. There are additional payments for some teachers in the early stages of their careers.
If you’ve been assessed as ‘international’ for fee purposes, unfortunately you are not entitled to a training bursary or university scholarship support. Fee status is not specifically linked to nationality. If you’re unsure about your fee status, check with PGCE Admissions or call 01603 592855
Applications are expected to open in October 2022 and will remain open until each course is full.
Have a question we haven’t answered here? Email our PGCE Admissions team
Candidates can submit their application by using the GOV.UK service called Apply for Teacher Training.