PGCE Primary (3-7)
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Course Code
- X110
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
)
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Course Overview
Why PGCE Primary (3-7) at UEA?
A primary teacher can have an amazing impact on a child during their time at school and beyond. Our Primary PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) helps you become a confident teacher who can motivate children and manage a class.
Why Choose UEA
- Children first: Discover how to inspire young children by understanding how they learn, develop, and thrive
- Expert teaching: Gain insight from experienced former primary teachers passionate about developing the next generation of educators
- Strong partnerships: Benefit from close partnerships with schools across East Anglia, supported by experienced mentors and university tutors
What is PGCE Primary (3-7)?
Working primarily in the 3-7 age range, you'll play a vital role in motivating children to be engaged and excited about their learning.
You’ll join this one-year, full-time course in September and finish the following July. You’ll gain practical experience in schools, with at least 120 days (24 weeks) in main placements teaching in Early Years and Key Stage 1 while developing expertise in phonics, early reading, mathematics, inclusive practice, adaptive teaching and the entire primary curriculum. Your placements will be in two different schools, helping you to develop an understanding from contrasting experiences.
We’ll prepare you to plan, teach, assess learning and manage children’s behaviour effectively. You’ll be well prepared to teach across the primary curriculum, and work with other professionals in the classroom.
Accreditations
Successful completion of this course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), accredited by the Department for Education.
Careers
Career Pathways
Examples of careers that you could enter after completing our PGCE Primary (3-7) degree include:
- Primary Teacher: Inspire young children and help them build strong foundations for lifelong learning
- Curriculum Leader: Lead the development and delivery of a subject or curriculum area across your school
- Head of Year or Phase: Support pupils' academic progress and wellbeing while leading a team of teachers
- Headteacher: Lead a school community, driving educational excellence and supporting staff and pupils to thrive
- International Teacher: Take your teaching career overseas, with opportunities in schools around the world
Career Support
We'll prepare you to enter the teaching profession through specific sessions which support you in writing personal statements and interview techniques. UEA trainee teachers have a strong reputation locally, and many schools in the area have at least one former UEA PGCE Trainee Teacher on their staff. You'll also have access to UEA's Career Central, offering careers advice, CV and application support, interview preparation, and ongoing career guidance throughout your studies and after graduation.
After the Course
Alongside your PGCE, you'll gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 master's credits. This can easily be extended to a full Master’s through completion of our MA-PPE, which can be undertaken part-time, whilst teaching.
The support provided during the course will continue beyond your training year, as we work closely with schools and Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction bodies to provide support in case it’s needed.
Within a few years of joining the profession, you could find yourself being promoted into a role with leadership and/or pastoral responsibilities.
Study and Modules
Structure
Our one-year Primary PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), prepares you to become a confident, reflective and evidence informed teacher. Combining university-based learning with high-quality school placements, the course develops your practical teaching skills and your understanding of how children learn and thrive.
Placements and taught sessions are carefully integrated, giving you regular opportunities to teach, receive feedback, reflect on your practice and build confidence in the classroom. This close connection between theory and practice ensures you develop the knowledge, skills and professional judgement needed to teach effectively across the primary curriculum.
You'll progress through three stages of development – Building, Enriching and Thriving – as you grow into the role of a primary teacher. At each stage, you'll explore subject-specific pedagogy, inclusive and adaptive teaching, professional behaviours, and evidence-informed approaches to teaching and learning. Intensive training weeks focus on key aspects of classroom practice, helping you develop expertise.
By the end of the course, you'll have met the Teachers' Standards, gained Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), and be well prepared to begin your career teaching in primary schools.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching on our Primary PGCE with QTS is delivered primarily through face-to-face sessions on UEA's beautiful Norwich campus, with specialist teaching taking place in dedicated facilities including our science laboratories and art room. Learning combines whole-cohort lectures with smaller practical workshops.
Our teacher training is led by experienced university lecturers who are all former primary school teachers. Drawing on their expertise across the primary curriculum, they combine current educational research with practical classroom experience to help you become a confident, reflective and effective primary teacher.
Learning is active and collaborative. As part of your professional development, you'll be expected to attend all taught sessions and participate fully in practical activities, including drama, art, music, science investigations and other hands-on approaches to teaching and learning. These experiences model the engaging, inclusive and creative teaching approaches you'll use in your own primary classroom.
Throughout the course, you'll benefit from comprehensive academic and pastoral support. This includes guidance from your tutors, access to UEA's extensive library and digital learning resources, support to develop your academic writing and research skills, and dedicated wellbeing and accessibility services. Together, these ensure you’re fully supported throughout your Initial Teacher Training and prepared for a successful career as a primary school teacher.
Assessment
Throughout your Primary PGCE with QTS, you'll be assessed through a combination of formative and summative assessment, designed to support your progress as you develop into a confident primary school teacher.
Each master's level assignment includes a formative stage, providing personalised feedback to help you strengthen your academic writing, critical thinking and engagement with educational research before submitting your final assessment.
During each school placement, you'll receive regular formative feedback against curriculum progress descriptors. This ongoing assessment helps you reflect on your teaching practice, identify your next steps, and build confidence in meeting the expectations of the profession.
At the end of the course, your teaching practice is assessed against the Teachers' Standards. Successful completion of the programme leads to a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to begin your career as a qualified primary school teacher.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or above preferred
Degree Subject
All degree subjects considered
- English and Mathematics
Before submitting your application, you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or its equivalent* in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics regardless of your date of birth.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
We are able to consider GCSE equivalency tests taken via equivalencytesting.com(opens in a new window) or https://astarequivalency.co.uk only, with grades of A*-C or 4-9.
Qualifications not listed? Contact the PGCE Admissions Office for advice by email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
Before submitting your application, you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or its equivalent* in a natural Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics or a combination of these) regardless of your date of birth.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
We are able to consider GCSE equivalency tests taken via equivalencytesting.com(opens in a new window) or https://astarequivalency.co.uk only, with grades of A*-C or 4-9.
Qualifications not listed? Contact the PGCE Admissions Office for advice by email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have achieved a good honours degree (preferably class 2:2 and above) or its equivalent* by the beginning of the PGCE programme in September. Applicants with a third class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
A Level requirements
We would expect to see a good standard of academic attainment at A Level or its equivalent*.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
Pre-Application classroom experience
Although not a requirement, time spent in a school could help you to gain valuable insight into the role of a teacher, how teaching and learning takes place within the classroom, and help you to decide whether teaching is the right profession for you. It is recommended, that where possible, you gain some school experience prior to application.
It would be most useful if experience could be gained across your chosen Primary age range.
If you are able to gain classroom experience prior to submitting your application there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved:
- Contact Your Local School:
Try contacting local schools where you live to see if you are able to arrange a time to observe some lessons.
- DfE School Experience:
Register with the DfE School Experience Programme(opens in a new window) to help book school experience through their online portal.
Knowledge of the National Curriculum, key contacts and useful links
Applications are considered on an individual basis and being able to demonstrate a strong level of knowledge about the National Curriculum and current issues affecting teaching is advantageous. These educational links will provide you with some useful points of contact to help to get you started!
Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN: Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children
All applicants for the PGCE course will be required to obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The enhanced disclosure will be used to assess suitability for the programme and information provided may be discussed with the external members of the School's Safeguarding Sub-Committees. Candidates are responsible for payment of the DBS fee. General information about this process can be obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service Website(opens in a new window). As part of the DBS process, you will be checked against the Children's Barred List and Prohibition list. If you have lived overseas for a continuous period of 6 months or more during the last five years, a Certificate of Good Conduct will be required. The UEA Student Disclosure Service will contact you prior to the start of the course with more information on completing the DBS check.
Satisfactory Health Check
You will need to demonstrate your fitness to teach by completing an Occupational Health Assessment. This will give us information about any special needs you may have, and enable us to assess whether the University and placement areas will be able to provide support. It is therefore, in your interest to provide full answers to the questions.
- Interviews
Interviews are part of the formal selection process, and provide us an opportunity to assess your suitability for the course. Interviews will be conducted in person or online, depending on staff availability (unless you are living outside of the UK). Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee that all candidates who apply will be shortlisted for interview.
If you are shortlisted for interview, you will need to present yourself well, come prepared, and dress smartly. Your interview day may include:
- An introductory talk
- An individual interview
- A written task
You may also be asked to complete other relevant tasks such as:
- Giving a presentation
- A group interview
- Literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge questions
- Placements
You'll undertake two main school placements and teach in two age bands within your selected primary age range. Placements are usually arranged in contrasting schools, giving you a breadth of school-based experience. You will find out your first placement school during the first week of the course.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or above preferred, or it's equivalent*
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making an application.
Degree Subject
All degree subjects considered
- English and Mathematics
Before submitting your application, you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or its equivalent* in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics regardless of your date of birth.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
We are able to consider GCSE equivalency tests taken via equivalencytesting.com(opens in a new window) or https://astarequivalency.co.uk only, with grades of A*-C or 4-9.
Qualifications not listed? Contact the PGCE Admissions Office for advice by email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk.
- Additional GCSE Requirements
Before submitting your application, you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or its equivalent* in a natural Science subject (ie Biology, Chemistry, Physics or a combination of these) regardless of your date of birth.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
We are able to consider GCSE equivalency tests taken via equivalencytesting.com(opens in a new window) or https://astarequivalency.co.uk only, with grades of A*-C or 4-9.
Qualifications not listed? Contact the PGCE Admissions Office for advice by email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants are required to have achieved a good honours degree (preferably class 2:2 and above) or its equivalent* by the beginning of the PGCE programme in September. Applicants with a third class degree will be considered on an individual basis.
A Level requirements
We would expect to see a good standard of academic attainment at A Level or its equivalent*.
*Please note: It is at the discretion of the individual Initial Teacher Training provider as to whether an appropriate level has been satisfactorily achieved. We therefore strongly urge candidates with equivalent qualifications to check with us that these are acceptable before making their application.
Pre-Application classroom experience
Although not a requirement, time spent in a school could help you to gain valuable insight into the role of a teacher, how teaching and learning takes place within the classroom, and help you to decide whether teaching is the right profession for you. It is recommended, that where possible, you gain some school experience prior to application.
It would be most useful if experience could be gained across your chosen Primary age range.
If you are able to gain classroom experience prior to submitting your application there are a number of ways in which this can be achieved:
- Contact Your Local School:
Try contacting local schools where you live to see if you are able to arrange a time to observe some lessons.
- DfE School Experience:
Register with the DfE School Experience Programme(opens in a new window) to help book school experience through their online portal.
Knowledge of the National Curriculum, key contacts and useful links
Applications are considered on an individual basis and being able to demonstrate a strong level of knowledge about the National Curriculum and current issues affecting teaching is advantageous. These educational links will provide you with some useful points of contact to help to get you started!
Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)
PROTECTION OF CHILDREN: Disclosure of Criminal Background for Those with Access to Children
All applicants for the PGCE course will be required to obtain an Enhanced Criminal Records check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). The enhanced disclosure will be used to assess suitability for the programme and information provided may be discussed with the external members of the School's Safeguarding Sub-Committees. Candidates are responsible for payment of the DBS fee. General information about this process can be obtained from the Disclosure and Barring Service Website(opens in a new window). As part of the DBS process, you will be checked against the Children's Barred List and Prohibition list. If you have lived overseas for a continuous period of 6 months or more during the last five years, a Certificate of Good Conduct will be required. The UEA Student Disclosure Service will contact you prior to the start of the course with more information on completing the DBS check.
Satisfactory Health Check
You will need to demonstrate your fitness to teach by completing an Occupational Health Assessment. This will give us information about any special needs you may have, and enable us to assess whether the University and placement areas will be able to provide support. It is therefore, in your interest to provide full answers to the questions.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS Academic: 6.5 (minimum 6.0 in all components)
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
-
- Interviews
Interviews are part of the formal selection process, and provide us an opportunity to assess your suitability for the course. Interviews will be conducted in person or online, depending on staff availability (unless you are living outside of the UK). Due to the volume of applications we receive, we cannot guarantee that all candidates who apply will be shortlisted for interview.
If you are shortlisted for interview, you will need to present yourself well, come prepared, and dress smartly. Your interview day may include:
- An introductory talk
- An individual interview
- A written task
You may also be asked to complete other relevant tasks such as:
- Giving a presentation
- A group interview
- Literacy, numeracy and subject knowledge questions
- Placements
You'll undertake two main school placements and teach in two age bands within your selected primary age range. Placements are usually arranged in contrasting schools, giving you a breadth of school-based experience. You will find out your first placement school during the first week of the course.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28
-
UK Students: £10,050 (full time)
-
International Students: £25,000 (full time)
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
A range of funding options are available to help you Train to Teach(opens in a new window). The University of East Anglia also offers a range of Scholarships(opens in a new window); please click the links to check your eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see additional course fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
MAKING YOUR APPLICATION
Candidates can submit their application by using the GOV.UK service called Apply for teacher training(opens in a new window). Please note, UEA is not responsible for content on external websites linked from this page.
PREPARING YOUR APPLICATION
Candidates are encouraged to prepare thoroughly. Application forms should be able to demonstrate not only your depth of subject knowledge but also your enthusiasm and commitment to a career in teaching. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with the information available from the Department for Education(opens in a new window). These sources will help you to gain knowledge of the current issues facing teaching, specifically in the subject area for which you are applying. During interview you will be expected to be able to answer questions about these issues, and what has prompted your desire to choose to teach as a career.
Candidates are selected on the basis of their application form, interview and references.
FURTHER INFORMATION
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying please do contact us:
PGCE Admissions Office
Email: edu.pgce.admiss@uea.ac.uk (opens in a new window)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 592855
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students(opens in a new window) section of our website.