)
Education at UEA
Find out more about studying Education at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out morePGCE Primary (5-11 with Mathematics)
Key details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Postgraduate Certificate in Education
- Course Code
- 2NQB
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2026
Other Start Dates
Chat to us on Unibuddy
Any questions? Chat online with current students, staff and experts. This is your chance to ask anything about UEA, university life, Norwich and more.
Other Start Dates
Course Overview
A teacher who is knowledgeable and skilled can have an amazing impact on a child during their time at school and beyond.
Working primarily in the 5-11 age range, you'll play a vital role in motivating children to be engaged and excited about their learning. This course places an additional emphasis on the teaching and learning of Mathematics. A high-quality mathematics education should spark pupils’ curiosity, build their self-confidence, broaden their horizons, and encourage positive attitudes.
Developed in close collaboration with primary schools across East Anglia, our PGCE Primary (5-11 with Mathematics) course is designed to help you become a confident and capable teacher who can inspire children and manage a classroom effectively.
You’ll join this one-year, full-time course in September and complete it the following July. Most of your time will be spent in schools – with at least 120 days (24 weeks) in main placements and additional school-based days providing opportunities to prepare for and practise key teaching skills. You’ll also take part in up to 60 days of university-based taught sessions. Your placements will be in two contrasting schools, enabling you to gain a broad and balanced range of teaching experience.
Upon successful completion of the PGCE, you’ll graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s level credits.
)
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 include:
-
Teacher
-
Curriculum Leader
-
Head of Year/Phase
-
Deputy headteacher
-
Headteacher
-
Tutor
-
Maths Subject Lead
-
UK and overseas teaching opportunities
Discover more on our Careers webpages(opens in a new window).
After the Course
Alongside your PGCE, you'll gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and 90 Master’s credits.
You'll be supported by your tutor in making an informed choice regarding your first teaching position, as well as throughout the application and interview process.
The support 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.
Our graduates pursue exciting and diverse careers in a wide variety of employment sectors.
Study and Modules
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
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.
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.
Overseas recruitment will be closed on 20 May 2026. Overseas applicants must apply before this date to be considered.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2 or above preferred
Degree Subject
All degree subjects considered
- 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*. An A level in mathematics would help you on this course, but you don’t need one to apply. You should apply if you enjoy mathematics and want to inspire the next generation as a Maths teacher.
*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
From February 2018, applicants are not required to have gained any prior experience within a school.
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, or 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 and Mathematics
Before making your application you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or its equivalent* in English Language or English Literature, Mathematics and 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.
- Interviews
Interview required; please be aware that we cannot guarantee that all candidates who apply will be shortlisted for interview. Interviews will usually be conducted in person. Online interviews will be offered to applicants overseas.
- 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.
- 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.
Overseas recruitment will be closed on 20 May 2026. Overseas applicants must apply before this date to be considered.
- 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
- 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*. An A level in mathematics would help you on this course, but you don’t need one to apply. You should apply if you enjoy mathematics and want to inspire the next generation as a Maths teacher.
*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
From February 2018, applicants are not required to have gained any prior experience within a school.
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, or 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 and Mathematics
Before making your application you must have a GCSE pass at Grade C/4 or its equivalent* in English Language or English Literature, Mathematics and 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.
- 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
Interview required; please be aware that we cannot guarantee that all candidates who apply will be shortlisted for interview. Interviews will usually be conducted in person. Online interviews will be offered to applicants overseas.
- 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.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
)
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2026/27
-
UK Students: £9,790 (full time)
-
International Students: £23,850 (full time)
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 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(opens in a new window) 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.