Primary with Qualified Teacher Status

• Study a course ranked as ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted – the highest possible accolade
• Gain substantial practical experience on teaching placements in our partnership schools across the region
• Be inspired by our team of dedicated, friendly tutors who are renowned internationally for high quality teaching and research
• Choose a curriculum enhancement in a range of subjects to advance your skills in a specific area
• Take your career prospects to the next level: at the end of this course, you will receive 60 credits towards a masters degree

Our PGCE Primary leads to the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and prepares you for a fulfilling career where you can make a real difference to children’s lives. You will be fully equipped for the practical demands of the role, including teaching all the National Curriculum subjects. 

An outstanding learning experience

With a rich heritage in teacher training dating back over 165 years, we have a strong reputation for nurturing successful, confident and forward-thinking primary teachers. In our 2015 Ofsted inspection, we received an ‘outstanding’ rating for the quality of our work. Our primary leadership team was praised for putting students at the heart of all they do and for ensuring they have excellent career outcomes.

Practical classroom skills

Hands-on teaching experience in schools is a key part of our PGCE Primary. For a total of 24 weeks, you will undertake two main teaching placements – and a number of shorter enhanced placements – in different settings, supported throughout by a range of expert colleagues including our trained school mentors, subject specialists and link tutors.

As one of the major Initial Teacher Education providers in the East Midlands, we have longstanding partnerships with more than 400 schools across the region – a relationship which Ofsted described as ‘excellent’. All placements are organised for you by our Partnership Office. 

Choose an age phase

You can tailor your studies to match your own interests and career plans. Depending on your preference and any prior experience, you can choose to specialise in teaching Early Years (3–7 year olds) or (5–11 year olds). 

Relevant, up to date and challenging

At a time when rapid policy shifts are transforming the educational landscape, we will help you to meet the challenge of change in the modern classroom. Ours is an intellectually stimulating course which will keep you up to date with all the latest developments, including the Core Content Framework.

You will learn principles and practice associated with the National Curriculum but will also undertake a focused curriculum enhancement module which will be named on your degree certificate.

Our highly competent and qualified team of tutors includes published authors and influential researchers whose work is helping to shape the future of the profession. They are an excellent source of ideas for you to take back to the classroom. 

An environment to inspire you

Our impressive Kirtley Building offers specialist facilities to prepare you for the demands of 21st-century teaching and learning. 

It includes specially designed collaborative learning spaces to replicate school classrooms and dedicated rooms for primary Science, English and Maths. The extensive Kirtley Hall is used for activities such as PE, dance and music and features a mezzanine level for observing teaching and learning in action. 

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You will have lots of opportunities to practise your teaching skills – with the support of fellow trainees and expert colleagues – through presentations and other activities. Sessions at the University are highly interactive, intellectually stimulating and supportive, with regular seminars, tutorials and workshops as well as more traditional lectures. You are expected to prepare thoroughly for all sessions so that you can engage fully and maximise the benefits.

In addition, you will enjoy a range of experiences in a variety of school settings. Your teaching placements will provide you with vital practical experience. Throughout you will be supported by our ‘outstanding’ trained school mentors and university tutors.

How you're assessed

To achieve Qualified Teacher Status, you will need to pass all modules of the PGCE course.

Assessments are spread across the course and focus on practical, professional and academic competences. Your professional progress towards the Teachers’ Standards will be assessed in school by your trained mentors. At the University, your academic work will be assessed using a variety of strategies including essays, subject knowledge audits, presentations and posters.

You must have a good UK Honours degree (preferably 2:2) or equivalent, plus grade 4 (C) or above in GCSE Mathematics, English and a Science. Candidates with pending GCSEs will be considered. Equivalency tests will be accepted in English, Mathematics and Science.

Demand for places on the course is very high, so you must also:

• be able to communicate clearly and in spoken and written English, with a good understanding of correct grammar
• meet the Secretary of State's requirements for physical and mental fitness to teach
• meet all the Department for Education entry requirements for Initial Teacher Education courses including suitability and fitness to teach checks
• achieve clearance from the Disclosure and Barring Service at the start of the course. You must not have previously been excluded from teaching or working with children.

You will specialise in Early Years: age 3-7 (Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1), Primary: age 5-11 (Key Stage 1 and 2), (Key Stage 2). You must demonstrate engagement with the relevant Key Stages prior to application.

We value applications from students with a range of talents, experiences and backgrounds, but only UK residents are entitled to funding.

If you apply when you are in the final year of your degree, you may not have a degree certificate before you start the course. Statements of Achievement, Diploma Supplements or a letter from the awarding University are acceptable provided it contains full details of the degree that has been awarded and the date of award. Ensure you obtain a copy of the certificate as soon as it is available.

International student applications are welcomed and applicants must hold the above qualifications or equivalent with an IELTS score of 7.0 or above, with 6.5 in each skills area. However, applicants will also need to demonstrate their ability to communicate clearly and accurately in Standard English. If you are travelling to the UK to take your Skills Tests, please contact us to arrange your interview by emailing admissionsadvisor1@derby.ac.uk

Additional Information

A Prohibition List check will automatically be carried our after we have received a Firm acceptance of an offer.

An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this when required.

Interview information

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

You must apply for this course through the Department for Education. 

There are few professions as important and satisfying as teaching. This course offers the ideal route to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to embark directly upon your career in a school and to develop your role as a teacher in today's society.

We pride ourselves on producing highly employable graduates. Ofsted said: “Many trainees gain teaching posts before they finish their training and almost all have obtained a teaching post within a very short time of leaving the University.”

In a profession with lots of opportunities for career progression, we also give you a stepping stone towards a masters degree. When you complete this course, you will gain 60 credits at masters level so that you can fast track to stage two of a masters degree and accelerate your professional development. Our MA Education is an excellent option, especially if you have your sights set on more senior roles such as head teacher or deputy head teacher.

As a newly qualified teacher, you can also benefit from the University’s continuing support as you take your career forward. We offer a range of resources, subject updates, events, conferences and development opportunities to ease your transition into professional practice.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Additional costs and optional extras

We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

Included in your fees

• Interview preparation/supporting job applications - Local Headteachers and the Unions
• Professionalism input - Unions (free)
• Additional input from guest speakers to enhance module content and provide additional information on optional sessions (Voluntary Fridays) e.g homophobic bullying, mental health, Medical Mavericks
• Your initial DBS check
• A range of placement opportunities with a trained mentor and School Link Tutor. They have a number of placements in different schools with different age groups depending on their age phase specialism: Assessed Placement 1 (8 week placement) £550 paid to the school. Assessed Placement 2 (11 weeks) £550 paid to the school. Non-assessed placements (5 weeks in total across 3 schools) £40/week for each student. There is a reimbursement for travel costs for all placements over the first £5 per day of travel to placement if not in receipt of a bursary. 

Mandatory costs not included in your fees

• You may choose to buy textbooks, journals, memory sticks, stationery etc.
• Replacement DBS if lost approx. cost £50
• If you are not in receipt of a bursary you may be asked to pay up to the first £5 of your travel to placements
• Travel and parking at settings hosting activities 

Optional costs not included in your fees

• NQT module forming part of MA. Students receive a 10% discount.