Our School Direct route provides the ideal combination of highly regarded qualifications and hands-on experience, giving you a strong career advantage.
Fully prepared for a teaching role
School Direct courses have high levels of employment and student satisfaction. You will be recruited as a trainee and based mainly in one of our partner alliances, so you will become a valuable part of a school team from the start.
With intensive support in the classroom and the guidance of University experts, you will be fully prepared for the practical demands of secondary teaching in your chosen subject specialism.
As part of the course, you will undertake two assessed teaching placements and one short unassessed formative placement to broaden your experience. You will be supported throughout by expert colleagues including our trained school mentors, subject specialists and link tutors.
You will also spend time at the University to help put your school experience in the context of educational policy, priciples and evidence-based practice.
An inspiring learning experience
With a rich heritage in teacher training dating back over 150 years, we have a strong reputation for nurturing successful, confident and forward-thinking teachers.
In our 2015 Ofsted inspection, inspectors said our students show excellent professional conduct and are highly regarded in the schools in which they train.
The power of partnerships
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, including rural, multi-cultural and inner city schools.
For the School Direct course, we work collaboratively with partner alliances who are committed to providing you with a high-quality, challenging and exciting training experience.
Broaden your perspectives
Alongside your main teaching placements, you will have the chance to visit other schools and to work with children from different backgrounds. This includes the opportunity to gain experience in a special school.
The number of placements will depend on the individual alliances and schools context and priorities.
You will also focus on your subject specialism to improve your practice and will study school-related issues at masters level.
Optional SEND pathway
If you choose to specialise in SEND you will focus on a diverse range of topics including SEND policy and legislation, effective inclusive practice, and meeting the challenges of teaching in the SEND sector.
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 be taught by a highly competent and qualified team of tutors, including published authors and influential researchers whose work is helping to shape the future of the profession.
You’ll study modules such as:
- Professional Practice and Pedagogy 1, 2 and 3
Study at Level 7:
- Education, Learning theories and philosophy
- Engaging and motivating diverse learners
- Developing subject leadership
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.
Whilst you will spend most of your time learning how to teach in schools through our network of partner alliances, you will also benefit from wider perspectives about teaching, learning and the educational landscape here at the University. Working in our excellent facilities with University and other experts in the wider educational field, you will develop a deeper and more critical understanding of what it takes to become a highly effective teacher.
How you're assessed
All assessments relate to your school placements; you will complete two assessed teaching placements and one short unassessed formative placement, which will provide you with the challenging and exciting experience you need. There will be in-depth project-based reports on school based issues. You will also have the opportunity to reflect and discuss your developing knowledge of teaching your subject.
You will need an undergraduate honours degree (preferably 2:1) or equivalent, plus GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths. You must be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of subject knowledge in your chosen subject curriculum specialism.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required at the point of accepting a place at the University. The Disclosure and Barring Service was established when the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA) merged in 2012 and will now provide the criminal records checking service for this course.
You must apply for this course through the Department for Education. You can apply for entry on GOV.UK.
Your application will be processed by the Partner Alliance you've chosen to study at. Our partners are:
For admissions enquiries, please contact schooldirect@derby.ac.uk or on +44 (0)1332 591608.
There are few professions as important and satisfying as teaching. Successful completion of this course gives you the ideal springboard into a worthwhile career: a PGCE, recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status, 60 credits at masters level and substantial practical experience.
The School Direct route is a popular choice for students who would like to secure a role in the network of schools where they train and we pride ourselves on producing highly employable graduates.
In a profession with lots of opportunities for career progression, we also give you a stepping stone towards a masters degree. With your 60 credits at masters level, you can ‘fast track’ to stage two of a masters degree and accelerate your professional development. Our acclaimed MA Education is an excellent option, especially if you have your sights set on more senior roles such as deputy/head of department, deputy/head of year, or senior leadership.
As an early career 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.
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.
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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
- Range of in class visiting/expert speakers to enhance module content e.g. Homophobic bullying input, Behaviour Management, Honour Based Violence, PSHE
- Access to Derby Open Centre
- Interview preparation/supporting job applications - Local Head teachers and the unions
- Professionalism input – Unions (free)
- Teaching School Alliance hub training sessions
- Access to Derby Library Services
- Link tutor
- Trained mentor on placements
- Enhanced Placement Opportunity - 1 week alternative placement covering a range of providers and settings
- Two main placements in two different schools in their Teaching School Alliance partnership
- DBS
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- You may choose to buy textbooks, journals, data sticks, stationery, text books
- Replacement DBS check if lost, approx. cost £50
- Some trainees may have the opportunity to visit a unique school setting in London as their enhanced placement opportunity. A contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation will be requested
- Travel to/parking at settings hosting activities
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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