PGCE Primary 3-7
2JQVAt the Institute of Education at the University of Winchester, we know what you need to learn and understand to thrive in the classroom. We know how important it is that teachers are autonomous, innovative, critical and reflective practitioners with the knowledge, skills and confidence to enable all children to grow and learn.
Course overview
Established in 1840 as a teacher training college and graded as Outstanding by Ofsted, the University of Winchester has a credible reputation for high-quality teacher education programmes.
Our highly sought-after graduates are equipped to succeed. We know that teachers need to be able to rise to the challenges of becoming a teacher and have the knowledge, understanding, skills and vision to be future leaders and innovators we want them to be.
Mastering how to teach well really matters. Our curriculum will enable you to develop strong subject knowledge, learn how to teach all primary subjects effectively, innovate, and meet the needs of the children you will teach.
PGCE Primary is a postgraduate professional programme of Initial Teacher Education (ITE) leading to the academic awards of either a Postgraduate Certificate in Education or a Professional Graduate Certificate in Education. Both awards include the recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Your QTS Status allows you teach any age range, however this programme prepares you to teach particular age ranges.
The course covers everything that student teachers need to develop the professional skills associated with high-quality teaching:
- expert tuition in all primary school subjects,
- understanding of how children learn and effective pedagogy,
- meeting the needs of all learners, and
- professional skills associated with high-quality teaching.
The course provides the opportunity to learn to teach in a stimulating and supportive environment from tutors with extensive expertise and experience. You leave the programme as a high-quality postgraduate teacher with the skills, knowledge and motivation to empower and educate others.
Choosing the 3-7 route allows you to focus on the first two phases of education, the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. You will also receive a grounding in the primary National Curriculum and primary pedagogy. The programme focuses on:
- Developing your understanding of child development and how young children learn
- Develop and broaden your knowledge of the EYFS Framework; the Areas of Learning and the Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL)
- Reflect on effective Early Years and Key Stage 1 pedagogy
- Immerse yourself in activities within the 3-7 age range that empowers a love of learning in children
The programme prides itself on the support and guidance offered to students. Every student has a Professional Development Tutor who monitors and supports their progress through the programme. Progress is tracked both academically and professionally to demonstrate that you have met the Teachers' Standards (Department for Education 2012) by the end of your training.
A sustained reputation for providing outstanding teacher education. Rated Outstanding in all areas in our 2024 inspection.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
On campus, Winchester
Course length
- 1 year full-time
Apply
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Typical offer
A first or second-class honours degree
Fees
From £9,535 pa
Course features
- Become a great teacher – on an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' programme.
- Learn through practical, interactive and informative seminars on all National Curriculum subjects, AEN, Early Years and professional practice.
- Develop your understanding of what it means to be a teacher and the kind of teacher you are destined to be.
- Learn with our experienced team of research-informed expert tutors who are innovators and leaders in their fields, with a passion for their subjects and a deep understanding of pedagogy.
- Undertake two teaching placements across the 400+ schools in our extensive partnerships to gain both excellent and practical experience that enables you to develop as a skilled practitioner.
- Benefit from an expert Professional Development Tutor who monitors and supports your journey as a practitioner from start to finish.
Course details
Why choose the PGCE Primary 3-7 route?
Choosing the 3-7 route allows you to focus on the first two phases of education, the Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. You will also receive a grounding in the primary National Curriculum and primary pedagogy. The programme focuses on:
- Developing your understanding of child development and how young children learn.
- Develop and broaden your knowledge of the EYFS Framework; the Areas of Learning and the Characteristics of Effective Learning (CoEL).
- Reflect on effective Early Years and Key Stage 1 pedagogy.
- Immerse yourself in activities within the 3-7 age range that empowers a love of learning in children.
Supporting you in your journey to become a future teacher?
The programme prides itself on the support and guidance offered to students. Every student has a Professional Development Tutor who monitors and supports their progress through the programme. Progress is tracked both academically and professionally to demonstrate that you have met the Teachers' Standards (Department for Education 2012) by the end of your training.
Teaching Placements
Our programme runs in close partnership with over 400 schools in the region, from large urban schools to small village schools serving diverse communities. Our extensive network of schools provides you with a variety of school experiences where you will apply what you have learned on campus, deepen your understanding of critical theories and refine your practice. Supported by your Teacher Mentor and Link Tutor, you will undertake two assessed placements (totalling 120 days), developing your understanding and skills through classroom practice. You will spend a further 20 days engaged in Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks, where you will develop a reflective approach to your practice and the ability to work flexibly, responsively, and effectively in the classroom.
Our highly practical programme is constantly reviewed with serving practitioners and experts to ensure students are equipped with the most up-to-date developments in primary education. Working closely with our school partners helps ensure what you learn is informed by the latest research and current practice. Teachers and Senior Leaders from our Partnership schools contribute to the programme, from recruitment to preparation to be Early Career Teachers, to ensure the University supports ongoing teacher development.
Learning and teaching
Tutors, with extensive experience and expertise of EYFS and primary phase education, support student learning through a range of teaching methods including lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, and a number of technological channels including online discussion forums.
Attendance regulations: There is a requirement for students to complete 120 days in school - students cannot be recommended for QTS unless we have evidence that they have completed these days. The penalty for not completing 120 days in school is that they cannot be recommended for QTS but students can still receive the academic award. For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus, Winchester.
Assessment
Modules are assessed either by assignment or by achievement of success against the Teachers' Standards (Department for Education 2012). Assignments are varied to capture students' differing strengths and include essays, presentations and practitioner enquiry reports. Feedback is given with all assignments in order that students can improve their academic writing as the programme progresses. School placements are assessed through graded observations measured against the Teachers' Standards (Department of Education 2012). The observations include detailed feedback, usually made by the class teacher and a university link-tutor mentor.
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
Accreditation
We are accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) to deliver Initial Teacher training programmes to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The PGCE counts as 60 Master's credits, equating to 1/3 of a Masters.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module will develop critical understanding of what it means to be a teacher in the mid 2020s and some of the policy and societal issues that inform and shape the role. Key theories, or ‘big ideas’, underpin the module, forming strands of learning that will be explored during curriculum sessions. Students will be introduced to the professional expectations and responsibilities associated with being an educator. They will develop their understanding of key pedagogies, planning and assessment and the importance of reflective practice.
As part of this module student will receive additional, mandatory sessions relevant to their route
This module will introduce students to the structure, key concepts and specialist subject knowledge of curriculum subjects. Informed by research and contemporary policy, students will examine teaching approaches likely to engage children and promote learning. Students will explore one area of the curriculum for their assignment.
The module focuses on understanding child development and meeting individual needs. Students will engage in current issues relating to inclusion and additional needs and will develop some specialist knowledge of specific learning requirements. In addition, students will consider the role of other adults, parents and agencies in protecting children’s social, emotional and educational wellbeing.
Whilst on school-based professional placement, students will be guided and supported by a teacher mentor. Students will become familiar with the class and school policies and plan and teach groups and whole class lessons focusing on explaining and modelling, and establishing positive learning environments. They will progress to whole class teaching and rehearse and refine effective behaviour management and assessment strategies. Students will engage in continual reflective practice, collecting evidence and evaluating and recording their personal and professional progress. Students will engage in ITAP sequences as part of this professional placement.
Entry requirements
A first or second-class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification). This can be in any subject.
GCSE English language or literature, mathematics and a science at grade C or 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University. If you have taken a combined Science GCSE, a minimum grade of 4-3 is required.
- You will need to provide original certificates to the University. If you only hold a ‘statement of provisional results’ and do not hold original certificates, please contact the relevant awarding body to obtain a ‘certified statement of results’ as soon as possible. Further information about obtaining a replacement exam certificate is available on the gov.uk website.
- Functional Skills, Key Skills, Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy qualifications are not accepted by the University as GCSE equivalents.
- If you do not hold GCSE qualifications, please contact us to confirm that we are able to accept the qualification you hold.
If English is not your first language: IELTS 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in academic writing) or equivalent is required.
If you have completed your qualifications outside the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) are able to help you obtain a UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) statement of comparability for free. For further information, please visit the get into teaching website.
We will look for evidence of a commitment to the teaching profession, an understanding of professional requirements, and an awareness of current educational issues in an application. Prior experience in a school is not required, however prospective students may find experience in a school useful for obtaining insights into the primary education classroom. Experience in a school or similar setting may also provide reassurance to prospective students that teaching is the right choice for their career.
We will also look for you demonstrate competency in Fundamental skills in English and mathematics during the selection process.
If you meet all of the above criteria or are expecting to meet the criteria prior to the course start date, you have a strong chance of being invited to interview.
Additional requirements
If you are offered a place after attending an interview you will need to meet the following additional requirements. The University will send you more information about when and how you need to complete each of these tasks if you accept our offer.
- Obtain enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check after accepting an offer. Please note, the cost of the clearance check is covered by the applicant. If you interrupt your studies and return the following academic year you may be required to pay for a new DBS clearance check.
- If you have spent over 6 months outside the UK in the last 5 years you will be required to obtain criminal records checks from each of the countries you lived in for over 6 months continuously. Further information about obtaining a criminal records check from outside the UK is available on the gov.uk website. Please note, obtaining criminal records checks from other countries can take a long time.
- You will also be required to complete an occupational health check to confirm that you are fit to teach.
- All applicants are also subject to checks against the Secretary of State’s Teacher Prohibition Orders.
Childcare Disqualification
Student teachers who are enrolled on an initial teacher education programme at the University, including school-led programmes, which involve placement in a primary school or setting in its later years provision and/or early years provision (nursery and reception classes) need to be aware of the following requirements: Childcare Disqualification.
How to apply
The way to apply for postgraduate teacher training in England has changed. You can now use Apply for teacher training, a new GOV.UK service.
Apply for teacher training is easy to use and gives clear guidance to help potential teachers make strong applications.
To learn more about the new service and to get help with your application, visit Get into Teaching.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the course or studying at Winchester, please get in touch using our Ask a question form and we will get back to you shortly.
A first or second-class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification). This can be in any subject.
GCSE English language, mathematics and a science at grade C or 4 or above, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the University. If you have taken a combined Science GCSE, a minimum grade of CC or 4-4 is required.
- You will need to provide original certificates to the University. If you only hold a ‘statement of provisional results’ and do not hold original certificates, please contact the relevant awarding body to obtain a ‘certified statement of results’ as soon as possible. Further information about obtaining a replacement exam certificate is available on the gov.uk website.
- Functional Skills, Key Skills, Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy qualifications are not accepted by the University as GCSE equivalents.
- If you do not hold GCSE qualifications, please contact us to confirm that we are able to accept the qualification you hold.
If English is not your first language: IELTS 7.0 overall (including 7.0 in academic writing) or equivalent is required.
If you have completed your qualifications outside the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) are able to help you obtain a UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) statement of comparability for free. For further information, please visit the get into teaching website.
We will look for evidence of a commitment to the teaching profession, an understanding of professional requirements, and an awareness of current educational issues in an application. Prior experience in a school is not required, however prospective students may find experience in a school useful for obtaining insights into the primary education classroom. Experience in a school or similar setting may also provide reassurance to prospective students that teaching is the right choice for their career.
We will also look for you demonstrate competency in Fundamental skills in English and mathematics during the selection process.
If you meet all of the above criteria or are expecting to meet the criteria prior to the course start date, you have a strong chance of being invited to interview.
Additional requirements
If you are offered a place after attending an interview you will need to meet the following additional requirements. The University will send you more information about when and how you need to complete each of these tasks if you accept our offer.
- Obtain enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check after accepting an offer. Please note, the cost of the clearance check is covered by the applicant
- If you have spent over 6 months outside the UK in the last 5 years you will be required to obtain criminal records checks from each of the countries you lived in for over 6 months continuously. Further information about obtaining a criminal records check from outside the UK is available on the gov.uk website. Please note, obtaining criminal records checks from other countries can take a long time.
- You will also be required to complete an occupational health check to confirm that you are fit to teach.
How to apply
The way to apply for postgraduate teacher training in England has changed. You can now use Apply for teacher training, a new GOV.UK service.
Apply for teacher training is easy to use and gives clear guidance to help potential teachers make strong applications.
To learn more about the new service and to get help with your application, visit Get into Teaching.
Get in touch
If you have any questions about the course or studying at Winchester, please get in touch using our Ask a question form and we will get back to you shortly.
2025/6 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International |
|
|---|---|---|
| Year 1* | £9,535 | £16,700 |
Additional tuition fee information
*(UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland) £9,535 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. The fee is currently subject to a governmental fee cap for each academic year. It is our policy to charge tuition fees at the level of the cap set by the Government. If the cap set by the Government changes, then we may increase our Fees in line with governmental policy.
*(International) £16,700 for the 25/26 academic year. Fees for future academic years will be determined in line with our Terms and Conditions. We decide the annual level of increase of our Tuition Fees by taking into account a range of factors including the cost of delivering the course and change in governmental funding.
Remember, you don’t have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £79.40 and a 15 credit module is £1,191. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £7,145
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £139.14 and a 15 credit module is £2,087.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
Mandatory
Disclosure and Barring Service
All students who accept an offer for this course are required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check. Please note, the cost of the check is £49.50 and covering the cost is the responsibility of the student.
In addition to the check, all students are strongly encouraged to sign up to use the DBS Update Service [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service] for the duration of their course. Students who fail to sign up to the Update Service may be required to complete and pay for an additional check during their course which may affect their ability to engage successfully with placement.
Placements
The programme includes a significant number of days on placement, these placements may be closer or further from your home than the University of Winchester. Currently the University expects students to travel up to 90 mins to reach their placement and to cover the costs of travel themselves.
Occupational Health Check
The University will pay for an occupational health assessment; however, you may need to pay for immunisations if they are not covered by your GP. Once applicants accept their offer of a place, we will send instructions on how to submit your health declaration information and what is required.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Winchester PGCE graduates have a high employment rate and are highly respected in the region and beyond. We provide support for applying for teaching posts as part of the course. Most of our students take up a position in teaching. Many local Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers are Winchester graduates. Occasionally, graduates pursue other careers using the range of transferable skills gained during study.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
"Winchester is renowned for Outstanding teacher training. The lecturers are extremely knowledgeable and I've been able to implement lots of ideas from the course into my teaching pedagogy. The placements reaffirmed my love for teaching and helped prepare me for the future - from broadening my experience, to developing skills in planning, to growing my confidence as a well-rounded teacher."
