Great teachers make a difference to the lives of every child they teach everyday. Crucially, they have the knowledge, skills and understanding to teach excellent lessons - that have a positive impact on all pupils. The 3-7 Primary PGCE has been designed to enable you to become a primary teacher with an early years specialism.

By developing your knowledge and understanding of research, with an unrelenting focus on what makes a difference in the classroom, you will develop a strong theoretical framework to your practice. Your practice, refined both on-campus and on-placement, will draw directly on this research.

When you train to teach at Oxford Brookes, you will join a course whose graduates inspire thousands of children and lead in hundreds of schools across Oxfordshire and beyond. School leaders know our graduates are well-prepared to meet the high standards expected of them in our schools, with a broad range of on-campus and on-placement teaching and learning preparing them to make a difference in the lives of every child they teach, every day.

How to apply

Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

GCSE: GCSEs or equivalents: achieve a standard of grade 4 or higher in English, Mathematics and Science (Science with Chemistry, Science with Physics, Science with Biology).

A recognised UK degree, or degree equivalent, normally at second class honours.
Additional DBS and Health teaching checks are completed prior to your enrolment. Once you have accepted an offer from Oxford Brookes you will notified to complete your Health and DBS checks preceding your enrolment; you will receive your DBS notification by email in May.

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

Screening

All applicants will be screened for fitness to practise and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be made.

Selection process

A successful application leads to a teaching interview invite from Oxford Brookes University. A successful interview will secure your place on your chosen PGCE Primary course.

Your teaching interview will be remote (online).

You’ll receive an interview date invite. That contains interview advice/guidance and example questions. Please confirm your interview date as soon as possible.

Then your academic interviewer will contact you with a 30min 1-1 Zoom interview invite between 10.00 - 17.00 on your interview day. Please also accept this invite.

Before your interview you need to select a picture book that you will discuss in your interview. You'll also need your photographic ID to hand to show the academic interviewer.

At 09:00 on your interview day you will receive a recorded introductory talk from the course leader. Please watch this video.

Enjoy your interview and ask questions, it’s your chance to find out about us.

English language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

International qualifications and equivalences

English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Pathways courses for international and EU students

We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.

Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.

If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Application process

Apply for this course through DfE Apply.

You will receive a communication from us inviting you to an interview day if your application is successful. Due to current Covid restrictions we are running virtual online interviews at the moment.

A successful interview will lead to you receiving an offer for a place on this course.

When you apply for the course, we recommend that you have school experience. Applicants should have insights into the primary classroom with school experience. Though this is not compulsory for applicants.

Apply now

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note

Home (UK) full time

£9,250

International full time

£15.200

Home (UK) full time

£9,250

International full time

£15,800

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 483088

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2022 / 23

Home (UK) full time

£9,250

International full time

£15.200

2023 / 24

Home (UK) full time

£9,250

International full time

£15,800

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 483088

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Compulsory costs

Additional costs
Additional costs	Amount (£)
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) initial check	£54
Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) specialism. Optional kit is available to purchase.	£40-90

Optional costs

Additional costs
Additional costs	Amount (£)
Travel and associated costs if relevant when undertaking work placements.	£30-700 per year
3-day Outdoor Education Residential in South Wales (inc. food, accommodation, travel, equipment and tuition)	£180
Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) top-up check (to keep up to date)	£13
It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required. Please note that a lot of the coursework is now submitted online.	From £30
You may choose to purchase books to support your studies. Many books on our reading lists are available via the Library, or can be purchased secondhand.	£20-60 per book
Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills)	£94-265 per week
Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs)	£122-180 per week
Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography. Gowns are not compulsory but typically students do hire robes, starting at £41.	Typically £0-200
Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes. BrookesBus travel is subsidised for full-time undergraduate students that are on a course with a fee of £9,250 or more, or living in an Oxford Brookes hall of residence. There is an administration fee for the production of a BrookesKey.	From £8

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students

Oxford Brookes alumni may be eligible for a 10% fees discount on postgraduate study.

General sources of funding and fees for postgraduate students can be found here.

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Learning and assessment

You will complete up to three module credits at Level seven (masters level). You will experience teaching in three different school placements;

You will take three masters level modules and develop a deep understanding of the theory around schools and how pupils learn;
You will develop secure knowledge of national curriculum subjects and become confident in teaching these in school;
You will have an additional SEND placement to develop your understanding of how to support all children.

Your training will challenge you in many different ways which is why we have many different forms of support to aid you on your progression to becoming a teacher.

University lecturers, who are all highly experienced primary practitioners, will provide excellent support for your academic work, personal development and wellbeing. The trainees on the course work closely together and develop strong support networks. The wider university network also has a broad range of support for all enrolled students.

Study modules

Taught modules

Compulsory modules

Introduction to Professional Learning (20 credits)

This gives you an introduction to practical theories of learning and curriculum before you begin your first experience of substantive teaching. You’ll develop your knowledge and understanding of pedagogy and its evidence base, so that you’ll be ready to apply this to your own practical classroom skills.

Key Issues in Learning and Teaching (20 credits)

You’ll look at key issues, themes and debates in education. You’ll focus on a selection of issues that are relevant to your pathway/age-phase, and you’ll have the option of reflecting on your own developing classroom practice. This will allow you to be better supported in entering your NQT year.

The potential issues and themes include:

assessment
behaviour for Learning
SEND/Inclusion issues
supporting learning with TAs
socio-economic and cultural issues
working with parents and carers.

Supporting Evidence Informed Practice (20 credits)

You’ll focus on the role and importance of research in education, with the ultimate aim of improving your teaching and your students’ learning. You’ll gain a grounding in issues and debates surrounding educational research. You’ll move on to undertake your own literature-based research project, choosing an area of education that fascinates you. Through this module you’ll strengthen your research skills as well as building a deeper knowledge of your topic area.

Outstanding Practice 3-7

You’ll learn about child development and how it affects learning in children aged three to seven. You’ll build your understanding of inclusive practice, and how it can be used to improve children’s progress. Topics will include:

SEND, EAL and behaviour management
PSHE: how it permeates the curriculum, and its impact on learning for children in this age group.

As well as observing and analysing teaching, you’ll be planning and delivering short teaching tasks to your peers – practical tasks that will help you understand how to plan and teach across the EYFS and KS 1 curriculum. You’ll also gain experience in a week-long teaching placement.

English 3-7

You’ll work on the knowledge and skills you need to teach language and literacy effectively. Reflecting on your own learning will be an important part of the process. You’ll explore topics like:

your own self-awareness as a language user
developing and assessing children’s communication skills in reading and writing including systematic synthetic phonics and grammar
learning about languages: how they work and the links between them
links between language, culture and identity
the role of media technologies in developing children’s language and literacy
literature in the EYFS and primary classroom
using drama strategies in developing children’s language and literacy.

Mathematics 3-7

Here you’ll develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in mathematics. You’ll gain the grounding you need to help children progress and enjoy maths across the EYFS and KS 1. You’ll enhance your understanding with cross-curricular work linking mathematics with other subjects.

You’ll improve your own knowledge and confidence in mathematics and your understanding of number, algebra, geometry, measures and data handling, as well as exploring topics such as:

applying mathematics across the curriculum
understanding how children learn mathematics, and how to address their misconceptions
the role of reasoning and communication in teaching, learning and doing mathematics
developing creative, inspirational and challenging approaches to teaching mathematics across the attainment range.

Science 3-7

You’ll develop your knowledge, skills and confidence in science and understanding of the world. You’ll gain the knowledge and understanding you need to help children progress and enjoy science in the EYFS and KS 1. You’ll enhance your understanding with cross-curricular work that links science with other subjects.

We’ll focus on the importance of planning lessons that use purposeful, practical science to stimulate children’s higher order thinking. And we’ll consider topics such as:

the integral role of practical activities in early years and primary science
the importance of pupil talk in developing their understanding of scientific concepts
understanding pupils’ common misconceptions in science, and good ways to address these
using ICT applications such as data logging and digital microscopes
provision for SEND, Gifted and Talented and EAL pupils
working safely in science.

Arts and Humanities 3-7

Here you’ll gain a foundation in the arts and humanities from the EYFS to KS 1. With practical workshop sessions and project-based work, you’ll build your confidence and enjoyment of the arts and humanities. We’ll investigate topics like:

national and local initiatives to support arts and humanities teaching
learning outside the classroom
using the expertise of educational officers and tutors in a variety of venues
embedding active citizenship, cultural diversity and cultural heritage
using ICT effectively in the arts and humanities
cross-curricular approaches, making particular links with physical education and design and technology.

PE and computing 3-7

In this module, you’ll work on the knowledge and understanding you need to help children progress in physical development and their use of computing. You’ll focus on:

developing and assessing children’s physical development in the three to seven age range
links between children’s physical development and skills acquisition across the EYFS and KS 1 curriculum
computing in the EYFS and KS 1 curriculum
the role of technologies in developing children’s learning.

School based curriculum

Compulsory modules

School based curriculum 1

This is the first of three main blocks of school-based training placements (SBT) that you’ll undertake. This first placement will be in a nursery setting. You’ll engage in introductory activities based on the classroom environment, where you’ll consider how learning takes place.

Through this module, you’ll gain insight into the full professional life of a teacher. You’ll put into practice your skills of planning, teaching, maintaining behaviour and creating a suitable ethos for learning.

You’ll explore issues such as:

diversity, inclusion, equal opportunity
teachers’ professional duties and statutory frameworks, including safeguarding
planning, teaching and assessment for children’s learning with an emphasis on Assessment for Learning (AFL)
the school and classroom as an environment for learning
class management and children’s behaviour.

School based curriculum 2

Your second placement will be in a KS 1 setting. Here, you’ll develop activities based on the classroom environment, where you’ll consider how learning and assessment take place.

Through this module, you’ll discover more about the full professional life of a teacher. You’ll develop your skills of planning, teaching, maintaining behaviour and creating a suitable ethos for learning.

School based curriculum 3

This final placement will be in a Foundation Stage setting. You’ll be delivering sustained teaching across the curriculum and taking on the full role of the classroom teacher in preparation for your first teaching post.

You’ll be aiming to demonstrate good subject knowledge in all the primary curriculum subjects, and your ability to plan and teach great lessons for your age group. You’ll have a professional approach to your working relationship with colleagues, pupils, parents and carers.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Learning and teaching

You will be taught through the following methods:

lectures
directed reading
workshops
seminars
practical and project work with professional tutor support.

Attendance at lectures, workshops, seminars and school based training is a compulsory component of successful completion of the course. It is monitored throughout and reflected in trainee references.

Teaching staff are drawn primarily from the School of Education. You will also have further input from visiting speakers from:

partnership schools
teaching unions
newly qualified teachers (NQTs)
other experts within the field of education

Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course

All academic modules are rigorously assessed, mostly by written assignments.

When you are on your School Based Training you'll adhere to the School Based Curriculum which addresses the Core Content Framework.

Your assessment is based on:

coursework
assignments
achieving the standard towards the end of your School Based Training for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Research

The School of Education is a thriving centre for educational research and teacher professional development. Students on master's level programmes therefore join a large research community comprising researchers at all levels of higher education study.

We hold two major research conferences each year - the School of Education Research Conference and the EdD Colloquium. All students are invited to attend our annual Research

Seminar Series (which attracts both internal and external speakers). We also organise a number of conferences, lectures, seminars and debates, some of which have an international reach.

The School’s six research groups exist to encourage engagement in research, publication, conference presentations, seminars and workshops:

Inclusion and Wellbeing
Policy, Partnership and Leadership
STEAM pedagogy and learning
Humanistic Perspectives on Education
Early Years
Applied Linguistics

View all staff profiles for School of Education

After you graduate

Career prospects

By completing placements in a variety of local primary schools, you will build excellent relationships with head teachers helping your future employment prospects. Many of our graduates go on to gain employment in the schools where they have previously been placed.

Professional Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Teaching Regulation Agency to grant Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK. You will be provisionally registered with the Teaching Regulation Agency at the beginning of your course. Students who successfully complete the course will be recommended for QTS.

Please be aware that following the UK's departure from the European Union, QTS awarded by UK higher education institutions is not currently recognised in the EU.

Student profiles

Ian Mazonowicz

"I was attracted to the PGCE at Oxford Brookes because of its locality and because it offered the balance between placement and campus time that I wanted in order to be the best teacher I could possibly be"

Related courses

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.