The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements
PGCE Primary 5-11 (with QTS)
PGCE
Key facts
Start dates
September 2022 / September 2023
Location
Course length
Full time: Up to 42 weeks
Department
Accreditation(s)
The Department for Education and The Teaching Regulation Agency
Overview
Do you want to be a teacher who makes a real difference? When you train to teach at Oxford Brookes you’ll discover how you can become an outstanding teacher.
You’ll build confidence teaching in any classroom. And you'll be able to support children from all different backgrounds. You’ll experience five different schools. And you’ll have the freedom to experiment with approaches and techniques as you go.
You’ll be training within a supportive community of educators, with mentors who can help you master skills and explore specialisms. You’ll have time to build knowledge across all primary subjects. And we'll support you to find a teaching style that feels right for you.
You’ll benefit from
- A network of 650 partner schools
- Professional Masters level modules
- Hands-on SEN experience
- Optional training in music and PE
- A library of resources and equipment
You’ll graduate as a resilient professional, with a teaching style that’s right for you.
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.
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 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.
Tuition fees
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
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.
Financial support and scholarships
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.
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, if any, are detailed below.
On this course you’ll be going on placements in schools. This means you’ll need a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. This costs about £50. You may also need to pay an extra fee of about £15 to keep your DBS up-to-date.
Please note that students will be expected to fund their travel costs to undertake school placements.
A Voluntary Outdoor Education Residential for 3 days in the February half term takes place in South Wales. The cost is £180, this covers your food, accommodation, travel, equipment and tuition.
As PGCE Primary student you can take the voluntary Physical Education and School Sport (PESS) specialism - the cost is £40. Optional kit is available to purchase for those following the PESS specialism only - Polo shirts are £20 and Fleeces are £30.
Learning and assessment
On this course, you’ll have the time and space to establish your own teaching style. You’ll explore teaching theory and build hands-on practitioner skills. And you’ll receive support and guidance from highly experienced tutors all the way through.
You’ll carry out up to 5 placements across the 5-11 age range. On your school placements you’ll practice different techniques and approaches, helping you develop your unique teaching style. You’ll be exposed to a wide range of classrooms, and will build professional relationships with many other practitioners.
Your learning will always be underpinned by the latest developments in education research. And you’ll have the option to dive deeper into the primary curriculum as you progress, with the option to specialise in areas like:
- English
- Mathematics
- Science
- Music
- Physical Training
- or Special Education and Needs
Ofsted has commended the 'outstanding support' our trainee teachers receive - from those with experience in education to students who are completely new to teaching.

Study modules
You’ll take three Master’s level modules on the course. These are specialist modules where you’ll start developing advanced practitioner skills, and include:
- Professional learning
- Examining key debates in teaching
- The role of research in education and evidence in teaching.
These modules add up to one third of an MA (60 credits), setting you up for future professional development.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
You’ll learn through collaboration and participation in:
- Lectures
- Directed reading
- Teaching workshops
- Group seminars
- Practical lesson skills and project work
- Compulsory school placements across the duration of your course.
You’ll also be able to use specialist teaching resources from our School Experience Centre to support your teaching on placement.
And through the course, you’ll become part of an inclusive and vibrant community of trainee teachers and experienced practitioners. You’ll be able to rely on this community for support and advice throughout your training.
Assessment
Assessment methods used on this course
Your course assessment is based on:
- Coursework
- Assignments
- School Placements
- Reaching the standard for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Your academic modules will be assessed by written assignments - where you’ll explore theory and practice. This will give you the practical knowledge and skills to teach primary school pupils.
You’ll also be assessed through your school placements, where successful completion includes your attendance on the placement for the required number of days across your chosen age range.
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

After you graduate
Career prospects
Teaching is a career where you can make a real difference to children’s lives. And you’ll finish this course with the skills and confidence to become an outstanding primary teacher, ready to start your teaching career.
You’ll develop strong relationships with teachers and school leaders at multiple schools during your placements. And you’ll graduate with a solid professional network, that will help you secure your first teaching role.
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
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.