Teacher Training

When you make the decision to embark on an initial teacher training course, there are a range of options to consider. 

There are full time undergraduate programmes designed for those who do not yet have a degree whilst other options are available for those who already hold a first degree. 

For post-graduates, options include university-based postgraduate certificate in education teaching courses and school-based course such as the Schools Direct programme.

As part of the admissions process, applicants will be invited to interview at the School of Education.

To be able to teach at state-maintained schools in England and Wales, you have to achieved Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This is included in all our initial teacher training programmes.

Choosing the right course


CourseSummaryWhy take this course?
PrimaryBA Primary Teacher Education (Campus-based)a three-year degree course with qualified teacher statusA three-year course which will teach you the knowledge and skills required to be an effective primary school teacher. This course will lead to a BA (hons) degree in Primary Teacher Education and Qualified Teacher Status.
PGCE Primary 3–7 yearsA one-year full-time campus based course for students that have a degree.This one-year full time primary education PGCE course provides you with the professional skills required to become an effective classroom practitioner able to teach primary school children aged 3–7 years. You will qualify with Qualified Teacher Status.
PGCE Primary 5–11 yearsA one-year full-time campus based course for students that have a degree.The one-year full time primary education PGCE course provides you with the professional skills required to become an effective classroom practitioner able to teach primary school children aged between 5–11 years old.
School Direct and School Centred Initial Teacher TrainingA one-year full-time teacher training course for graduates who prefer to be based in a school. Support and academic teaching is provided by school mentors and academics at Oxford Brookes University. This course can be taken with our partners St Andrew’s Alliance and The Downland Alliance.
PGCE without QTSA programme of three modules designed to support and enhance the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) training.If you already have QTS this course offers you a chance to gain formal academic award of Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE). which includes master's level credits.
SecondarySchool Direct and School Centred Initial Teacher TrainingA teacher training course for graduates who prefer to be based in a school. Support and academic teaching is provided by mentors and academics at Oxford Brookes University. School Direct is offered via salaried or tuition-fee programmes. If you undertake the tuition-fee route you may be eligible for student loans and bursaries. The salaried route is for very high quality graduates with at least three years’ work experience who will earn a salary while they train. At the end of the School Direct programme you will gain QTS. Some school Direct partnerships also offer the opportunity for trainees to follow the Oxford Brookes PGCE programme. The PGCE programme has master’s level components which can be used for further master’s level study.
Assessment Only route to Qualified Teacher Status
If you are an experienced teacher or graduate instructor and you would like to gain a formal qualification to gain Qualified Teacher Status we offer an Assessment Only route to QTS. This is not a training programme. If you would like to undertake the AO route to QTS you will need a school to recommend you.
Early Career Teacher Induction ProgrammeEarly Career Teacher Induction Programme
The Early Career Framework (ECF) was designed to ensure early career teachers focus on learning the things that make the most difference in the classroom and their professional practice.
Post-CompulsoryPGCE Post-CompulsoryA professional qualification for those who wish to teach in the post-compulsory sector, which includes further education colleges and adult education.On successful completion of this course, you will be qualified to teach in the post-compulsory sector with the opportunity to register for Qualified Teaching and Learning Skills (QTLS). This full-time course is designed for students who wish to enter the profession and can only be studied at our Harcourt Hill Campus.
Foundation degreesEarly YearsA one-year foundation degree.Our programmes encompass foundation degree study designed for people already working in early years or later phases of education. Students come to the School of Education from all walks of life to study on campus and at our partner colleges in the region.
Educational PracticeA one-year foundation degree.Our programmes encompass foundation degree study designed for people already working in early years or later phases of education. Students come to the School of Education from all walks of life to study on campus and at our partner colleges in the region