If you’re passionate about embarking on a teaching career, the PGCE Primary (Provider-Led, School-based) enables you to immerse yourself in practical experience from the outset.
Fully prepared for a teaching role
School-based courses have high levels of employment and student satisfaction. You will be recruited as a trainee and based mainly in one of our Delivery Partners, 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 primary teaching. This includes teaching the core subjects as well as the wider National Curriculum subjects.
As part of the course, you will undertake three assessed teaching placements 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 develop your understanding of what it takes to become a great teacher.
A first class 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 primary teachers.
In our recent Ofsted inspection (2023/24), we received an 'Outstanding' rating for the quality of our work. Ofsted reported that 'Leaders aspire to ignite inspiration among students' and that leaders do this in abundance.
Our Curriculum for our students was described as one that is 'highly ambitious' and that has been 'skilfully designed to ensure that students develop the necessary knowledge and expertise required to achieve QTS'.
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 and beyond, including rural, multi-cultural and inner city schools.
For the School-based course, we have joined forces with a network of Delivery Partners which work in clusters to support you on placement. Ofsted described our work with our Delivery Partners as 'impressive' and that they 'play a significant role'.
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:
- Understanding Behaviour and learning
- Curriculum and Pedagogy
- Progression and Assessment
- Professional Practice
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.
You will be recruited as a trainee and based mainly in a school, with one of our Delivery Partners. Located across the Midlands, they will work together in clusters to support you on placement. The placements and enhanced school opportunities will provide you with challenging and exciting experiences.
You'll also spend time at the University, working in our excellent facilities with University and school-based expert colleagues, in order to develop your growing understanding of what it takes to become a great teacher.
How you're assessed
All assessments relate to your school placements; you will complete three assessed teaching placements, two in your main school and one in a second school, and additional enhanced school opportunities, which will provide you with the challenging and exciting experience you need. There will be in-depth teacher enquiry on school-based issues.
You'll also have the opportunity to reflect on and discuss your developing subject knowledge of the core and wider curriculum subjects, as well as developing your skills in research-informed practice.
For entry on to any Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme, there is a minimum requirement nationally of a Grade C (Grade 4) or above in English Language, science and mathematics at GCSE).
Applicants must have an Undergraduate Honours degree or equivalent. The minimum classification is 2:2. A 3rd Class degree may be considered if there were extenuating and exceptional circumstances that may provide a context for the classification; in this instance the candidate will be asked to attend a panel to discuss the outcome. This may include the need for Level 7 support and guidance for masterly reading and writing, as supported by the PAT system.
There are a range of equivalencies and you should check with the admissions team. Please contact SchoolbasedITTE@derby.ac.uk if you need clarification.
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.
Prior to undertaking practice-based learning we will ensure you have completed an immunisation programme.
2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9.250 for the full course* | N/A |
| International | N/A | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,250 for the full course* | N/A |
| International | N/A | N/A |
Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.
* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable
About postgraduate awards
Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.
| Award | Credits |
|---|
| Postgraduate Certificate | 60 Credits |
| Postgraduate Diploma | 120 Credits |
| MA or MSc | 180 Credits |
This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.
Funding your studies
Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.
Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies
Alumni discount for Derby graduates
We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.
Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount
How to apply
Please look at our before you apply.
You must apply for this course through the Department for Education. You can apply for 2024/25 entry on the GOV.UK website.
Your application will be processed by the academic partners you've chosen to study at.
For 2024/25 our partners are:
Lead Delivery Partner
Delivery Partners
- Barts Training and Support Alliance (BTSA)
- Communities Academies Trust
- Developing Teachers Schools and Academies
- Forest Way
- Loughborough Learning Alliance
- Potentia Teaching School Hub
- Rowan Gate Primary School
For admissions enquiries, please contact SchoolbasedITTE@derby.ac.uk or telephone +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, Qualified Teacher Status, 60 credits at masters level and substantial practical experience.
The Provider-Led, School-based 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. Ofsted said: “Many trainees gain teaching posts before they finish their training and almost all have obtained a teaching post within a very short time of leaving the University.”
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 MA Education is an excellent option, especially if you have your sights set on more senior roles such as head teacher or deputy head teacher.
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.
Contact us Contact us 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.
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