Our Provider-led, School-based route provides the ideal combination of highly regarded qualifications and hands-on experience, giving you a strong career advantage.
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 partner schools, 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 secondary teaching in your chosen subject specialism.
As part of the course, you will undertake two assessed teaching placements to broaden your experience. You will be supported throughout by expert colleagues including our trained school mentors, subject specialist tutors.
You will also spend time at the University to help put your school experience in the context of educational policy, principles and evidence-based practice.
An inspiring 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 teachers.
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, including rural, multi-cultural and inner city schools.
For the School-based course, we work collaboratively with Delivery Partners who are committed to providing you with a high-quality, challenging and exciting training experience.
Broaden your perspectives
Alongside your main teaching placements, you will have the chance to visit other schools and to work with children from different backgrounds.
You will also focus on your subject specialism to improve your practice and will study school-related issues at masters level.
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:
- What is effective learning?
- How do we all learn, what is our role?
- How do we plan for and evidence learning?
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.
Whilst you will spend most of your time learning how to teach in schools through our network of Delivery Partners, you will also benefit from wider perspectives about teaching, learning and the educational landscape here at the University. Working in our excellent facilities, with University and other experts in the wider educational field, you will develop a deeper and more critical understanding of what it takes to become a highly effective teacher.
How you're assessed
You will complete two assessed teaching placements, which will provide you with the challenging and exciting experience you need. Throughout these placements you will be given weekly feedback on your progress. You will also have the opportunity to reflect and discuss your developing knowledge of teaching your subject. The academic side of the programme is assessed through three level 7 assignments which align with your practice in school and allow you to match theory with practice.
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, recommendation for 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.
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 acclaimed MA Education is an excellent option, especially if you have your sights set on more senior roles such as deputy/head of department, deputy/head of year, or senior leadership.
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.
You will need an undergraduate honours degree (preferably 2:2) or equivalent, plus GCSE grade 4 or above in English Language and Maths. You must be able to demonstrate an appropriate level of subject knowledge in your chosen subject curriculum specialism.
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.
2025/26 (August 2025 - July 2026)
| Type | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|
| UK | £9,535 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
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
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 entry on GOV.UK.
Your application will be processed by the Delivery Partner you've chosen to study at. Our partners are:
For admissions enquiries, please contact schoolbasedITTE@derby.ac.uk or call us on +44 (0)1332 591608.
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.
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.
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