PGCE Primary Education (QTS)

What you will study

What will you study?

The programme combines Level 7 academic study, professional studies, primary curriculum development and school experience.

Modules may change in response to professional requirements and programme review.

Contemporary Issues in Primary Education

Develop your ability to evaluate current issues affecting primary education and consider their implications for teaching and learning.

You’ll explore educational theory, reflection, collaboration and values-led practice while examining how teachers develop their professional knowledge.

The Emergent Teacher as Reflective Practitioner

Investigate an area of professional enquiry that connects educational theory with your classroom experience.

You’ll engage with relevant research and reflect critically on your development as a teacher and learner.

Professional Studies

Connect your university learning with your experience in schools.

You’ll develop the professional knowledge and practical understanding required to plan, teach, assess and evaluate learning. The module supports your progress towards meeting the Teachers’ Standards and becoming an effective primary practitioner.

Topics include:

• lesson and curriculum planning
• teaching and assessment
• creating effective learning environments
• behaviour for learning
• inclusion and equality
• responding to individual learning needs
• reflective professional practice

The Core Curriculum

Strengthen your subject and pedagogical knowledge in English, mathematics and science.

You’ll explore how children learn in each subject, how teachers plan effective lessons and how assessment can be used to identify pupils’ needs and inform future learning.

Building a Broader Curriculum

Develop the knowledge and confidence to teach foundation subjects across the primary curriculum.

You’ll explore the distinctive contribution of each subject while considering opportunities for creative, relevant and cross-curricular learning.

Welsh and Curriculum for Wales for Educational Practitioners

Explore the place of Welsh language, heritage and culture within education.

You’ll consider Curriculum for Wales and develop your confidence using Welsh within a primary setting. The course is designed to support students who begin with different levels of Welsh-language knowledge.

School experience

School experience is a central element of the programme.

You’ll gain experience across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and progress from working with groups of pupils to planning, teaching and assessing learning for whole classes.

Your placements will help you:

• apply educational theory in practice
• develop effective classroom routines
• plan inclusive learning
• assess pupils’ understanding and progress
• adapt teaching to individual needs
• respond to feedback from mentors and tutors
• build evidence against the Teachers’ Standards
• reflect on your professional development

Confirm the number, duration and locations of placements with the course team before publication or application.

Entry requirements & applying

Applicants will normally need:

• an undergraduate honours degree with a minimum classification of 2:2
• GCSE English Language at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent
• GCSE mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent
• GCSE science at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent
• a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
• confirmation that they meet the health and physical and mental fitness requirements for teaching
• successful completion of the provider’s selection and interview process

GCSE equivalency tests are accepted and available. Check the current admissions guidance for approved providers, test subjects, costs and completion deadlines.

Relevant experience with primary-age children can help you understand the profession and prepare for the course, although applicants should check whether it is a formal entry requirement.

Check the current course listing or contact the admissions team to confirm the duration and attendance requirements for each study route before applying.

How to apply

Because this course is franchised by St Mary’s University and leads to QTS awarded in England, applications are made through the Department for Education’s teacher-training application service.

Search for the St Mary’s Primary PGCE delivered at Wrexham University and check that you have selected the Wrexham training location before submitting your application.

Your application will normally include:

• your qualifications
• your employment and experience history
• details of your suitability for teacher training
• references
• an interview and selection process

Check the live Department for Education listing for the correct provider name, course code, training location and study route.

This course is not currently recruiting international students

Applications

Can you please apply using the following full-time and part-time routes.

PGCE Primary full-time 

PGCE Primary part-time 

Teaching & Assessment

How you’ll learn

Teaching takes place through interactive university sessions and practical school experience.

Learning methods may include:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical workshops
• group activities
• microteaching
• presentations
• independent study
• professional reflection
• subject knowledge development
• school-based training
• mentor and tutor feedback

Tutors model effective teaching approaches and the appropriate use of technology, helping you develop confidence as a reflective and evidence-informed practitioner.

You’ll also have access to academic skills support, including guidance on academic writing, effective note-making and preparing assessments.

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment is continuous across university-based study and school experience.

Assessment methods may include:

• essays
• presentations
• posters
• microteaching activities
• practical sessions
• reflective enquiry
• self-assessment
• English, mathematics and science subject knowledge audits
• school-based assessment
• evidence against the Teachers’ Standards

Your professional progress will be monitored during school placements. Attendance, punctuality, participation and professional conduct form important parts of the course requirements.

The PGCE academic award and recommendation for QTS have related but distinct requirements. Both should be explained clearly in the terms supplied to applicants.

Career prospects

Successful completion of the programme prepares you to begin your career as a primary school teacher.

Your experience of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, together with opportunities to work in English and Welsh educational settings, may support employment across the border region.

QTS awarded in England is automatically recognised in Wales. However, you must register with the Education Workforce Council before working as a school teacher in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales.

As your career develops, you could progress into areas such as:

• primary school teaching
• curriculum or subject leadership
• additional learning needs or SEND
• pastoral and inclusion roles
• school leadership
• education research
• teacher development
• postgraduate study

Wrexham University’s Careers and Employability service can support you with career planning, applications and professional development.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our postgraduate fees.

Frequently asked questions

Does this Primary PGCE lead to QTS?

When you successfully complete the professional requirements of the programme, you’ll be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status in England. The PGCE academic award has its own assessment requirements.

Who delivers the course?

The programme is franchised by St Mary’s University, Twickenham, and delivered at Wrexham University. You’ll study at Wrexham and complete placements arranged through the programme.

Who awards the PGCE?

The current page identifies the programme as a St Mary’s franchise delivered at Wrexham University. Check the applicant terms for confirmation of the registering institution, awarding institution and the university named on the final certificate.

Can I teach in Wales after completing the course?

QTS awarded in England through an accredited provider is automatically recognised in Wales. You must register with the Education Workforce Council before teaching in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales.

What age group will I train to teach?

The programme prepares you to teach primary-age pupils across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, normally aged five to 11.

Will I complete placements in England and Wales?

The course advertises placement opportunities in England and Wales. Confirm with the programme team whether a placement in both countries is guaranteed for every trainee.

Do I need to speak Welsh?

The published entry requirements do not say that applicants must already speak Welsh. The course includes additional study of Welsh and Curriculum for Wales designed to support students with different starting levels.

What degree do I need?

You’ll normally need an undergraduate honours degree with a minimum classification of 2:2.

What GCSEs do I need?

You’ll need GCSE English Language, mathematics and science at grade 4/C or above, or accepted equivalents. Equivalency tests are available, but you should confirm the approved tests and deadlines before applying.

How do I apply?

Apply through the Department for Education’s teacher-training application service. Make sure you select the St Mary’s programme delivered at Wrexham University.

Can international students apply?

The current course page states that the programme is not recruiting international students. Check the position for your intended intake before applying.