Primary Teaching leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) PGCE

Why choose this course?

The PGCE Primary Course is an exciting teacher training route for those passionate about working within the Primary phase and developing their understanding of all aspects of primary teaching.

At Kingston University, our vision is to develop critically confident and well-rounded teachers. Educators who are values-driven, and equipped to transform the lives of children and young people in their communities. This course will help you develop these qualities, as you become an effective, inclusive and evidence-informed teacher gaining both Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a PGCE.

We offer an ambitious, fully developed, evidence-based curriculum, which fully integrates the ITT Core Content Framework (CCF) in line with DfE requirements. This ensures that upon completion of the course, you are well-prepared for the next stage in your professional development as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).

The course is organised in two strands: taught subject days, and three blocks of school experience. These blocks, spread through Autumn, Spring and Summer terms, are where you will develop practical teaching skills, with the support of experienced subject mentors and teachers. Our strong partnerships with schools, and the high-quality mentor training we provide, ensure that you will receive consistent feedback and support from expert mentors/colleagues to understand, apply, reflect upon, and develop your teaching practice throughout your school placements.

You will also benefit from a course that supports you in becoming a reflective, research-engaged teacher who can use evidence to drive improvements in young people's learning and wellbeing. Your PGCE modules form part of our MA Education, which you can continue with beyond your PGCE year.

Pathway UCAS code Mode Duration Start date
General Primary X100 Full time 1 year September 2025
Primary (3-7 years) X121 Full time 1 year September 2025
General Primary (with Mathematics) 3822 Full time 1 year September 2025
Main Location Kingston Hill

Reasons to choose Kingston University

  • This course will enable you to become an effective, creative, inclusive and evidence-informed teacher.
  • You will have personalised support, both from the University and partnership schools.
  • Two thirds of the course is spent on school placements.

What you will study

You will learn about pedagogy (the art of teaching), including learning theories and child development, alongside the subjects of the national curriculum and the early years foundation stage framework. Together, this learning will help you understand how best to teach each subject to children of different ages, needs, attributes and experiences. You will also explore key professional issues, such as safeguarding and supporting pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

We model good teaching as we train you, so you can transfer what you have experienced into your own practice.

Modules

Core modules

Professional Practice

0 credits

Non-credit bearing module

This module focuses on developing your ability to teach, assess and undertake your professional responsibilities in your chosen phase of education. It is part based at the University, where lectures, seminars and online learning will provide you with research, theory and practice based insights into effective learning and teaching. It is largely based upon your practice in school and settings, where you receive formal training, experience of working alongside professionals, experience of being the lead practitioner in a classroom/setting and experience of the wider aspects of being a teacher.

The Reflective Teacher

30 credits

This module introduces you to theories of reflective practice and the value and purpose of reflection for teachers. This will enable you to develop in-depth understanding of how you reflect in order to identify issues and develop solutions in your professional settings.

The main features of the module are critical explorations of factors that affect how children develop physically, socially and as learners. You will critically analyse issues relevant to your current practice, considering your own position as an effective teacher.

Through completion of a reflective journal during the module, you will develop critical, reflective and reflexive skills to inform peer and colleague discussion within a learning community. You will be encouraged and supported to challenge and develop your professional practice.

Perspectives on policy, practice and professionalism for teachers

30 credits

This module enables you to locate yourself as an emerging professional within wider discourses about teaching as a profession. It allows you to evaluate your own identity as a professional and reflect on the values that you and the wider profession hold. You will critically analyse discussions and debates which affect classroom practice. These debates will focus on specific areas to exemplify wider issues in education. The focus of these discussions will be on inclusive teaching and learning and the legislative frameworks which provide codes of practice. 

A key focus of the module is to develop your ability to make sense of education research and to apply this in the context of your school or setting.

Entry requirements

Typical offer

  • An honours degree, preferably 2:2 or above, from a UK higher education institution or equivalent overseas qualification.
  • Candidates who have applied for the Primary with Mathematics pathway may be expected to complete a Subject Knowledge Enhancement course in Primary Maths following acceptance of any potential offer and prior to starting the course. Please click on this DFE list of approved SKE providers.
  • GCSE grade 4 or above (C or above for examinations taken prior to 2017) in English, science and mathematics. If you do not meet the GCSE requirement in any of these subjects, we are happy for you to take your tests externally (via Equivalency Testing or A*Star Equivalency).
  • An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service and Health checking process that identifies no concerns about suitability to teach.

Additional entry requirements

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited to attend an online interview via Microsoft Teams. The interview process is designed to enable us to assess your suitability to train to teach. You will be assessed against the five core areas of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (DfE, 2024). These are: behaviour management, pedagogy, curriculum, assessment and professional behaviours.

If you are offered a place on a teaching training course, we recommend you arrange to get experience in a school with children of relevant age. This way, you'll begin to become familiar with the demands and expectations of teaching.

Important safeguarding information

Kingston University, Department of Education, is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We implement safer recruitment procedures.

Candidates who are invited to interview will be required to complete a ‘breaks in employment' form and give relevant details of any gaps in employment or study. This form must be completed by 9am on the day before the scheduled interview. If you do have any gaps, these will be discussed in the interview. Please note: If the form is not completed by the deadline, the interview may be subject to cancellation.

Candidates invited to interview will also be asked to complete a safeguarding declaration.

All candidates who are offered a place will be required to have a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal records check in Child Workforce as a condition of acceptance to their chosen course. We will also carry out a check of the prohibition from teaching list upon programme enrolment.

All candidates who are offered a place and have lived or worked outside of the UK for a period of 3 months or longer (in the last 5 years), will be asked to apply for a Certificate of Good Conduct in addition to their DBS check.

All candidates who are offered a place on a PGCE programme will be required to provide references from two professional individuals.

As part of our due diligence process, we may also carry out an online search for candidates who are offered a place on the course and this may affect the status of the original offer.

International

All non-UK applicants must meet our English language requirement, which is Academic IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no element below 6.0. Make sure you read our full guidance about English language requirements, which includes details of other qualifications we consider.

Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements could be eligible to join our pre-sessional English language course.

Applicants from a recognised majority English speaking countries (MESCs) do not need to meet these requirements.

Country-specific information

You will find more information on country specific entry requirements in the International section of our website.

Find your country:

Previous overseas teaching qualifications and experience

If you are a teacher or have teaching experience outside the UK, please view the different Routes to qualified teacher status (QTS) for teachers and those with teaching experience outside the UK - gov.uk.

If you are applying with an existing overseas teaching qualification you may already be eligible to apply directly for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) from the government.

If you do not meet the government requirements for QTS and have UK teaching experience, you may be able to apply to our Assessment Only route leading to Qualified Teacher Status.

Teaching and assessment

Your taught sessions will be a mix of seminars, lectures, practical workshops, field trips and work with pupils. Peer-led critical support groups will also feature in the programme. Most of your sessions will be taught by university tutors but there may also be guest speakers, such as headteachers or subject leaders.

Guided independent study (self-managed time)

When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for exams. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.

Support for postgraduate students

As a student at Kingston University, we will make sure you have access to appropriate advice regarding your academic development. You will also be able to use the University's support services

Your workload

  • Scheduled learning and teaching: 300 hours
  • Guided independent study (self-managed time): 570 hours
  • Placement: 120 days
  • Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP): 4 weeks

Contact hours may vary depending on your modules.

How you will be assessed

You will not be required to take any exams. Your academic work will be assessed through coursework, such as essays and presentations.

At the end of each school placement, your teaching will be assessed to ensure you are making appropriate progress and have engaged with the five core areas as outlined in the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (DfE, 2024). This will ensure that you are able to meet the Teachers' Standards (DfE, 2021) by the end of the course.

The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this course is as follows.

  • 100% coursework (portfolio-based)

Feedback summary

We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.

Your timetables

Lectures, seminars and workshops are taught between 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday.

During your school placements, you will be required to be there from 8am to 5.30pm.

School placements

School placements

Your course is designed to allow trainees to spend 120 days in school, teaching pupils from across the primary and primary (early years) age ranges. You will work alongside experienced teachers to develop your professional skills, knowledge and understanding. You will take increasing responsibility for children's learning over your two placements.

Your main placements will be in different schools. This means that you will experience a range of classroom settings and work with children from different backgrounds.

The partner schools are generally situated within 25km of the University. However, we also have some excellent partnership schools in Surrey, Hampshire and other London boroughs if you are based in one of these areas.

Who teaches this course?

The tutors for your course have experience teaching in schools. They continue to be actively involved in a range of education related activities, such as further study, research and direct work with schools and in educational settings.

Research areas

Many of our staff in the Department of Education are research active. This ensures they are in touch with the latest thinking and bring best practice to your studies.

Education research at Kingston focuses on:

  • Subject pedagogy
  • Curriculum design
  • Planning 
  • Assessment
  • Safeguarding
  • SEND and inclusive practice
  • Early Years
  • Supporting more able learners
  • Educational inequalities
  • Policy
  • History of education

Why choose Kingston's Department of Education

Reputation

We have a rich history of educating educators; providing a strong foundation for learning and teaching.

Putting you first

We recognise your needs and aspirations, personalise your learning experience and putting you at the heart of everything we do.

Expert educationalists

Our staff are research-engaged educationalists, making knowledge accessible for you to incorporate in your professional practice. 

Inter-professional collaboration

Our shared faculty brings valuable experience and insight from other professionals that work with children and young people. 

Fees for this course

2025/26 fees for this course

Home 2025/26

  • PGCE full time £9,250

International 2025/26

  • PGCE full time £18,500

2024/25 fees for this course

Home 2024/25

  • PGCE full time £9,250

International 2024/25

  • PGCE full time £17,800

Funding

Bursaries and scholarships

For information about bursaries and scholarships available from the Department for Education for PGCE courses for this September academic year, please visit: Funding: initial teacher training (ITT) - gov.uk.

Postgraduate loans

Eligible UK and EU students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.

Please be aware: although this course is at postgraduate level, as it is possible to obtain a tuition fee loan for PGCE courses they are to be treated as undergraduate courses when it comes to tuition fee liability as a result of withdrawal or break in studies.

Discounts for Kingston University alumni

Kingston University is pleased to offer a 10% discount on full-time and part-time postgraduate degree course tuition fees (including PGCE courses) to our alumni. Visit our Alumni discount page to find out more.

Need to know more?

Visit our Fees and funding page to find out about the student funding options available to help you fund your postgraduate studies. 

Additional costs

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs that are not covered by tuition fees which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessment and operating University facilities such as the library, access to shared IT equipment and other support services. Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Where a course has additional expenses, we make every effort to highlight them. These may include optional field trips, materials (for example, art, design, engineering), security checks such as DBS, uniforms, specialist clothing or professional memberships.

Textbooks

Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. You may prefer to buy your own copy of key textbooks, this can cost between £50 and £250 per year.

Computer equipment

There are open-access networked computers available across the University, plus laptops available to loan. You may find it useful to have your own PC, laptop or tablet which you can use around campus and in halls of residence. Free WiFi is available on each of the campuses. You may wish to purchase your own computer, which can cost from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.

Photocopying and printing

In the majority of cases written coursework can be submitted online. There may be instances when you will be required to submit work in a printed format. Printing, binding and photocopying costs are not included in your tuition fees, this may cost up to £100 per year.

Field trips

Travel costs are not included for field trips, but activities are covered by the University.

Travel

Travel costs are not included in your tuition fees but we do have a free intersite bus service which links the campuses, Surbiton train station, Kingston-upon-Thames train station, Norbiton train station and halls of residence.

Placements

You will need to pay for your travel to and from school placements, costs can vary depending on the location and mode of transport.

DBS check

The University pays for the processing of the application which is £51 but students are expected to pay a small fee (approximately £7) to the Post Office to get their ID documents verified and £13 per year for subscribing to the Update Service. This subscription allows universities and potential employers to view any changes to students' DBS.

Facilities

While you are studying to become a teacher much of your time will be spent putting your skills into practice within a school environment. The rest of the time will be spent being taught by highly experienced professionals.

The Kingston Hill campus features an outdoor learning environment where trainee teachers lead curriculum-linked natural sciences activities with children. It includes a specially built 'cubby house', outdoor pond, beehive, nature trail and forest school. It offers students the opportunity to simulate teaching and learning with natural materials.

There are a number of teaching rooms set up to replicate actual classrooms. Each classroom is subject based - such as an art room, science lab, and each is equipped with all the relevant facilities you will need to practise your lessons before taking them into school.

Our library (the Nightingale Centre) has an excellent range of teaching resources to help you plan and teach your lessons, such as a range of children's topic books, music and nursery rhymes on CD, as well as artefacts and kits that can be used to illustrate historical periods, different religions, science, maths and music.

Facilities

How we work with industry partners

We have links with:

  • a strong partnership of schools and settings in which you'll train;
  • special schools;
  • teaching school alliances;
  • multi-academy trusts;
  • schools and settings-centred Initial Teacher Training providers;
  • local authorities;
  • teaching unions; and
  • other universities around the country to share good practice.
 How we work with industry partners

After you graduate

Our graduates become primary teachers. Many go on to attain middle and senior management roles in schools. The course also offers a path to a masters qualification.

What our students say

I had worked for nearly ten years after finishing my first degree, advising and assisting private tenants who had serious disputes with their landlords. When I became dissatisfied with my job, my thoughts drifted to teaching.

I decided to apply for the PGCE at Kingston, largely because it was conveniently located for me and because of the University's excellent resources to support PGCE students.

Although the course has been extremely demanding, both physically and mentally, I've definitely made the right decision - when I read the 'goodbye' class book given to me by the children from my last teaching practice school, I knew.

Shaheena Yusuf – Primary Education PGCE

During my first degree I decided that teaching might be an option for me and, after working with young offenders for a year, I decided to apply to Kingston University. It seemed a perfect place for me to complete my PGCE due to its location and also for being so welcoming on the open day.

The School of Education has been particularly supportive in finding placements close to my home and luckily in great schools, which has heightened my desire to teach.

Although the PGCE has been one of the hardest years of my life, it has also been one of the most satisfying. Leaving my first placement class knowing that I'd actually taught them something was a great feeling and showed me that coming to Kingston to do a PGCE was a fantastic decision.

Claire Saul – Primary Education PGCE

Course changes and regulations

The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.

Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.

Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.