UCAS code | XV10 |
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Duration | 1 year |
Entry year | 2023 |
Campus | St Luke's Campus |
Discipline | Primary with Humanities |
Contact | Course leader: Ruth Flanagan |
Typical offer | Normally a 2:1 Honours degree – other qualifications and experience may be accepted. |
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Overview
- Gain the knowledge, skills and experience to teach all subjects effectively and creatively within the primary curriculum
- Develop your confidence, competence and independence as a teacher with the unique Exeter Model of Initial Teacher Education which progressively increases your school-based teaching over three terms
- In addition, develop your curriculum lead potential by exploring your knowledge of curriculum design, teaching and assessment in Humanities in greater depth and engaging in leadership enrichment opportunities
- Work as a classroom teacher within two schools across the region or in London, where you will be supported by expert mentors and University tutors
- Join a supportive community of trainees and teachers who are passionate about education and research and will support you during your course and beyond
100% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021*
Top 125 in the world for Education
The Times Higher World University Rankings by Subject 2021.
Rated Ofsted outstanding in all areas
Diverse placement opportunities across the region
Entry requirements
PGCE students must have an honours degree and GCSE English, Maths and Science at Grade C/4 or equivalent. A satisfactory medical assessment and DBS enhanced check are also requirements for entry to this programme. Selection is based on the information provided on the DfE Apply application and on performance at interview.
Typically, successful applicants have a 2:1 degree or above in a humanities subject, including History, Geography, Theology, Religious Studies, Philosophy, Peace and Conflict Studies or Intercultural Studies. They also have an A level in an alternative humanities subject to their degree. Applicants with a 2:2 and relevant experience will also be considered.
Typically, successful applicants have a grade B/5 at GCSE in English and Mathematics and a grade C/4 in Science.
For applicants without the required GCSE pass at grade C/grade 4 we accept a Grade 4 pass in the English, Mathematics and Science equivalency tests offered by A Star Equivalency and equivalencytesting.com (please do contact the PGCE Admissions team for further guidance before signing up for an equivalency test). See here for full list of accepted English/Maths/Science equivalent qualifications.
We want all potentially excellent teachers to have the opportunity to train. If your qualification profile does not fit the norm, please do contact us.
Entry requirements for international students
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
Course content
Your Primary PGCE with Humanities will teach you the fundamentals underpinning primary teaching and learning along with practical ideas for classroom teaching in all subjects. Rooted in research evidence, you will develop your own subject knowledge whilst exploring how different areas of the curriculum link and how children learn as they develop from age 5 to 11.
During placement, you will have the opportunity to put the skills learned into practice whilst being fully supported by your Lead Mentor who will work as an expert partner and your Reflective Mentor who challenges your thinking about teaching in ways that can be used to enhance your performance.
You will also focus on the methods, skills and processes distinct to teaching history, geography and RE. Your Humanities pathway will prepare you to teach creatively through experiencing fieldwork, active learning and relating theory to practice. You will consider links to other curriculum areas and education for citizenship.
The course you will study as a Primary with Humanities student includes these modules:
- Primary Educational and Professional Studies (EPSM000)
- Primary Curriculum Studies (EDUM033)
- Primary Professional Learning (EDUM034)
- Primary Humanities specialism (EHUM009)
The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Fees
2023/24 entry
- UK: £9,250 full-time
- International: £21,500 full-time
A variety of attractive financial support packages are available. Find out more.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter has over £2.5 million in scholarships available for students applying to study with us in 2023 - including our Global Excellence Scholarships* for international fee paying students and financial support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.
Teaching and research
We provide unrivalled opportunities for trainees to achieve through our highly original Exeter Teaching Model. The programme runs over three terms with each term providing progressively more school-based work training.
The taught element is made up of timetabled seminars, lectures and self-directed study. You will be asked to work individually and as part of small and larger groups. You will be supported in developing the full range of teaching skills and effective reflection that you will need in your first teaching post as an Early Career Teacher (ECT).
AUTUMN TERM | |
Anticipating practice phase school experience | 2 weeks |
University Taught Course | 10 weeks |
School Placement 1: Autumn Experience | 2 weeks |
SPRING TERM | |
School Placement 1: Spring Experience | 11 weeks |
SUMMER TERM | |
School Placement 2: Summer Experience | 11 weeks |
Learning is primarily face to face during campus-based teaching, and wholly face to face during school experience placements. The campus-based elements of the course are taught mainly through seminars and workshops with a significant element of directed collaborative group work and self-study. Some modules also involve studio and classroom work and field trips. All modules are assessed through course work and there are no final examinations.
Facilities and support
You’ll have access to a range of support, including a personal tutor, materials available through our online learning environment including lecture notes, presentations, film clips and reading materials, and access to the University’s wellbeing and support services.
Campus-based modules are taught at the School of Education at the St Luke’s Campus in Exeter, which offers an excellent range of specialist facilities and the UK’s largest Education library.
Research-led teaching
You will join a vibrant postgraduate community at the School of Education, studying with some of the leading scholars in their disciplines.
You will benefit from our active research culture, which promotes the sharing of ideas and knowledge to encourage innovation. Our research centres provide a focus for research and discussion for academic staff, researchers and practitioners and organise seminar series, outside speakers, conferences and other events.
Careers

The PGCE provides excellent grounding for a long career within education, whether you aspire to become an outstanding classroom practitioner, school leader, or specialist in a specific area of education, the opportunities are broad.
Career support
Careers support including skills training, internships, jobs vacancies, employment fairs and other events is available through the Career Zone.