Teacher Training
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Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72
Our Primary PGCE with QTS programmes offer you the opportunity to train to be a generalist primary teacher focussing either on the Primary 5-11 or Primary 3-7 age range. Both programmes, which includes significant time in a school setting, are designed to equip you with the knowledge, skills and understanding you need to become a successful primary teacher. Both courses provide you with a master’s level academic qualification (PGCE) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Primary trainees need to attend in Exeter for up to 5 days a week during the first 8 weeks of the Autumn term. You will then have placements within commutable distance of Exeter or your home location within the South West if you prefer in the Spring and Summer terms.
You can select to train to each either the 5-11 or 3-7 age range. The course is part campus-based and part school-based with most of the campus-based provision in term 1. See below for training location and course structure by term:
| Specialism | Location of taught course element and placement type (See placements section for details about placement location) |
DfE Apply Code |
|---|---|---|
| Primary (5-11) | Taught course element – St Luke’s Campus, Exeter Key stage 1 & key stage 2 placements |
T462 |
| Primary (3-7) | Taught course element – St Luke’s Campus, Exeter Foundation stage and key stage 1 placements |
U768 |
Modules are designed to give you experience of all the curriculum subjects you will be expected to teach for your specified age range (e.g. english, mathematics, science, art, computing, design & technology, humanities (history, geography & RE), modern languages and PE), as well as providing you with the opportunity to explore wider issues in education. All our tutors on the primary PGCE are experts in the field, passionate teachers and passionate about teaching. Our modules have been co-designed by teachers from schools in our partnership.
Module information for this programme can be viewed on StudyGuide.
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Primary 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 along with satisfactory references 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.
We will consider applications from students with a 2:2 Honours degree or above. 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.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Please visit our entry requirements section for equivalencies from your country and further information on English language requirements.
A variety of attractive financial support packages including bursaries and scholarships are available.
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £8 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2027/28 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships*. We also provide scholarships for sport, music and other achievements, alongside regional and partner awards such as The Beacon Trust. Financial support is available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.
For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
Our unique approach to Initial Teacher Education is praised by Ofsted and provides fantastic opportunities for trainees to achieve through our Exeter Model of Initial Teacher Education. The programme runs over three terms and provides a carefully phased development of trainees’ independence as teachers.
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).
Learning is primarily face to face during campus-based teaching with some online learning, 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 field trips. All modules are assessed through course work and there are no final examinations.
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.
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.
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.
The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for excellence and our PGCE trainees are highly sought-after – a distinct advantage in finding employment. Many trainees gain posts in partnership schools thanks to the excellent reputation of our trainees with local headteachers.
We also work hard to support you in navigating the process of seeking employment as a teacher; and draw on links with local and national schools and recruitment agencies to support you in finding the right school for you.
Careers support including skills training, internships, jobs vacancies, employment fairs and other events is available through the Career Zone.
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