Teacher Training
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Top 150 in the world for Education
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
82% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Accredited by the DfE to deliver Secondary ITE courses
Diverse placement opportunities across the region
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. Our 5-11 programme also gives you the opportunity to focus on a particular curriculum area that interests you (see the specialism module section below). 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 Autumn term. You will have placements within commutable distance of Exeter or nearer to your home location 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.
Your Primary PGCE (3-7) course will teach you the fundamentals underpinning primary teaching and learning along with practical ideas for classroom teaching in all subjects at key stage 1. You will also develop your knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. 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 3 to 7.
20 days of the course are dedicated to Intensive Training & Practice, focusing on four themes of teaching and learning which enable you to delve deeply into particular key areas. You will learn about principles underpinning each theme, work with expert practitioners in university and school settings, and use the Exeter Model Framework to reflect on and synthesise your learning.
During your placements, you will have the opportunity to put the skills learned into practice whilst being fully supported by a Mentor who will work as an expert partner and challenge your thinking about teaching in ways that can be used to enhance your performance.
The course you will study as a Primary (3-7) student includes these modules:
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.
Your Primary PGCE (5-11) course 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.
20 days of the course are dedicated to Intensive Training & Practice, focusing on four themes of teaching and learning which enable you to delve deeply into particular key areas. You will learn about principles underpinning each theme, work with expert practitioners in university and school settings, and use the Exeter Model Framework to reflect on and synthesise your learning.
During your placements, you will have the opportunity to put the skills learned into practice whilst being fully supported by a Mentor who will work as an expert partner and challenge your thinking about teaching in ways that can be used to enhance your performance.
You will also take a specialism module which will enable you to focus on a particular curriculum area to support your development as a potential future specialist. Options are likely to include English, Humanities, Maths, SEND and Outdoor Education.
The course you will study as a Primary (5-11) student includes these modules:
+ one of the following modules
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.
Top 150 in the world for Education
The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025
82% of our Education research has internationally excellent impact
Based on research impact rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Accredited by the DfE to deliver Secondary ITE courses
Diverse placement opportunities across the region
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 are available. Find out more.
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 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 Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. 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.
* Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply. See our website for details.
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 through a placement.
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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