PGCE (Primary)
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Why study PGCE (Primary) at Goldsmiths
Our well established Primary PGCE programme will support you in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding that you’ll need to become a reflective, inclusive, creative, and engaged classroom practitioner.
- You will be given a balanced and challenging introduction to teaching that is well matched to urban primary school and early years settings and is responsive to the needs of the wide range of schools we partner with. During your time on the PGCE (QTS) programme, you will have the opportunity to work in contrasting schools and settings, which will provide breadth to your understanding of your role as a teacher.
- Drawing on a range of expert colleagues from school settings and the university, we provide a wealth of experience and opportunities carefully designed to support you in developing excellent subject, pedagogical, and curriculum knowledge to provide a firm foundation for your future career.
- Much of our university-based teaching takes place in seminar groups, providing opportunities for purposeful discussion and debate. When in school, you will learn from expert colleagues and mentors who will provide opportunities for you to consolidate your learning, as well as targeted and supportive feedback to help shape your teaching practice.
- You will also be supported to make meaningful connections between theory and practice. This programme is taught and assessed at MA level which means that in addition to the award of QTS, you will graduate with 60 MA-level credits if you pass all academic elements of the programme at an appropriate level (equivalent to one-third of a Master's degree).
- Full academic support is provided to ensure you are fully prepared for assessment, regardless of your prior experiences.
- We provide opportunities for you to reflect on your own mental health and wellbeing from the outset of the programme and throughout the year. This is supported by a strong pastoral care system within the department.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions, contact Primary PGCE.
Teacher Training Code
X121 (Early Years, 3-7 years); X171 (Primary, 5-11 years)
Length
1 year full-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £9535
International - full-time: £21200
Department
Our vision and mission
We support the development of exceptional teachers for world-class schools. Our Teacher Education Partnership sets out to make a difference to young peoples' lives, and is committed to:
- Promoting reflection to help you develop a strong sense of identity that is built upon a close connection between research and experience
- Recognising inclusivity to be rights-respecting, and recognise and challenge the political, social, economic, and cultural dimensions of practice
- Celebrating creativity, taking informed risks, and using innovative strategies to support learning
- Developing confidence and engagement enabling you to participate fully in steering the course of the teaching profession locally, nationally, and globally
What you'll study
This module, will provide you with an opportunity to enhance your own understanding of Primary/Early Years education and will enable you to focus upon an area that is of specific interest to you or the schools that you are working in.
The areas of enhancement provided relate specifically to the needs of schools. Indicative themes for enhancements include:
- Early Years Education (selected on application)
- Modern Languages (selected on application)
- Mathematics in Action
- English in Action (Primary PGCE without QTS only)
- Children’s Literature
- Special Educational Needs
Regardless of your choice of specialism, this module asks you to draw together theory and practice to develop a deep and focused understanding of contemporary classroom practice.
Learning and teaching
A range of teaching methods is employed across all our PGCE programmes, including:
- Taught subject sessions
- Practical workshops
- Compulsory lectures
- Seminars
- Group and individual tutorials
- Individual and group presentations
- Supported self-study
How to apply
You apply for this PGCE through the Department for Education’s Apply for Teacher Training website.
More information about the process can be found on the Get into Teaching website and the UCAS teacher training web pages.
Please take a look at the information on applying, including the specific qualifications or experience you need for this course.
There's no closing date for primary or secondary applications, but we advise you to apply early to avoid disappointment.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PGCE fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £9535
- International - full-time: £21200
If your fees are not listed here, please contact the Fees Office - registry (@gold.ac.uk).
Funding opportunities
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries for prospective students - please use the Scholarship Finder below.
Find out more about funding your studies with us.
Get into Teaching funding
The Department for Education offers tax-free scholarships and bursaries to trainees on eligible PGCE programmes. Bursary amounts vary depending on your previous qualifications and the subject in which you're training to teach.
For more information about PGCE funding visit the Get into Teaching website.
Please note: these bursaries are not controlled by Goldsmiths and are subject to change.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
Entry requirements
You'll need:
- To meet our fitness to train requirements
- A GCSE Grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics, and a Science subject (either Biology, Chemistry, Physics or combined Science). Please note, we can only accept some UK and international GCSE equivalent qualifications. Please view our list of accepted UK GCSE equivalencies. If you have a non-UK qualification that you believe is GCSE equivalent, you must check this with the Admissions team.
- An undergraduate honours degree, at 2:2 or above from a university in the United Kingdom or an international equivalent.
