Primary (5-11) Part-time PGCE with QTS

Apply for Teacher Training
Request a Prospectus Visit Us
A woman holds bread, emphasising the importance of nourishment and support in a part-time PGCE Primary QTS course.

The part-time Primary (5–11) School-Led PGCE with QTS is delivered locally in Shropshire by the University of Chester partners. Our course is available with either Shropshire Primary Partnership or Severn Training and Schools Alliance, offering a two-year route designed for those seeking a more flexible approach to Initial Teacher Education.

This course allows you to train to teach across the primary age phase (5–11), combining academic study with professional practice in schools. You will develop the knowledge, skills and experience required to meet the Teachers' Standards and achieve both Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Accreditations

Ofsted Good Provider

Why You’ll Love It

Local, specialist training across the 5–11 primary age range

You'll receive specialist training in teaching across the 5–11 primary age range, gaining the skills, knowledge, and confidence you need to thrive in the classroom. Alongside developing your subject expertise, you'll have hands-on opportunities to strengthen your teaching practice. Best of all, your training is delivered locally in Shropshire, through the University's trusted partners: Shropshire Primary Partnership and Severn Training and Schools Alliance.

A woman wearing a blue shirt and white gloves speaks to a group of children in a classroom setting for a PGCE course.

Combine academic study with professional practice

You’ll combine academic study with hands-on professional practice, working towards a PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Throughout your training, you’ll benefit from a strong focus on professional development, including behaviour management, inclusive practice, and a wide range of enrichment opportunities that prepare you to succeed as a confident and effective primary teacher.

A man and two young girls sit on a bench, engaged in reading a book together, fostering a love for learning.

Flexible part-time route including a 120-day placement

You'll follow a flexible, part-time route delivered over two years (Monday–Wednesday), making it ideal if you're balancing study with work or family commitments. During your training, you'll complete a minimum of 120 days on placement across at least two different schools, giving you the breadth of experience you need to grow into a confident and adaptable teacher.

Group of diverse students during an Education Science session

What You'll Study

In Year 1, you will focus primarily on academic learning and subject knowledge development, supported by some initial placement experience.

Across both years, you will:

  • Develop a critical understanding of pedagogy, assessment and curriculum.
  • Gain knowledge, understanding and skills in teaching across the 5–11 primary age phase.
  • Engage with wider professional issues, such as behaviour management, inclusive practice and enrichment opportunities.
  • Undertake a minimum of 120 days on placement across at least two different settings.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

In Year 2, the emphasis will shift towards school-based practice, providing extended opportunities to apply your learning in classroom settings.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the course that will take the form of either core or option modules and should be used as a guide. We review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects. If during a review process, course content is significantly changed, we will contact you to notify you of these changes if you receive an offer from us.

How You'll Learn

A flexible, part-time route

An aerial photograph of Exton Park with the text 'How we teach at the University of Chester'

How we teach at the University of Chester

You will be expected to undertake ten independent preparation and consolidation study hours (minimum) per week for the University course, in addition to full teaching days when on placement. 

Professional and academic learning takes place within University and partnership settings in lectures, seminars, practical workshops and tutorials. It is assessed through assignments and directed activities. 

School-based learning will enable you to apply what you have learned in University to placement. You will progress from observation of teaching and learning, to team planning, teaching and observation; and finally, to independently planning and teaching the whole class. Critical reflection on your practice is a key component of the course which is assessed holistically against the Teachers’ Standards. 

Your Future Career

Becoming a Teacher

On successful completion of the course, you will be recommended for QTS, enabling you to apply for teaching posts in primary schools. The award of a PGCE, with 60 Master's credits, also provides a strong foundation for further professional and academic development, including progression to Master's-level study.

To support you in securing your first teaching post, we host a careers event for each course to support you as you prepare for the teaching market.

Your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) will be able to advise on your personal statement and can also provide a reference for you.

Once you graduate, whatever your PGCE route, you'll be able to teach across the entire 3-11 age range, and in secondary schools.  

The placements included in your course are designed to equip you with the practical skills and experience to support you in pursuing a career in teaching. Whilst some graduates do achieve job offers from placement schools, this is not guaranteed, and you will need to find a teaching post at the end of the course. 

A qualification in teaching has the possibility of leading to:

  • Senior Leadership Team roles in Schools (Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher etc.)
  • Specialist roles such as a Special Educational Needs & Disability Coordinator (SENDCo)
  • Further study
  • Support Roles in Education Institutions
  • Higher Education roles

Careers Service

The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences; through the curriculum, through employer contact, tailored group sessions, individual information, advice and guidance.

Careers and Employability aims to deliver a service which is inclusive, impartial, welcoming, informed and tailored to your personal goals and aspirations, to enable you to develop as an individual and contribute to the business and community in which you will live and work.

We are here to help you plan your future, make the most of your time at University and to enhance your employability. We provide access to part-time jobs, extracurricular employability-enhancing workshops and offer practical one-to-one help with career planning, including help with CVs, applications and mock interviews. We also deliver group sessions on career planning within each course and we have a wide range of extensive information covering graduate jobs.

Beyond The Classroom

On this course, you’ll spend time out on placement where you’ll apply what you have learnt to real scenarios in the workplace, giving you genuine experience and insight that will prepare you for your future career. 

Entry Requirements

2:1honours degree

Entry requirements for this part-time course mirror those of the full-time programme. Applicants must hold:

  • A good honours degree (normally 2:1 or above)
  • GCSEs at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English Language, Mathematics and Science.
  • Evidence of recent experience in a school setting is desirable.
  • Successful completion of an enhanced DBS check and occupational health clearance.

How to Apply

Applications for this course should be made through the Department for Education (DfE) Apply for Teacher Training service.

When completing your application, please select the part-time Primary (5–11) School-Led PGCE with QTS route and indicate your preferred lead partner:

  • Shropshire Primary Partnership
  • Severn Training and Schools Alliance

Further information about the application process, entry requirements and guidance on preparing your application can be found on the University of Chester website and the DfE Apply service.

Safeguarding / Suitability

All successful candidates who receive an offer of a place for this course and choose the University of Chester as their Firm choice will be required to undergo checks with regards to their suitability to practice.  

A couple of months prior to admission to this course, the University will contact you to request that you complete a self-declaration form detailing any relevant convictions or other information that you believe may have an impact upon your ability to undertake work with children or vulnerable adults.  You will also receive instructions on how to complete an online application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University as a registered body, there will be a charge for this. 

Please note that the University does not accept previous DBS checks from other registered bodies or the update service. 

For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit our DBS web pages.

Fees and Funding

£7,145per year (2026/27)

Tuition fees for the part-time course are £7,145 per year (Home students, 2026/27 entry). Students may be eligible for student loans, bursaries or scholarships, depending on subject and personal circumstances.

Guides to the fees for students who wish to commence postgraduate courses are available to view on our Postgraduate Taught Programmes Fees page.

Your course will involve additional costs not covered by your tuition fees. This may include books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery and related materials, specialist clothing, travel to placements, optional field trips and software. Compulsory field trips are covered by your tuition fees. 

If you are living away from home during your time at university, you will need to cover costs such as accommodation, food, travel and bills. 

Prior to admission to this course, you will be required to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check through the University, for which there will be a charge. For details about the cost of the DBS and for further information please visit the DBS webpage.

The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships. 

Full details, as well as terms and conditions for all bursaries and scholarships can be found on the Fees and Finance section of our website.

Our Facilities

School of Education, Foyer

School of Education foyer.

School of Education, Cinema Room

Students in an education lecture

School of Education, Auditorium

Attendees at sculpture unveiling

School of Education, Art and Design Room

Two students engaging in a Design Technology session.

School of Education, Science Lab CML109

RS57974_Molloy Refurb - Sept 2024

School of Education, Science Lab CML103

RS57980_Molloy Refurb - Sept 2024

Who You’ll Learn From

Kathryn Clarke

Senior Lecturer
Kathryn Clarke

Enquire about a course