PGCE Education - Primary Education

This course prepares you to teach within the 4-11 age range. It leads to qualified teaching status within primary school. Successful completion qualifies you to seek registration with the General Teaching Council of Northern Ireland and the religious certificate is recognised by all four churches within Northern Ireland.

The major aim of this course is to help you acquire competence in the basic skills of teaching and classroom management within the primary school. In order to ensure a close link between theory and practice, the course includes both university and school-based work throughout the year. In total, you will spend 19 weeks in school and 19 weeks in university.

The course promotes your intellectual development and preparation for teaching, and incorporates critical reflection in education issues, theories, and classroom practice. Work placement / Study Abroad 19 weeks in a primary school.

Work placement / study abroad
19 weeks in a primary school.

For further course details please see "Course Web Page".

Year one
Primary School Experience 1
Primary School Experience 2
Fundamentals of learning and teaching Religious Education in the Primary Classroom
Developing Effective Practice in Learning and Teaching RE in the Primary Classroom.
Foundation for Learning and Teaching (Primary)
Developing Effective Learning and Teaching in the Primary School

We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.

Applicants must strictly meet all the criteria listed 1 GCSE passes at grade C in mathematics and science. GCSE pass at grade C in English 2. An honours degree. Priority will be given to students with a 2.1 degree but students holding a 2.2 degree are welcome to apply. The degree must be appropriate to a primary education subject area. Primary curriculum subjects include Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Languages/Literature, Art, Music, Drama, Personal Development, Physical Education and Religion. 3. knowledge, interest and experience in the education of primary aged children in a formal classroom setting gained within the last three years. (Classroom practice should exceed at least 2 weeks). 4. Medical certificate of satisfactory health. 5. Evidence of good quality presentation and basic literacy skills are required throughout the application process. 6. Applications will be scrutinised to ensure that they do not have a criminal record which would inhibit their ability to work safely with children. 7. Two acceptable references must be provided - one character and one academic.

More details on the degree subjects that are suitable for PGCE Primary can be found here:

https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/postgraduate-entry-requirements/pgce-primary-subject-areas

Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink").

Start Dates: September 2024 and August 2025

Career options
Teaching and related professions.