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PGCE in Primary Education
Why choose Herts?
Excellent reputation: Ranked 1st for Teacher Training in the UK 2025 (The Daily Mail University Guide, Subject Level Ranking). Ranked 5th for Teacher Training, National Student Survey (NSS, 2024). As well as being in the top 10 for education and teaching in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES, 2024) and rated good by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education, Children's Services and Skills, 2023).
Local industry connections: Benefit from our strong teacher training partnership of over 300 schools across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. You’ll be training in one of our carefully selected partnership schools.
Professional accreditation: Achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) enabling you to begin your career in teaching.
Alumni Stories
Jake Garwood
Meet Jake Garwood who discovered his passion for teaching and education while studying. He currently works as a Year 4 teacher in a junior school near the University.
| Current job role | Year 4 teacher |
|---|---|
| Year of graduation | 2016 / 2017 |
| Course of study | BA (Hons) Education |
| PGCE in Primary Education |
Sparking a passion
Jake decided to go to the University of Hertfordshire based on our 'excellent reputation for teaching training.' His time as a student did not disappoint as his course sparked his passion for education and he says the 'engaging modules at the University and inspiring tutors played a key part in making me the teacher I am today.'
The variety of modules on both of my degrees, from contemporary issues in education to educational technology, from philosophy of education to equality and inclusion, put me in the best possible position to begin my teaching career.'
Aspirations for the future
Jake finds teaching an extremely rewarding career, therefore he does not intend to leave the profession. He says, 'I think it is one of the most rewarding profession available and if you care about the future, then teaching the next generation is one of the best things you can do.'
However, he adds that his ultimate goal is to work towards a Masters in Education, followed by a PhD in the same field. He'd like to keep his options open as to future career paths.'
Professional Accreditations
Qualified Teacher Status
About the course
This programme is available to UK/EU students only.
This programme offers Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) for the 3-11 age phases in primary schools with a choice of school placements in Foundation/Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 1/Key Stage 2.The programme comprises of taught sessions at the University and school-based training.
The PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Hertfordshire is offered in both full-time and part-time pathways, providing flexibility to suit different trainee needs. The full-time route typically runs over one academic year and involves intensive university-based learning combined with substantial school placements, preparing trainees quickly for a career in primary teaching.
In contrast, the part-time PGCE is spread over four terms and is designed for those who need to balance their studies with work or personal responsibilities. During the first two terms, part-time trainees attend university one day a week and spend two days in a placement school, gaining foundational teaching experience. In the third term, school involvement increases to three days a week, allowing for deeper engagement in lesson planning, pupil interaction, and classroom management. This continues into the final term, where trainees immerse themselves further in teaching practice. The gradual increase in school-based experience offers a structured and supportive transition into the teaching profession while maintaining flexibility for individual circumstances.
Why choose this course?
We believe trainee teachers learn best when they engage deeply with educational theory and explore how it comes alive in real classrooms. That’s why much of your learning will take place in small seminar groups. These sessions give you the chance to try out different teaching approaches in a supportive environment, experience learning through the eyes of young children, and work collaboratively with your peers.
From the very start of your degree, you’ll be immersed in school-based training. Over the course of your studies, you will spend a minimum of 120 days in our partnership schools, where you’ll observe, collaborate with, and receive feedback from expert professional colleagues. You’ll experience school life in at least two contrasting settings, whether in Early Years, Key Stage 1, or Key Stage 2, depending on your chosen age range. This is your opportunity to bring theory to life and see the real impact of your teaching.
In addition, the programme includes 20 dedicated days of Intensive Training and Practice (ITAPs). These innovative sessions give you time and space to focus on core areas of teaching, such as building positive behaviour and creating inclusive classrooms. You’ll have the chance to observe outstanding practice, rehearse key techniques, and refine your skills in a low-stakes environment, guided by expert colleagues from a variety of settings.
Teaching is more than a profession—it is a calling and one of the most rewarding careers in the world. Through this programme, you will be prepared not only to inspire and nurture young minds, but also to grow personally and professionally in ways few other careers can offer.
Rated Good in our 2023 Ofsted report it was acknowledged that we “have designed an ambitious curriculum that gives trainees a voice in their training”.
Together we’ll help you develop into the teacher you aim to be. We’ll support you in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding to teach all subjects in the primary curriculum guided by our team of experienced qualified teachers and researchers. You’ll learn modern teaching techniques to engage young people today. You’ll enter a rewarding and fulfilling teaching career, feeling confident because you studied at Herts.
The part-time route is particularly suited for career changers, parents, or professionals seeking flexibility, offering a gradual immersion into teaching while balancing other commitments. From the third term onward, part-time trainees spend three days a week in school, working closely with young learners to support their literacy, numeracy, and social development. This hands-on experience, combined with university-based learning, helps students build confidence in classroom leadership, curriculum planning, and creating inclusive, engaging learning environments.
The full-time pathway, completed over one academic year, offers a more intensive route into teaching, with extended placements and focused training that fast-tracks entry into the profession. Both routes benefit from Hertfordshire’s strong partnerships with over 300 primary schools across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire, ensuring trainees gain high-quality, supportive placement experiences. Graduates of either pathway earn Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), equipping them for a rewarding career in primary education.
What will I study?
The PGCE is offered at master’s level and the 60 Master’s-level credits (equivalent to one-third of a Master’s degree) gained can be accredited towards a master’s degree, via our MA/MSc programmes.
You will be taught through a variety of lectures, seminars, as well as engaging with directed tasks. Alongside taught content at the university and engagement with online learning materials, you will undertake school-based training in at least two partnership schools, where you will further develop your skills to become an excellent classroom teacher. Supported all the way through by our dedicated “Team around the student” and the wider university student support network.
Further course information
| Programme specifications | |
|---|---|
| PGCE Primary - Full Time, Sem A | Download |
| PGCE Primary - Part Time, Sem A | Download |
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
Sandwich placement or study abroad year |
n/a |
Applications open to international and EU students |
No |