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Primary (Specialist Mathematics full-time) PGCE

London, Bloomsbury

On this specialist Primary PGCE programme, students learn to teach all the primary curriculum subjects but there is an added emphasis on learning to teach mathematics by considering both mathematics as a subject in its own right, but also its links to other subject areas.

UCL works in partnership with around 200 primary schools, enabling students to fully prepare to be a primary teacher. We welcome a wide range of students each year to our Primary PGCE programmes and traditionally under-represented groups are particularly encouraged to apply. Our cohorts are typically very diverse, reflecting school communities across London.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
£9,250
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
£25,900
Duration
1 academic year
Programme starts
September 2024
Applications accepted
All applicants: 09 Oct 2023 – 19 Jul 2024

Applications closed

Skills


This course will give you everything you need to face the classroom, both the pedagogical theory and the practical skills to be an inspiring teacher.

Support


Our gradual immersion approach will introduce you to the classroom progressively, from one pupil to the whole class.
A unique gradual approach to teaching

Experience


Placement in very diverse, carefully chosen schools will allow you to learn from different contexts and be prepared to teach in any school.
Read our placement guide

Start teaching


With a PGCE you can start teaching as soon as you complete the course and are recommended for Qualified Teacher Status.

IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society, has been ranked 1st for Education in the QS World University Rankings by Subject since 2014.

Entry requirements

UK qualifications Equivalent qualifications

First degree

A minimum of a lower second-class UK Bachelor's degree or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

A levels

No specific subjects required.

GCSEs

English Language, Science (one from Combined Science, Biology, Chemistry or Physics) at grade 4 or above and Mathematics at grade 5. We do not accept "applied" or "additional" GCSE subjects. Applicants who do not offer a GCSE in English Language or Science may demonstrate an equivalent standard by completing a test via Equivalency Testing or A Star Equivalency and achieving at least a grade 4, we require grade 5 in Mathematics. For Mathematics, equivalency tests in Mathematics Foundation or Mathematics Higher with grade 5 are accepted. For Science, equivalency tests in either Combined Science or Biology with grade 4 are accepted. BTEC, Functional Skills or Access course qualifications are not accepted in place of GCSEs.

School experience

We recommend that you aim to gain some experience in a classroom prior to interview.

Skills tests

Trainees will be assured against a set of fundamental Mathematics and English skills by the end of their teacher training.

Relevant experience and background

Applicants whose degree qualifications are below a lower second-class standard may be admitted if they can demonstrate an appropriate academic background at Master's level and above and/or significant postgraduate experience in the relevant field.

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

This programme is suitable for international students on a Student visa - study must be full-time, starting September.

DBS and occupational health

If you are made an offer you will be required to successfully complete Occupational Health and Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure checks. The Occupational Health Check is £90, and depending on your DBS requirements, there may be an additional fee of £15.00 if you can submit your DBS Enhanced Disclosure check via a UK Post Office. These checks are required to ensure you meet the Department for Education’s requirements for physical and mental health to teach, as well as assessing your suitability for access to children and vulnerable adults. More details can be found on the Entry requirements page.

About this course


Our Primary PGCE develops effective, confident teachers whose classroom practice is informed by an advanced knowledge of educational theory, and who will continue to learn and reflect throughout their careers. We will help students to acquire the skills and expertise to support children’s learning, prepare them to teach in an inclusive urban environment, provide professional development in all national curriculum subjects, with a strong focus on mathematics, and ensure that students show a concern for professional values and demonstrate the positive attitudes and behaviour expected from pupils.

Who this course is for

The Primary PGCE (Specialist Mathematics full-time) programme is suited to those wishing to gain Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) for teaching in a UK maintained (state-funded) school and who have fulfilled the appropriate entry requirements.

Read more about the requirements for teacher training

What this course will give you

Students on the Primary PGCE programme benefit enormously from the complementary skills and expertise of staff in partnership schools and at IOE, UCL's Faculty of Education and Society.

The schools offer placements for teaching experience, and their teachers serve as tutors, mentors and joint assessors for our student teachers. IOE tutors have extensive experience of teaching, school management, inspection, research and consultancy.

Primary PGCE mathematics students spend time across the Foundation stage, Key Stage 1 and 2, and they gain experience of teaching across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Students will learn to teach all the primary curriculum subjects, with mathematics as a speciality.

Read more about teacher training at the IOE

The teacher you want to be

The Primary PGCE programme aims to provide a springboard into a rewarding career as a skilled teacher and future educational leader. It also lays the foundations for researching, writing and further study in education

The tools of a great educator

  • Understanding of theory and subject or phase pedagogy
  • Creating a successful climate for learning, including behaviour management
  • Planning and teaching classes that engage pupils
  • Using assessment to inform planning
  • Working with the wider school community, including parents

Employability

Graduates of the Primary PGCE programme are highly employable and sought after by schools and colleges in London and beyond. Almost all graduates secure their first teaching post by the time they finish the PGCE programme.

Graduates of the programme have great career prospects, some are working as classroom teachers and mentors to PGCE students, while others have jobs as maths subject leaders. Many have taken on further leadership roles within their schools, some of our graduates are now Headteachers, and many have developed their careers as subject specialist mathematics teachers, Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators and lead teachers in the classroom.

Accreditation

Students who successfully complete this programme will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Structure

The programme is taught through a mix of face-to-face and online sessions, (including lectures, presentations, discussions, and classroom group tasks), and a practical teaching element based in three schools. Students are required to read widely and to carry out written assignments in their own time. 

Throughout the year, students will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. These activities (totalling 20 days with at least 10 days in school) will help students to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that progress is supported in these pivotal areas. These days form part of the 130 days of teaching practice.

Students are assessed through assignments, presentations, audits, feedback and tutorials. A final assessment is based on a range of evidence including observations of teaching, assignments, subject knowledge development, professional conduct and responses to self-study.

University sessions run 9.00am - 4.30pm daily. During school placements you will be expected to attend at least 30 mins prior to the start of the school day and leave at least 30 after the school day ends.

Students will have readings and additional self-directed study to complete in addition to these contact hours.

Modules

This Programme is run over a period of 36 weeks.

You will undertake two Masters level modules (level 7), one Professional Practice module at level 6 and three school placements. The Masters Level modules are worth a total of 60 Masters credits on completion.

When you are not undertaking face-to-face teaching at IOE, you will be undertaking at least 130 days of teaching practice in various Partnership Schools.

Your three placements would be:

  • School Experience 1 in Autumn & Spring Terms (organised by UCL)
  • School Experience 2 in Spring Term (a one week placement organised by UCL)
  • School Experience 3 in Summer Term (organised by UCL).

Throughout the year, you will also participate in specific activities at IOE and in school that focus on important areas of our curriculum. These activities (totalling 20 days with at least 10 days in school) will help you to better understand links between theory and practice. They will also involve feedback from experts so that your progress is supported in these pivotal areas. These days form part of your 130 days of teaching practice.

Compulsory modules





Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Upon successful completion of 60 credits and the Professional Practice module, you will be awarded a PGCE in Primary (Specialist Mathematics full-time).

School placements

As part of the programme students will spend time on placements at primary schools, during which time their teaching experience will be supported by a tutor and mentor. Students will spend at least 130 days on placements.

During placement periods you should be prepared to travel to and from each school placement. It should be noted that there is variation in how accessible schools are, and whether they have parking facilities. 

We ensure your placement will provide fulfilling and valuable experiences through:

  • A dedicated team who will identify the best schools for your placements
  • Support and guidance from your university tutor and your school-based mentor
  • School experience that allows you to progress at an appropriate pace for you
  • Reasonable travel times from your home to your school

Making the most of your placement

Teaching is a demanding profession and student teachers can feel nervous about school placements or anxious about the workload. Your tutor and school-based mentor will help you navigate your school experience, ensuring that you have the input you need. Empathetic feedback and discussion about your developing professional practice will support you to be successful.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble accessable.co.uk. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2024/25) £9,250
Tuition fees (2024/25) £25,900

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

Students are responsible for funding their travel to and from placements.

For more information on additional costs for prospective students please go to our estimated cost of essential expenditure at Accommodation and living costs.

Funding your studies

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the UCL Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

IOE-Clarke Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024
Value: Tuition fees, return flights and stipend (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

IOE-ISH Centenary Masters Scholarships

Deadline: 3 May 2024
Value: Tuition fees and accommodation (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Application and next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

Got questions? Get in touch

Learning and Leadership
Learning and Leadership

ioe.primarypgce.enquiries@ucl.ac.uk

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