Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS - PGCE

• 60 credits at Masters’ level that can be ‘traded in’ towards an MA in Education 

• University and school experiences that train student teachers to teach the Curriculum for Wales across the 3-11 age range 

• Students are prepared for a PGCE qualification widely recognised throughout the United Kingdom and the rest of the world

• Research-informed clinical practice where structured opportunities enable student teachers to use theory to interrogate practice and vice versa 

• A supportive and collaborative culture of learning 
  

• School-led training days led by schools identified as leading providers of education and professional development 

• A ‘return day’ to university and/or lead partnership schools every week to consolidate and cohere learning 

• Opportunities for cross-phase learning with our PGCE Secondary programme 

• Person-centred enrichment opportunities to build on strengths and develop innovative, collaborative, professional learning and leadership skills. 

• A commitment to the development of Welsh language skills of all student teachers based on their individual experience and needs 

To train to teach at Cardiff Metropolitan University is an exciting opportunity to learn within the Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education, an Education Workforce Council accredited provider of ITE in South East Wales. ​

The Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education comprises Cardiff Metropolitan University and its associated schools, working in collaboration with University of Oxford, Cardiff University, Central South Consortium (CSC), Education Achievement Service (EAS), and City of Cardiff Council. Together, the Cardiff Partnership collaborates to ensure that our student teachers not only achieve, but seek to surpass the professional standards for QTS through high-quality professional education that is rigorously practical and intellectually challenging.

Find out more about the Cardiff Partnership.

​A total of 120 days will be undertaken in school during the PGCE Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS year with at least one school placement being in a lead partner school/alliance (LPS/A).

15 of the days will take place in lead partner schools/alliances (LPS/A) where student teachers will be able to focus on key aspects of pedagogy delivered by leading providers of education and professional development in the primary sector. Work-based and University-based learning experiences will be closely integrated and the structure of the programme (one day per week at university/LPS/A and four days per week on clinical practice) will facilitate this.

The Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS - PGCE programme consists of three modules:

Clinical Practice and Professional Accountability 1 (30 credits at level 6)

This module is mainly school-based and takes place during the first half of the academic year. Student teachers will be expected to team teach and independently teach for approximately 45% of the time. The rest of the time provides opportunities for observation, research and enquiry, planning, preparation, and assessment. This module is available through the medium of English or Welsh.

Clinical Practice and Professional Accountability 2 (30 credits at level 6)

This module is mainly school-based and takes place during the second half of the academic year. Student teachers will be expected to mainly teach independently for approximately 65% of the time. The rest of the time provides further opportunities for observation, research and enquiry, planning, preparation, and assessment. For most student teachers, there will be an opportunity to undertake 15 days at the end of the module where they will be able to engage in enrichment activities to build on their strengths/areas for development normally linked to innovation and leadership.  The focus will be negotiated with their Mentors and University Tutors, will be bespoke to their needs, and will support them in achieving beyond the Standards for QTS as well as contributing towards their Career Entry Profile. This module is available through the medium of English or Welsh.

Perspectives in Learning and Teaching (60 credits at level 7)

This year-long module contains 8 major aspects:

• Core Studies 
  
• Professional and Pedagogical Studies 
• Areas of Learning and Experience 
• Cross-curricular Skills
  
• Subject Studies 
  
• Welsh Language Development 
• Wellbeing, including Personal Development and Planning Clinical Practice 
• Research and Enquiry Support
  

This large module will draw explicitly on a range of theories, research and other intellectual resources as well as student teachers’ direct experience in schools to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding about learning and teaching. This includes aspects such as human development; the curriculum and education system; additional learning needs; use of data and assessment; classroom management and organisation; as well as the development of student teachers’ personal subject knowledge. At least half of this module is available through the medium of Welsh as well as English.

Welsh development

All student teachers will be allocated 35 hours of direct teaching in relation to Welsh development.

Welsh medium students will receive Gloywi Iaith sessions that will address grammatical elements of the Welsh language and student teachers will be instructed on methods linked to developing pupils’ personal literacy skills and understanding of the socio-linguistic backgrounds of learners.

Welsh learners and emerging Welsh speakers will be supported to develop their skills using a resource produced by the National Centre for Learning Welsh, designed specifically for students on ITE programmes.  Student teachers will be taught in streamed groups according to prior experience and qualification. This provision supports the needs of students preparing to teach in both English medium and Welsh medium schools in Wales. ​

Time commitment required

This is a full-time programme and the school-based element requires student teachers to be in school for the normal working school day as well as additional time before and after school for preparation and meetings.  A similar professional commitment is required of student teachers when undertaking the university-based element of the course.

The university and school-based teaching and learning opportunities have been designed to complement one another in order to maximise student progress. The methods used emphasise and facilitate student teachers’ critical development skills, and cohere around the integration of research and enquiry, practice and theory. In both University and school settings, student teachers will normally experience both tutor-led learning and self-directed methods of learning, developing increasing independence and reflection as they progress through the course. There will be regular opportunities throughout the course for student teachers to review their personal progress with their tutors and take responsibility for planning and executing their own learning.

In university, the learning and teaching methods used may include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, all supported via use of Cardiff Metropolitan’s virtual learning environment. The learning and teaching strategies that will be used will be those with the strongest research evidence of impact on student teacher learning and pupil attainment e.g. microteaching, clinical practice and feedback, metacognition and self-regulation, direct teaching and flipped learning

During school-based learning, student teachers will be scaffolded by team teaching approaches as well as engaging in independent teaching and they will be required to take increasing responsibility for teaching a class, or classes, independently over a sustained and substantial period. Clinical Practice will include directed time for Research and Enquiry; independent and team teaching; and planning, preparation and assessment. In addition, student teachers will receive fifteen training days led by Lead Partnership Schools/Alliances. During these days, a variety of teaching and learning approaches will be employed including examination of school documentation, learning rounds, video-stimulated reflective dialogue, learning walks, learning conversations with pupils or teachers and book scrutiny.

Please note: This is a professional Initial Teacher Education course and successful PGCE applicants should not book holidays during the programme. The programme typically begins in the first week in September and concludes in July.

The course includes two written assignments at level 7 that are staggered throughout the year. Both university assignments build the capacity of student teachers to critically reflect on and evaluate pedagogy and practice whilst enhancing their ability to meet elements of the QTS Standards. In addition, the assignments are designed to develop student teachers’ research knowledge and skills, affording them the opportunity to link theory to practice in a way that will impact positively on pupils, school improvement and their own professional practice. Both Mentors in school and University Tutors will support student teachers through the completion of these assignments.

All student teachers will be assessed against the Standards for QTS and must pass all Standards to attain qualified teacher status. During the clinical practice, student teachers will receive ongoing verbal and written formative feedback as well as summative reports. As part of the course, student teachers will gather evidence in demonstrating their attainment and achievement and this will be made available to Personal Tutors so that they can monitor progress at regular intervals.

Given the centrality of literacy, numeracy and digital competence within the curriculum in Wales, all student teachers will complete audits in literacy, numeracy and digital competence at the start and at the end of the programmes. Primarily, this will be to help pinpoint strengths and areas for development and to engage in study to fill the gaps in knowledge and skills. Student teachers who might benefit from further support will receive additional support sessions.

Successful completion of the programme will lead to recommendation to the Education Workforce Council for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and provides opportunities for employment at the primary level. Graduates can obtain work in schools across Wales, the UK and abroad.

The course is designed to provide a wide range of experiences that will provide our graduates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to prepare them well for the world of work. Cardiff Partnership’s Lead Partnership Schools have been identified as leading providers of education and professional development in Wales and so the opportunity to learn from them and within their own environments means that career progression from student teacher to Newly Qualified Teacher should be seamless. For further information, visit the Educators Wales​ website. 

What can I expect to earn when I start teaching?

Information can be obtained from the Careers Wales website.

Professional Development

The programme also offers an advantage towards continuous professional development by affording 60 credits at Master’s level.  These credits may be carried forward towards a full Master’s qualification studied on a full or part time basis.​

Essential Criteria:

All applicants will be required to apply through UCAS by completing an online application form. Applications will then be assessed against the entry criteria for the relevant programme and applicants invited to attend an interview on the basis of this information. 

All applicants should:  

• Have a sound academic profile; 
• have the aptitude, capability, and resilience to meet the required QTS outcomes by the end of their ITE programme; 

• possess the appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to become excellent practitioners; 
• read effectively and be able to communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English and/or Welsh;  
• not have a criminal background which might prevent them working with children or vulnerable young people, or as an education practitioner; and have not previously been barred or excluded from teaching or working with learners (student teachers are required to arrange for an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)); 
• demonstrate at the interview stage as having the appropriate personal functional skills in literacy, numeracy and digital competence applicable in a professional teaching and learning context; 
• demonstrate their suitability to become excellent teachers;  
• meet the requirements of the Welsh Government's Education Health Standards (2004)*, confirming their health and physical capacity to undertake a teacher's responsibilities.  
  

GCSE Requirements: 

GCSE Grade C / Grade 4 or above in English Language and Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy and Science (or a standard equivalent).

Students studying to teach in Welsh medium schools will also need a GCSE grade C or above in Welsh (first language).

Please note that Grade C / Grade 4 or above in GCSE English Language, Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy and Science (or a standard equivalent) should already have been achieved in order to be considered for interview. 

In addition, Grade C / Grade 4 or above in GCSE Welsh (first language) should already have been achieved in order to be considered for interview for the TAR Cynradd programme.​​

GCSE ​Equivalents:

Cardiff Met accepts equivalency qualifications for the GCSE requirements from an accredited course via a reputable institution. Please check Cardiff Met's requirements on C grade GCSE equivalents.

We accept equivalencies from the University of South Wales and from Aberystwyth University, we also accept the Mathematics equivalency module (Introduction to Mathematics 1 & 2) and the English equivalency module (English Language Skills).​

Further advice regarding accepted equivalents can be sought by contacting admissions at askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Initial Degree Requirements:

Honours degree in an area related to primary education, of at least 2:2 classification; or any honours degree of at least 2:2 classification where an A level grade C or above (or equivalent) has been obtained in a primary curriculum subject area.  Access to HE programmes are considered as an equivalent to A level within a relevant subject where 15 Merits have been achieved at Level 3. CACHE Level 3 Diplomas at grade C are also considered as well as Pearson BTEC (QCF)/OCR/NQF Level 3 Diplomas within Childcare at Merit Profile. 

Applications may be considered from those who have achieved below a 2:2 Honours degree, but where higher qualifications and/or substantial relevant experience have been attained, e.g. Masters, PhD. 

Work Experience:

Applicants are asked to ideally evidence at least 10 days work experience in a mainstream primary school in the UK, or in an international school that follows a UK curriculum. This would normally be across the primary age range within the 12 months prior to application. At least 5 days experience needs to be in place prior to your interview and evidenced within the personal statement of the UCAS application.​

Personal Statement:

A strong personal statement indicating the applicant's potential to undertake the PGCE Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS Programme. The statement should demonstrate the breadth of knowledge and personal experience gained in primary education to date and how this has equipped the applicant to potentially be an effective primary teacher. Reference to personal experiences/extra curricular interests that could contribute to enriching children's learning should also be included. A high standard of written English/Welsh is essential. 

Academic Reference:

The principal referee must be an academic who is most able to comment on the applicant's academic and vocational abilities. An academic reference for those applicants who have undertaken their degree more than 5 years in not required although one is preferred if this can be obtained. For those applicants whose HEI reference is more than 8 years old, a reference from a more recent educational professional such as a head teacher is required. It is important that this referee can make objective and informed judgements based on significant knowledge of the applicant in an educational context. Should you have any queries regarding your reference, please contact Admissions. 

Criminal Records/DBS Check: 

Entry is also subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs.  

International Applicants:

For international applicants, whose first language is not English, a minimum IELTS score of 7.5 overall with no sub score lower than 7.0 (or equivalent qualification) will be required for admission to the programme. For full details about how to apply and English Language qualifications please visit the International pages on the website. 

​Applications for this course should be made via UCAS Undergraduate.  

We advise applicants not to use more than one choice for the pathways listed below. We are only able to offer on one pathway, dependent on applicant choice and assessment at interview. 

Unfortunately, due to limited numbers, applicants who choose the university as an Insurance choice may not be guaranteed a place.

UCAS Application Codes: 

PGCE Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS: X178 (Welsh medium)
PGCE Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS: X171

Interviews are being held either online via MS Teams or in person. You will receive notification of your interview date via UCAS and via email from Cardiff Met. Applicants will be sent two key questions to prepare for prior to interview. Interviews will last approximately 40 minutes. 

Applicants are required to indicate within their personal statement, and inform Admissions as soon as possible if they wish for their interview to be conducted through the medium of Welsh. ​​

Qualifications

I don’t have GCSE grade C/grade 4 or above in English/Welsh Language, Mathematics and Science – can I still apply for the PGCE? 
Applicants will need a grade C/grade 4 or above in English/Welsh Language, Mathematics or Mathematics - Numeracy (or equivalent) and Science to be considered for interview. 

What equivalent qualifications does Cardiff Met accept for GCSE​s?
Please click here to view Cardiff Met's guidelines on C grade equivalents.

We accept equivalencies from the University of South Wales and from Aberystwyth University, we also accept the Mathematics equivalency module (Introduction to Mathematics 1 & 2) and the English equivalency module (English Language Skills).​

Equivalent qualifications need to be accredited from a reputable organisation. Further advice regarding accepted equivalents can be sought by contacting admissions at askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

Are my qualifications acceptable?
The equivalency of overseas qualifications is determined by UK NARIC.
If you are an International student you should contact UK NARIC. If you are a Home/EU applicant please contact our Admissions team who will be able to offer further advice on your qualifications. 

Application

Do you hold Open Days?
We hold a number of events, including PGCE information events, throughout the year. Please check our Open Days and Events page for further information.

Also, to ensure accessibility for everybody we include all relevant PGCE information on the website and you are always welcome to contact us by phone or email. 

When is the closing date for applications?
The initial deadline for applications will be January 29th 2025. The programme will then close when the course becomes full. Competition for places is extremely high for PGCE Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS so we recommend that applications are made early in the academic year to avoid disappointment. 

Do I apply directly to Cardiff Met?
No - all applications for PGCE Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS and Secondary must be made via UCAS Undergraduate. Information in relation to the application procedure and applying can be obtained at: www.ucas.com. 

Will I have to complete a Criminal Records Check?
Entry is subject to a satisfactory criminal records check. More details about criminal records procedures can be found at www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/dbs. 

What should I do if I am a Welsh Medium applicant?
Applicants who wish to train for the Welsh Medium sector should indicate this choice clearly on their applications. You will be placed in Welsh medium schools and at least 50% of the university provision is through the medium of Welsh. During the interview procedure you will be assessed on your ability in both English and Welsh. 

Interviews 

How will I receive information about the interview?
Information will be sent via email from Cardiff Met. The date of your interview can be viewed on your UCAS Hub.​

How often are interviews held? Are there specific dates?
There are no specific dates. However you will be given sufficient notice for your interview. 

Finance 

How much does the PGCE course cost?
See our Fees and Finance page for further details. 

Do I get a bursary?
Financial incentives and training grants may be available for PGCE Primary (3-11 age range) with QTS​ students. Please visit the Welsh Government website for further details.

Is there any other funding available? 
Welsh domiciled PGCE students who choose to stay and study in Wales are also eligible to receive support from the Welsh Government in terms of the Tuition Fee Grant. For further information about the grant and to access the relevant PN1 form please visit: www.studentfinancewales.co.uk. 

Course Information 

When will I find out about school based placements? Where will they be? Can I arrange my own?

The School based placement component is undertaken in our excellent range of Cardiff Partnership schools and is an integral part of the programme. At least one school placement will be in a Lead Partner School/Alliance (LPS/A). Although every effort is made to take a student’s personal circumstances into consideration, please be aware that student teachers may be required to travel up to a maximum of 90 minutes from their place of residence to school placement. You will be notified at the beginning of your programme. You cannot arrange your own placement.

Can I defer my place?  
Unfortunately, we are unable to allow deferrals on our teacher training programmes due to the numbers and placements available. Circumstances for deferral request are however considered so if you have any queries concerning deferral please contact Admissions at AskAdmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk​.​​

Can I book any holidays during my studies?
Due to the professional nature of the Initial Teacher Education course, successful PGCE applicants should not book holidays during the programme. The programme typically begins in the first week in September and concludes in July.

Tuition Fees and Financial Support:

For up to date information on tuition fees and the financial support that may be available. Please refer to www.cardiffmet.ac.uk/fees.

20​% Alumni Discount​ is available to Cardiff Met graduates.

10% Alumni Discount is available to Cardiff University graduates.

The Ethnic Minority Initial Teacher Education (ITE) incentive is a grant available to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic students studying an accredited postgraduate ITE programme leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

For general enqui​ries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk​.

For course specific enquiries please contact the Programme Director, Sian Davies-Barnes

Email: sdavies-barnes@cardiffmet.ac.uk​