PGCE Primary

If you are a graduate with a passion for learning and an interest in a career in primary teaching, this course is for you. The PGCE Primary Education degree is a one year course that leads to the award of qualified teacher status. The course aims to prepare student teachers to be highly-skilled, confident, critically reflective and innovative practitioners who are committed to life-long professional learning and the education of young people.

The Primary PGCE is also available to study through the medium of Welsh, TAR Cynradd.

Please note: ITE courses in Wales have recently undergone an accreditation process by the Education Workforce Council (EWC). Cardiff Metropolitan University will provide PGCE Primary and PGCE Secondary ITE courses as part of the Cardiff Partnership for Initial Teacher Education.

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, the only provider of PGCE training in South East Wales to be accredited by the Education Workforce Council.

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 year. 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 PGCE Primary 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:

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 25 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 follow a recognised language scheme: ‘Cynllun Colegau Cymru’/ Welsh Colleges Scheme. This course addresses the needs of student teachers who intend teaching Welsh Second Language (WSL) in English medium primary schools in Wales. The course ensures that, on completion, student teachers receive a sound introduction to the Welsh language and develop at least a basic level of Oracy. Student teachers will be taught in streamed groups according to prior experience and qualification.

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 within modules may include lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, all supported via use of Cardiff Metropolitan’s virtual learning environment. In many of the modules, 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. Where possible, workshops will be delivered in a range of cross-phase, cross-curricular and same subject domains providing plenty of opportunities for student teachers to learn from each other’s varied experiences.

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. Collaboration with other student teachers will be an integral feature of one of the 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 Discover Teaching website.

What can I expect to earn when I start teaching?
Information can be obtained from the Training and Development Agency for Schools 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.​

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:

GCSE Grade C/grade 4 or above in English Language/Welsh Language (First Language) and Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy and a grade C/grade 4 or above in 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)

We also accept equivalent qualifications for the GCSE requirements, which include examinations undertaken with Equivalency Testing, University of South Wales the National Extension College and A Star equivalency. From Aberystwyth University we also accept the Mathematics equivalency module (Introduction to Mathematics 1 & 2) and the English equivalency module (English Language Skills).

Please click here to view Cardiff Met’s guidelines on C grade equivalents, or to view this document in Welsh click here.

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 have been attained, e.g. Masters, PhD.

Applicants are asked to ideally evidence at least 10 days work experience in a mainstream school across the primary age range within the 12 months prior to application. At least 5 days experience needs to be place prior to your interview and evidenced within the personal statement of the UCAS application.

A strong personal statement indicating the applicant’s potential to undertake the PGCE Primary 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.

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.

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.

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): X178 (Welsh medium)
PGCE Primary (3-11): X171

Your interview will be held online via MS Teams. You will receive notification of your interview date via UCAS and via email from Cardiff Met. You will then receive a MS Teams invitation, with your specific interview time, from the programme team. Interviews will last approximately 30 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.

The Skills Tests that have previously been undertaken as part of the interview day, will now be undertaken during the start of your course as an audit of where you may need additional support. These tests no longer form a part of your selection criteria however, you are still recommended to undertake the appropriate revision from the information on the links provided below:

There will be two tests:

1. The first test will focus on spelling, punctuation, grammar and comprehension. This test will be completed electronically on the day of interview but a printable, sample copy of the paper is available here.

This test will be 30 minutes long.

Preparation:

2. The second test will focus on reading and writing skills. It will be focussed on a journal article sent to you prior to your interview.

This test will be 30 minutes long.

Preparation:

At interview, you will be given a fresh copy of the article and given two questions to answer. You will be expected to write approximately 300 words.

The task will assess the ability to:

Applicants will complete a 30 minute task designed to evidence their personal digital skills at a basic level. This is because all teachers in Wales need to be able to consolidate and develop the digital skills of the pupils they teach, as well as using digital technology in carrying out their own professional duties.

The test will involve using basic skills in Microsoft Office, including manipulating education-related content in Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Applicants would be advised to ensure they have the basic abilities required to, for example, alter font sizes, apply themes to PowerPoint presentations, and using simple Excel formulas such as SUM and AVERAGE.

Applicants who apply to train for the Welsh medium sector will be placed in Welsh medium schools and some 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.

Literacy Tests

All applicants will complete the first literacy test in English (see above for further details) Welsh medium applicants will also complete a literacy skills test in Welsh (15 minutes.), which requires applicants to demonstrate their understanding of Welsh grammar. In preparation for this test we recommend that you look at the sample paper provided here and refer to the following useful text: Breese, N., Clement, B. (2011) Seren Iaith. Ceredigion: Atebol Cyfyngedig. ISBN 978-1-907004-85-8 (£5.99). The following sections will be most useful: Chwilio’r gwallau 1 pp.6-105 and pp.166-197.

All Welsh medium applicants will complete the second literacy test as above (English and Welsh versions provided) and will be asked to demonstrate their written Welsh and English in this test.

Numeracy Test

English and Welsh versions of the question paper will be provided. Applicants can choose to answer in either language.

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

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.

Do you hold Open Days?
We hold a number of online events including PGCE information 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 25th 2023. The programme will then close when the course becomes full. Competition for places is extremely high for PGCE Primary 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 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 some 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.

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

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

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 students depending on your undergraduate degree classification. 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 does the PGCE start and finish?
For Academic Year 2023/24, the PGCE start date is September 11th 2023. The course finishes June 30th 2024.

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 partnership schools and is an integral part of the programme. You will be notified at the beginning of your programme. You cannot arrange your own placement.

Can I defer my place?
We do allow deferrals and consider each request on an individual basis for our teacher training programmes.

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.

Financial incentives and training grants may be available for PGCE Primary students depending on your undergraduate degree classification. Please visit the Welsh Government website website for further details.

For general enqui​ries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email [email protected]​.