University of Warwick

What you'll study

This programme combines university-based modules with extensive school placements to prepare you to teach the primary age range (typically early years through Key Stage 2). You will study core areas of primary education including subject-specific pedagogy for English, mathematics, science and the foundation subjects, child development and learning theory, assessment for learning, behaviour management, and inclusion and special educational needs.

• Curriculum and subject pedagogy – practical approaches to planning and delivering engaging lessons in literacy, mathematics, science and foundation subjects, with attention to progression and assessment.
• Learning and development – theories of child development, how children learn, and implications for classroom practice across the 3–11 age range.
• Assessment, feedback and data use – formative and summative assessment strategies, interpreting assessment information and using feedback to support progress.
• Inclusion, SEND and adaptive practice – approaches to meeting diverse learning needs, differentiation, and working with additional needs and disabilities.
• Professional practice and classroom management – behaviour management, safeguarding, professional responsibilities and building positive relationships with pupils, families and colleagues.
• Research in education – enquiry-based tasks that develop reflective practice and introduce small-scale research or development projects linked to classroom priorities.

Teaching experience is central to the programme and typically includes multiple school placements across different age groups and settings, supported by school mentors and university tutors. Assessment is through observed teaching, professional files, reflective assignments and the PGCE academic components.

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold an undergraduate degree from a recognised university. Typical offers consider academic achievement alongside evidence of relevant experience in primary settings. You will usually need to demonstrate competency in English and mathematics, commonly evidenced by GCSEs at grade C/4 or equivalent; where applicants do not hold these qualifications, equivalent tests or qualifications may be required.

• Relevant experience: Schools-based experience with children in primary settings is expected to show understanding of the day-to-day realities of teaching.
• Fitness to teach and safeguarding checks: Successful applicants must satisfy enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks and health/fitness to teach requirements.
• References and interview: Admissions decisions are based on supporting references, a professional interview (which may include written or practical tasks) and evidence of suitability to train as a teacher.

Career prospects

Graduates obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and are eligible to take up teaching posts in primary schools across the maintained, academy and independent sectors. Early career routes include classroom teacher positions across the primary age range, supply teaching and roles within specialist units or early years settings.

• With experience, graduates move into roles such as subject leader, phase leader, special educational needs coordinator (SENCO) or senior leadership positions (assistant/ deputy head).
• Other pathways include educational consultancy, curriculum development, advisory or inspector roles, or continuing academic study such as master's-level qualifications in education.
• Teaching also provides transferable skills applicable in youth work, educational publishing, assessment and training roles.

Why study at University of Warwick

Warwick combines strong research-led teaching with close partnerships with local and regional schools, providing trainees with diverse, well-supported placement experiences. The Department of Education places emphasis on evidence-informed practice, ensuring that course content is aligned with current curriculum developments and classroom needs.

• School partnerships: A broad network of partner schools offers placements across varied contexts, helping trainees gain experience with different cohorts and school structures.
• Support and mentoring: Trainees benefit from experienced school mentors and university tutors, personalised feedback and structured professional development.
• Facilities and resources: Access to campus resources, specialist workshops and research expertise supports both practical classroom skills and the academic components of the PGCE.