Coventry University

What you'll study

This employed-route programme combines school-based professional practice with structured university tuition to develop subject knowledge, classroom practice and professional behaviours required for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Training is mapped to the national Teachers’ Standards and focuses on key areas such as planning and teaching, assessment, behaviour management, inclusive classroom practice and professional responsibilities.

• Subject and curriculum pedagogy: curriculum planning, subject-specific teaching methods (primary curriculum or secondary subject specialism), and approaches to differentiation.
• Assessment and evidence-informed practice: formative and summative assessment, using data to inform planning, and reflective practice informed by research.
• Behaviour and classroom management: establishing routines, positive behaviour strategies, safeguarding and creating an inclusive learning environment.
• Special educational needs and disability (SEND) and inclusion: adapting teaching for a diverse range of learners, working with support staff and external agencies.
• Professional practice and legal/ethical duties: professional conduct, parental engagement, safeguarding, child protection and statutory responsibilities.
• School-based mentoring and assessed practice: sustained teaching bouts in the employing school under the guidance of an experienced mentor, with assessment visits by university tutors.

The programme typically involves a combination of on-site training in your employing school and university-led sessions, assignments linked to professional practice and formal assessment against QTS criteria. Successful completion awards a Graduate Certificate (PGCE level) alongside QTS.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to be employed in a school in a role that supports progression to qualified teacher status and to have the agreement of their employer to be supported through the programme. Typical academic and professional requirements include:

• Undergraduate degree: an honours degree from a recognised institution; the usual minimum standard is the equivalent of a UK lower second-class honours (check specific faculty guidance for any variation).
• GCSE or equivalent: evidence of English and mathematics GCSEs at grade C/4 (or recognised equivalent); for primary routes, a science GCSE is also usually required.
• Subject suitability: for secondary routes, degree content should be relevant to the subject you intend to teach; for primary routes, a broad-based degree is acceptable.
• School support: a commitment from your employing school to provide a qualified mentor, appropriate timetable for assessed teaching and opportunities to meet the programme requirements.
• Safeguarding checks: an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, satisfactory references and health clearance.

Coventry University may consider equivalent international qualifications and relevant professional experience; any applicants with questions about equivalence should contact the admissions team for guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates of the PGCE with QTS employed route are qualified to work as classroom teachers in maintained schools and many independent schools. Common career trajectories include:

• Early career classroom teacher posts in primary or secondary phases.
• Progression to leadership roles such as subject lead, senior teacher or head of phase following further experience and professional development.
• Specialist roles such as special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), literacy/numeracy coordinator or pastoral lead, typically with additional qualifications or experience.
• Opportunities in supply teaching, education consultancy, trainee teaching leadership programmes or further academic study such as Master’s-level education programmes and National Professional Qualifications (NPQs).

The programme’s school-centred model also helps build employer networks and practical experience that support immediate employability and longer-term career progression within the school workforce.

Why study at Coventry University

Coventry University runs established partnerships with local and regional schools, which supports a practice-focused employed-route experience with strong mentoring and quality assurance. The university’s education tutors bring recent school experience and research-informed approaches to teacher development, while assessment is aligned to national standards to ensure readiness for the classroom.

• School-focused delivery: the employed route is designed for those already working in schools, combining on-the-job practice with structured university input and regular professional review.
• Support and resources: access to university learning resources, specialist education staff and continuing professional development opportunities to support both immediate practice and long-term career development.
• Inclusive practice: emphasis on diversity, inclusion and meeting the needs of all learners, reflecting Coventry’s commitment to preparing teachers for contemporary classrooms.
• Professional networks: connections with partner schools and local education authorities that aid mentoring, quality assurance and post-qualification employment pathways.

Prospective applicants should contact Coventry University’s education admissions team or their school-based training coordinator to discuss suitability for the employed route and the support required from the employer.