Primary PGCE

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LSBU has extensive links with schools and alternative educational setting across London.

You'll receive high levels of support from a school-based mentor and university-based mentor throughout the course.

Our PGCE tutors are qualified teachers and expert practitioners.

Overview
Course Content
Teaching and Assessment
Careers
Entry Requirements
Apply
Fees

Overview

Encouraging equality

Our vision for Initial Teacher Education at LSBU is to cultivate a community of reflexive practitioners who design and deliver engaging, interactive, and inclusive learning experiences. Our goal is to develop critical, reflective teachers who ensure every learner can thrive.

The Primary PGCE course at LSBU is designed to enable trainee teachers to meet the Teachers’ Standards and be recommended to the Department for Education (DfE) for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). On successful completion of the course, trainee teachers will gain a PGCE, which is an internationally recognised teaching qualification. With 80 credits at Masters’ Level, the course provides a firm foundation for further M level study, and a full MA. With a focus on inclusive, equitable and sustainable practice, and placement experiences in a variety of our partnership schools across London, including special schools and additionally resourced mainstream settings, the course provides an excellent preparation for teaching in a wide range of schools including diverse urban learning communities. Subject specific training prepares trainee teachers to teach all primary curriculum subjects. Opportunities to investigate specific aspects of teaching and/or curriculum subjects prepares trainee teachers for future specialist roles and leadership responsibility within schools.

The course is subject to validation in October 2026.

Course Content

Subject to validation

Covering all aspects of the teachers' professional role, this module will engage trainee teachers in key debates and methodological approaches. Lectures, seminars and practical workshops will provide expert modelling of current planning, teaching and assessment approaches, while school-based placements will allow trainee teachers with opportunities to develop their own practice, confidence and resilience.

This module covers the relevant aspects of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) (DfE 2019- updated 2024) and The Teachers' Standards (DfE 2011- updated 2021).

Subject to validation

Through taught sessions, school based placement experiences and independent study, this module provides trainee teachers with opportunities to develop an advanced and systematic understanding of inclusive educational practice. This module will engage trainee teachers in key debates and methodological approaches in this field, covering a wide range of learner needs, potential barriers to learning, and ethical, socially just approaches to address these. Indicative topics include: meeting the needs of learners with SEND, supporting learners from refugee families and those seeking asylum; anti-racist education; the impact of poverty of education; sustainability and environmental education.

This module covers the relevant aspects of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) (DfE 2019- updated 2024) and The Teachers' Standards (DfE 2011- updated 2021).

Covering all core and foundation subjects of the primary National Curriculum, and Religious Education, this module will engage trainee teachers in key debates and methodological approaches in each subject. Practical workshops will provide expert modelling of current teaching approaches in each subject, while school-based placements will allow trainee teachers opportunities to develop their own practice. Self-study is also a key element of this module, with trainee teachers auditing and evidencing the development of their subject, curriculum and pedagogical knowledge.

This module covers the relevant aspects of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) (DfE 2019- updated 2024) and The Teachers' Standards (DfE 2011- updated 2021).

* Modules are subject to review and change throughout the year.

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Teaching and Assessment

How will I learn?

Your course combines university-based learning at our modern, easy-to-reach Southwark campus, in the heart of London, with offsite sessions in partner schools and inspiring locations such as museums. On campus, you’ll learn through interactive workshops led by expert tutors who model effective classroom practice.

University blocks alternate with school placements, so you can apply your learning directly in the classroom. The course starts with a university-based block of approximately six weeks, with sessions every day from 9am to 4pm which prepares you for General Placement 1. A second university block precedes General Placement 2.

We aim to provide a learning community that actively challenges inequality and injustice. In particular, the module Becoming a Teacher in Diverse Learning Communities will allow you to reflect on key issues such as equality, diversity and sustainability in the educational context.

You will be encouraged to make links between the theoretical and practical elements of the course. A weekly training plan that runs throughout the duration of the course, guides you to apply what you have learnt in university to your school placements.

Enrichment Programme

In addition to the three modules that make up the course, you will engage with a programme of enrichment opportunities designed to meet your individual needs. Indicative content includes: employment support, subject knowledge development, and study skills.

Mentoring

You will have two mentors. Your dedicated school-based mentor will support you throughout your placement, meeting weekly to plan all aspects of your training and observing your teaching once a week to give constructive, developmental feedback. A university-based mentor will visit to support your progress and quality assure the placement.

The role of your university-based mentor is to be your primary contact for academic guidance and professional development support.

They will help you get the most out of your time at LSBU, providing advice and signposting to other sources of support in the University.

Your university-based mentor should be the first person at the university that you speak to if you are having any difficulties that are affecting your work. These could be academic, financial, health-related or any other type of problem.

Your university-based mentor is also responsible for assuring the quality of your school placement. They will visit you in school and meet with you and your school-based mentor to ensure that you are receiving appropriate support.

School-based Mentor Support

For each school-placement you will be allocated a school-based mentor. They will be responsible for all aspects of your school-based training. They will induct you into the school and model expert practice. You will meet them once a week to discuss your progress training needs. Your mentor will observe you teaching once a week and provide oral and written feedback and advice.

Careers

What's in it for me?

Although we pride ourselves in providing teachers for diverse, inclusive, London schools, the course prepares successful trainee teachers to enter the teaching profession in a variety of schools within the UK and abroad.

All trainee teachers entering the course have the possibility of gaining up to 80 credits at Masters level, which can be used to count towards the award of full Masters qualifications gained via further study after graduation.

Placements

You will complete two General Placements of approximately 12 weeks (Monday to Friday). You will complete placements in different schools, which provide varying experiences, including supporting pupils with SEND. You will also complete four Intensive Training and Practice Weeks, where you will be in school for part of the week.

Your placements are carefully structured and well supported, so that by the end of the course you are a confident, independent primary teacher.

A weekly training plan guides your activities and helps you apply what you have learnt at university in the classroom.

Activities include:

Observing expert collegues
Planning, teaching and assessing pupils' learning and progress
Reflecting on your own development
Meeting a range of staff, such as the SENDCO
Attending whole-school events and staff meetings and meeting parents and carers

Your responsibilities build gradually over the course. For the final six weeks, you take on the full role of the teacher, teaching 80% of the time.

LSBU CareerSmart is your ultimate gateway to career success. Our innovative programme is designed to ensure you graduate with more than just a degree, providing the support you need to stand out in a competitive job market. We've got all the tools you need, including:

AI Powered Career Sets - Get instant personalised feedback on your CV and cover letter by submitting it via our AI powered career tool.
Gamification Interviews - Get ready to pass those interviews with unlimited training access to our gamification interviews and psychometric tests!
Personalised Career Development Dashboard - Keep up with your skills progression with free access to practical assessments, LinkedIn learning, mentoring, and industry-standard facilities.

We understand that you’re in the driver’s seat of your career, which is why we’re committed to matching your passion and energy every step of the way.

Entry Level Requirements

The entry requirements below are for 2027 entry. Want to start your course this September? Call 0800 923 8888 for entry requirements.

UK or equivalent degree (Lower Second Class or above). This may be in any subject; it does not have to be a National Curriculum subject; and

a standard equivalent to a GCSE grade C / grade 4 in mathematics, English language/literature and a science subject or equivalency test passes awarded by A* Star Equivalency and Equivalency Testing and Birmingham City University. Please note, we do not accept Access to HE courses as equivalent nor Functional Skills. Applicants who have not yet met this requirement are welcome to apply, but will not be able to start the course until they have met this requirement; and

Two positive references that highlights the candidate's suitability to become a teacher

Additional Requirements

Applicants for this course must also meet the following additional entry requirements:

All entrants to ITE courses are required to undergo both an enhanced criminal record check through the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), formerly known as the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB), and an Occupational Health check (OH). Once you accept an offer from us, we will provide you with guidance on how to apply for your DBS check before enrolment. Your OH check will be completed once you have started your course.

An applicant with a criminal record is not automatically prevented from becoming a teacher. For more information on the DBS and their enhanced checks call them on 0870 90 90 811 or visit the Gov.uk website. You will also need to be able show the certificates from your relevant GCSEs and your degree (if awarded) before enrolment – statements or letters are not applicable, so if you do not have the original certificates this must be sought from the awarding body. This can take some time and so must be done in good time before the course starts

Missing English, Maths or Science qualifications?

If you do not have the required English, Maths and/or Science qualifications needed to satisfy the entry requirements for this programme, we have courses available at our partner College that you can take to upskill in these areas. Find out more at South Bank College.

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Course delivery modes and application methods

Mode	Duration	Start date	Application code	Application method
Full-Time	1 year	September	6351	Apply now

How to apply

Read more about how to apply for undergraduate courses.

International students

International applicants can apply directly to LSBU and should consult our international how to apply guide for further information on the application process and key dates.

Accommodation

Read more about applying for accommodation at LSBU.

Prepare to start

Applicant events

After you’ve received your offer we’ll send you emails about events we run to help you prepare for your course. You’ll also be invited to our Applicant Taster Day so keep your eyes peeled!

Enrolment

Before you start your course, we’ll send you information on what you’ll need to do before you arrive and during your first few days on campus. You can read about the process on our enrolment pages.

Fees

£10,050

Tuition fees for home students

£16,500

Tuition fees for international students

Possible fee changes

The University reserves the right to increase its fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any governmental guidance or decisions.

The fees for international students are reviewed annually and, additionally, the University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in line with the RPIX measure of inflation up to 4 per cent.

Scholarships

We offer several types of fee reduction through our scholarships and bursaries. Find the full list and other useful information on funding your studies on the scholarships and fee discounts page.

Fee status

Please check your fee status and whether you are considered a home, EU or international student for fee-paying purposes by reading the UKCISA regulations.

Teacher training students

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) courses are treated similarly to undergraduate courses for fees and funding purposes. This means, in this instance, postgraduate students can apply for the same student loans and bursaries as undergraduate students but they no longer receive grant funding. Find out more on Gov.uk website.

Financial Support

Home teacher training students are eligible to apply for Student Support funding via Student Finance England (details provided on Gov.uk website) for Tuition Fee loans.

You may be eligible for additional funding; please see the Get Into Teaching website for further details.

LSBU Student Support Fund

LSBU has a hardship fund, known as the Student Support Fund, which you can apply to if you have exhausted all other options. The fund is in place to act as a safety net for students who find themselves struggling financially during their studies. It can help with unexpected issues that are causing a financial burden, or short-term issues – such as assistance with moving costs, travel costs, or to cover loss of income.

UK Course Enquiries

0207 815 7500

International team enquiry

+44 (0) 20 7815 6189

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Primary PGCE