PGCE Early Years Education
GTTR code X121
Full-time
This course is subject to reapproval
Location • City Campus
Subject area • Teacher education
Related subjects • Education studies
By adding to My Courses you can compare courses and create a personalised prospectus.
A trainee teacher, mentor coordinator and headteacher at one of our placement schools talk about their experiences of work placements.
Read what our students have to say about this course
2013 entry requirements
Normally GCSE grade A or B in English and mathematics, although we consider applicants with grade C and a wider profile. Your wider profile may include experience of working in related settings, demonstrating how your existing skills will contribute to your achievement as a teacher, or providing evidence of working at a higher level in these subjects through further qualifications. We also require a grade C in science. You must already hold the GCSE requirements before applying for the course.
Plus
• a 2.1 degree or above, or a 2.2 degree plus evidence of at least one year's work experience in a foundation stage or primary school setting, for example employment as a teaching assistant or unqualified teacher.
• evidence of at least 15 days recent foundation stage or primary school teaching experience with five of these days as continuous teaching (gained in the two years before your application).
For entry in 2013 onwards there will be national pre-entry tests in literacy and numeracy.
Download our application experience guidelines for more information about experience requirements and interview advice for this course. This document includes important information about your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being unsuccessful.
If you are invited to interview you will need to download the work reference template and bring this completed with you to your interview.
If English is not your first language you typically need an IELTS 6.0 score with a minimum of 5.5 in all skills or equivalent. If your English language skill is currently below IELTS 6.0 we recommend you consider a Sheffield Hallam University Pre-sessional English course which will enable you to achieve an equivalent English score.
As you will be working with children, you must complete a declaration of criminal convictions and health check forms.
We welcome applications from people seeking a career change into primary teaching. We actively encourage applications from those groups under-represented in teacher education to ensure the teaching profession represents the diverse nature of present day UK society.
For further information about entry requirements, please contact the admissions office on 0114 225 5555.
Full-time – one year
All applications must be made through the Graduate Teacher Training Registry (GTTR). Apply on-line at www.gttr.ac.uk or phone 0871 468 0 469.
2013/14 academic year
Typically £9,000 for the course
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees and funding see www.shu.ac.uk/funding
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,980 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
The course fee may be subject to annual inflationary increase. For further information on fees, scholarships and bursaries see www.shu.ac.uk/international/fees
Your academic work is assessed by written coursework assignments. Your teaching is assessed in schools and by school based mentors. You record evidence of your progress towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in a professional development portfolio.
This course is assessed at masters level and we expect most students to achieve this. However, some students may not attain this level of academic work. These students may be awarded a Professional Certificate in Education, provided they have passed all elements of the course at undergraduate level, and have met all the standards for QTS.
You develop the knowledge, skills and enthusiasm you need to motivate young children’s learning.
Amy Bagnell (2:39)
Amy talks about the types of support that we provide for you on teaching placements.
Zara Rowley (1:06)
One of our trainee primary school teachers talks about being on placement.
Beccy Buck (1:12)
Beccy, one of our mentor co-ordinators, talks about what it takes to make a great primary school teacher
More videos
Amy Bagnell (2:39)
Amy talks about the types of support that we provide for you on teaching placements.
Zara Rowley (1:06)
One of our trainee primary school teachers talks about being on placement.
Beccy Buck (1:12)
Beccy, one of our mentor co-ordinators, talks about what it takes to make a great primary school teacher
Daniel Faben
Graduate, PGCE Early Years Education
'After University I worked in a primary school cover teaching PE. I wasn't sure whether to go into primary or PE teaching, but after three years, I knew that I'd love to have my own class and work with primary age children as you get so much back.
'The main reason I chose early years is because I really enjoyed working with the foundation stage. Plus it's a good basis to learn how children learn, and this can be transferred right across the primary age range. I really enjoy setting up opportunities in continuous provision allowing the children to learn through play – something else that's transferable across the primary age range.
'Sheffield Hallam had a very good reputation for producing good quality teachers. And many of the teachers I worked with were Hallam graduates who enjoyed the experience and said it equipped them well.
'The course is hard work, but very enjoyable. The staff are very supportive – if you ask them anything they'll go out their way to help you. And they're very knowledgeable about good practice which you can learn and use on placement.
'I really enjoyed my placement. I felt well supported, and it was great to finally apply all the theory I had learnt at University and to see it really working in action.
'After I qualify I hope to become a teacher in early years in a school where I can put into practice all the best practice I've learnt. Hopefully in a school which allows me to keep up my interest in sport.'
Profiles
Daniel Faben
Graduate, PGCE Early Years Education
