The Primary PGCE with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) has been designed to provide you with teaching experience across the 3-11 age range, giving you the ability to teach throughout the progression steps within the current primary curriculum.
The programme is offered through the Swansea University Schools’ Partnership (SUSP); a collaborative teacher education network that brings together Swansea University, its partner schools, and other education providers. We draw on this expertise to blend academic excellence with hands-on experience, in order to prepare you to earn QTS.
We also work closely with our partner schools to tailor placements to your needs, prioritising your wellbeing through mentor support, clinics, and themed Practice and Theory (PaT) Days, focused on areas such as diversity, sustainability, and outdoor learning.
The programme comprises 60 days of university input and 120 days of school placement across two school settings. School and university staff will work together to support you, as a student teacher, to progress toward successful completion of the course and achieving QTS.
Throughout the degree, you will create an electronic portfolio of evidence, known as the Professional Learning Passport (PLP), referencing your progression and ability against each of the Professional Teaching and Leadership Standards. Successful evidence of all Standards being met, together with successful completion of Level 7 assessments, will lead to a recommendation being made to the Education Workforce Council (EWC) that you be awarded QTS. You will only be able to practice as a teacher after your QTS has been confirmed by the EWC.
This programme is unique in its offering, as after experiencing teaching placements across the primary age phase, you can choose to specialise in Additional Learning Needs (ALN) or All-Age (3-18) contexts, further widening your knowledge and experience.
Why Primary with QTS at Swansea?
The PGCE Primary programme at Swansea University is building a reputation for excellence in teacher education through strong formative assessment, learner choice, underpinning research and innovative practices, including observation classrooms, the use of Hydra (our immersive simulation suite) to role play real-life scenarios in an entirely safe learning environment, and enriching experiences like Technocamps and learning British Sign Language (BSL).
Rated highly in the Estyn inspection report (2024), our PGCE Primary programme is praised for its ‘careful blending of theory and practice,’ ‘strong support for student wellbeing,’ and its ‘research-informed, reflective approach.’ The inspectors found that ‘student teachers feel respected and supported.’
In addition to this, the SUSP will provide you with high-quality, practitioner and research-led Initial Teacher Education (ITE), to deliver on its vision of developing individuals like you into well-informed, reflective practitioners, who can contribute significantly to the quality of Welsh education.
This rigorous programme will challenge you academically and professionally. The degree is structured to provide you with the necessary opportunities to address all of the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership, through rich learning experiences that are centred around developing your professional proficiency.
All aspects of the course have been developed collaboratively by the SUSP and will be delivered, quality assured and reviewed in partnership, to consolidate this collaboration throughout the year.
Your Primary with QTS Experience
Your university-based time will be made up of three 60-credit modules, covering key themes including teaching, curriculum and assessment in primary school; being a research-informed reflective practitioner, and your professional practice and placement.
While on placement, you will be supported comprehensively through a robust framework that integrates professional, academic, and pastoral support. You will be paired with a professional mentor, who can offer guidance and constructive feedback to support your development. University staff remain actively involved throughout your placements, providing guidance and conducting formal observations, which are carefully planned to assess your progress and support the development of your teaching practice.
During placement, your wellbeing is a priority, and will be supported through weekly mentor meetings, wellbeing clinics, personal tutor meetings, learning conversations and observation visits. Where necessary, support and intervention plans are co-created with students and school partners to meet individual needs and support progression.
On designated Tuesdays, Practice and Theory (PaT) days are embedded in the programme, offering time for you to explore how educational theory connects with classroom practice. These sessions take place in each student’s Network Lead School and are facilitated by the University Network Lead Tutor and school colleagues, allowing you to share experiences, discuss challenges, and reflect on your progress.
A key feature of the support process is the use of the Professional Learning Passport (PLP); an online platform that records your professional learning journey. You will also record lesson plans, reflections, and will receive feedback from your mentors, which includes formal observations, mentor meetings and structured professional conversations.
You will receive 35 hours of Welsh language provision during the course to develop your Welsh language skills. For Welsh-speaking students, there is a Welsh-medium pathway, which includes Welsh-medium placements, seminars and PaT days, as well as the option to submit assignments and receive feedback from a Welsh-speaking university tutor.
The programme also embeds a strong commitment to inclusive education through a comprehensive focus on Additional Learning Needs (ALN), aligned with the new ALN Code for Wales. You will be supported to become a responsive professional, who can adapt your teaching to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
Primary with QTS Employment Opportunities
Successful completion of this PGCE will lead to a recommendation to the Education Workforce Council (EWC) for you to be awarded with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This provides opportunities for employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) in schools.
At Swansea University, we have a range of engagement with external bodies such as:
Unions
School Leaders
The Education Workforce Council (EWC)
Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Leads
Partneriaeth - a collaborative educational body supporting schools in Carmarthenshire, Pembrokeshire, and Swansea
The Welsh Joint Education Committee (WJEC)
This engagement allows a range of opportunities for students. These include dedicated sessions that focus on the job application process from school leaders, followed up in schools with sessions that focus on interview technique, letters of application and interview lessons, including mock interviews. Engagement with professional organisations, such as the WJEC (the exam board for school-level qualifications in Wales) can take the form of sessions such as regional workshops, enabling students to participate in their professional community and make valuable connections.
Additionally, you will be given opportunities to develop and extend your employability skills through a number of enhanced opportunities. These include presenting research to school partners, university colleagues, and others, at an annual research event; developing and managing workshops for students, and supporting or co-leading school trips, clubs and outdoor learning.
The majority of student teachers on the Primary PGCE go on to secure positions in primary schools across South Wales, often within our partnership schools, including in special schools and specialist teaching facilities. Some of these are permanent positions, while others are on a supply contract basis.
A number of graduates also continue their academic journey through the National MA (Wales) or postgraduate study at Swansea, including master’s and doctoral programmes.
Modules
We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.
We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.
Entry Requirements
Applicants for the Primary PGCE are required to have achieved the following prior to admission to the programme:
An honours degree at a minimum of 2:2 in a relevant curriculum subject, or a related subject;
Grade C GCSE in English/Welsh (students applying for the Welsh medium programme will be required to have a GCSE in Welsh);
Grade C GCSE in Maths
Grade C GCSE in Science
The GCSE Grade C in English/Welsh, Science and Mathematics are a requirement set by the Welsh Government.
All interviews will be held virtually (using Microsoft Teams) with a PGCE primary specialist through the medium of English or Welsh as desired. The format will consist of a short interview and professional discussion.
All PGCE students will complete a Digital Competence audit on enrolment and have digital competence training embedded into their PGCE programme of study.
All applicants will be required to undertake an Enhanced DBS check. Applicants must not have been excluded from teaching or working with children nor be registered with the DBS as unfit for working with children or young persons (please see additional costs section).
All applicants must meet the requirements of the Education Health Standards (Wales) confirming their health and physical capacity to teach (please see additional costs section).
International applicants
Completing the PGCE programme in the UK does not provide ‘Leave to Remain’ status to work as a teacher within the UK. Applicants should familiarise themselves with the UK Visa and Immigration Service regulations and requirements that apply to study and post-study in the UK.
Successful completion of the Swansea University Schools Partnership Initial Teacher Education programme leads to (i) the award of a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) and (ii) a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status and registration with the Education Workforce Council for Wales. Applicants should consult with the relevant education service or government department to enquire if completion of a PGCE in a UK University will allow them to teach in their home country or any other country outside the UK.
Applicants typically require an overall IELTS (or equivalent) test score of 7.0 with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (writing, reading, speaking and listening). Please see further information about our English Language requirements.
At Swansea, you will benefit from a high-quality, research-informed
education that combines a range of effective and inclusive teaching methods,
carefully tailored to suit the needs of your course. Most courses are taught
in person, on campus, giving you the opportunity to
actively engage with other students, academic staff, and the wider
university community.
You can expect a mix of
lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical sessions -
including laboratory work, skills training, or studio-based teaching where
relevant to your discipline. These sessions are designed to encourage active
participation, collaboration, and the development of both subject-specific
and transferable skills.
Digital learning tools are also used to enhance your
learning experience. These may include:
Recorded lectures to support flexible study and
revision.
Virtual labs or simulated environments, particularly in
science, healthcare, and technical disciplines.
Online resources on the university’s virtual learning
environment (Canvas), including videos, reading materials, quizzes, and
discussion forums.
This approach enables you to engage with and review content at your own pace
while benefiting from the structure and support of in-person teaching.
This course may offer some modules taught through the medium of Welsh or
bilingually for students who consider themselves to be fluent Welsh
speakers. For more details on the provision available see the Welsh
Provision expander below.
N.B If you are an international student studying with a Student Route
Visa, please note that your timetabled activity, along with any
additional supervisory activity (with Swansea University staff present)
will take place on campus. In line with UKVI protocol, these sessions
will be monitored and data made available on request.
There are opportunities for Welsh speakers to study at least 40 credits of this course through the medium of Welsh.
Academi Hywel Teifi is here to support you throughout your time at Swansea
University. We can offer you:
Access to modules taught wholly or partly in Welsh.
A Welsh-speaking Personal Tutor.
One-to-one support through the medium of Welsh to improve your academic skills.
An opportunity to gain an additional free qualification that serves as evidence
of your Welsh language ability for future employers, namely the WJEC and Coleg Cymraeg’s Welsh Language
Certificate.
Fees for full time undergraduate UK students may increase in subsequent years of study in line with the maximum regulated fee level set by the Welsh Government
You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's scholarships and bursaries page.
Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries
page.
Academi Hywel Teifi at Swansea University and the Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol offer a number of generous scholarships and bursaries for students who wish to study through the medium of Welsh or bilingually.
For further information about the opportunities available to you, visit the Academi Hywel Teifi Scholarships and Bursaries page.
Access to your own digital device/the appropriate IT kit will be essential during your time studying at Swansea University. Access to wifi in your accommodation will also be essential to allow you to fully engage with your programme. See our dedicated webpages for further guidance on suitable devices to purchase, and for a full guide on getting your device set up.
You may face additional costs while at university, including (but not limited to):
Travel to and from campus
Printing, photocopying, binding, stationery and equipment costs (e.g. USB sticks)
Purchase of books or texts
Gowns for graduation ceremonies
Travel to and from placement schools
To undertake a PGCE, you will need an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, or approved equivalent. Please see our DBS Application Guidance page for more details.
You will also need to complete a health questionnaire which forms part of the fitness to practice as a teacher test process. The questionnaire requires input from your General Practitioner (GP), and they might charge for this service.
Employability workshops, employers’ talks, bespoke events and careers fairs
Individual advice and guidance from professionally qualified Careers Advisers
Help with finding jobs, internships, work placements and volunteering opportunities
Access to information resources on a wide range of career management topics
Advice and guidance on postgraduate study and funding
Funding to support student internship opportunities and Student Society/Club events.
As a Swansea University graduate, you can access lifelong careers and employability support.
As this is a professional training programme leading to the recommendation for QTS, it is expected that student teachers completing the programme will enter the teaching profession. Numbers of funded student teacher places are set by Welsh Government and are decided according to their analysis of workforce needs in Wales.
All student teachers will be issued with a Higher Education Achievement Report (HEAR) detailing their academic and extracurricular activities. This can be used to supplement their CV.
In addition to professional skills, the programme develops the following personal attributes:
Research acquisition and enquiry skills
Time management skills
Personal organisational and motivational skills
Effective communication skills
Problem solving and analysis
Negotiation, teamwork and ability to adapt
Student teachers will develop:
Initiative
Innovation
Decision making skills
The ability to think and act critically
In the event that student teachers do not wish to pursue a career in teaching or do not reach the expected standard during the programme, they will be encouraged to access the support provided by the Swansea Employability Academy, Careers Service to assist with alternative career planning and to develop their employability outside the teaching profession.
Successful completion of the PGCE Primary will lead to recommendation to the Education Workforce Council for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and provides opportunities for employment as a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT) in schools.
As well as subject specific support by college teaching staff and your
personal tutor, the Centre for Academic
Success provides courses, workshops and one-to-one support in areas
such as:
Academic writing
Maths and statistics
Critical thinking
Time management
Digital skills
Presentation skills
Note taking
Revision, memory and exam techniques
English language skills (if English is not your first language).
In addition, if you have a Specific Learning Difficulty (SpLD), disability,
mental health or medical condition, the Centre for Academic Success have
Specialist Tutors to support your learning, working alongside the Disability Office and Wellbeing Service to support all your needs and
requirements whilst studying at Swansea University.
International summer programmes are open to students from all schools.
Programmes typically range from 2 to 6 weeks, across destinations such as
Sri Lanka, South Korea, Fiji, Bali, the USA and across Europe. For more
information about programmes and eligibility visit our
Summer Abroad webpages.
We recommend that you submit your application to our courses as early as you can in advance of our application
deadlines. Courses will close earlier than the application deadlines listed if all available places are filled. You can
find further information on our Application Deadlines webpage.
The University will seek to deliver each course in accordance with the
descriptions set out in the relevant course web pages at the time of
application. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable
or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision,
either before or after enrolment.
The information below is for students starting their courses in 2016 or
later.
The University will not normally make very substantial changes to courses
(for example, a change to the course title, significant restructuring,
substantial change in course content, or the introduction of a progression
hurdle) which would impact on students who have already begun their course.
In exceptional circumstances, it may be necessary for the University to make
such a change after acceptance of a place by an offer-holder. This will not
happen less than 5 months before enrolment. The offer-holder will be
notified of the change and will have the opportunity to withdraw their
application and apply elsewhere.
Other changes could be made to course content, study location, delivery and
teaching provision because of developments in the relevant subject,
enhancements in teaching or assessment practice, requirements of external
accreditation processes, changes in staffing, resource constraints or
changes in the availability of facilities. Such changes will take account of
the reasonable expectations of prospective and current students.
