Ranking
Ofsted
'Outstanding' provider
Course overview
Empower your teaching journey with our specialist SEND programme. Gain exceptional training and support to inspire young minds in the 3-11 age range, through close partnerships with schools.
Our PGCE Primary Primary SEND (QTS) program ensures your professional growth, guiding you to make informed teaching decisions. Complete the course to pursue a part-time Masters in Teaching Studies.
Course Structure
The PGCE Primary SEND (QTS) programme will include the study of subject-specific teaching techniques as well as wider professional topics. You will also work in schools for a total of 28 weeks. We work closely in partnership with Chadsgrove Special School. You will experience 35 days of training at Chadsgrove, focusing on special education, as well as university-led teaching for primary mainstream classrooms.
Semester 1: September- December (14 weeks)
- 4 weeks University-led teaching
- 8 weeks in School Teacher Training
- 2 weeks ITAP (intensive training and practice)
- 1 week half-term
Course highlights
We excel in teacher education by combining theoretical knowledge and practical experience in its PGCE Primary in SEND program, leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This programme offers 80 credits towards further study, allowing graduates to pursue a Master's degree such as the MA in Teaching Studies. The integration of academic rigour and hands-on practice, along with the opportunity for advanced qualifications, makes the University of Birmingham a leader in teacher education.
- Integrating educational research and policy with hands on classroom experience
- Fostering reflective and critical practice
- Diverse placement opportunities within our well-established network of partner schools.
- High levels of support from our expert Primary PGCE tutor team.
- Graduate with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), ready to be an agent of change in primary education
- Ofsted 'Outstanding' provider
- Gain 80 credits
towards a Master's degree, propelling your educational aspirations forward
Course delivery
Our program prepares you for your teaching career through diverse methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and extensive school-based experience.
- Assignments that link practice and research
- Opportunities within modules to practise teaching techniques
- Targeted feedback on core teaching skills
Module information
All PGCE Primary SEND (QTS) students take 6 compulsory modules, each worth 10-20 credits.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| Primary School Studies (SEND) 2: Inclusion in the Primary SEND Curriculum | 20 | Semester 2 |
| Teaching Experience 2 (Primary SEND) | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Teaching Experience 1 (Primary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Intensive Teaching and Practice 1 and 2 (Primary) | 10 | Semester 1 |
| Intensive Teaching and Practice 3 and 4 (Primary) | 10 | Semester 2 |
| Primary School Studies 1: Planning and Teaching | 20 | Semester 1 |
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Entry requirements
All applicants to the PGCE Primary in SEND (QTS) must hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution. Normally, this should be a 2:2 or above (and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree is not already awarded).
You must also:
- have GCSE Mathematics (Grade 4/C or Above) and English and Science (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent qualifications, which will be a condition of any offer if not already achieved (equivalency tests will be accepted but only from equivalency testing)
- complete an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before taking up a place
- complete relevant checks to ensure you have the health and physical capacity to teach
- agree to abide by the University of Birmingham Code of Professional Conduct and Fitness to Practise
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
English Presessional Programmes
Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.
Fees and scholarships
- £9,535
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535. If Parliament agrees an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to affected students or existing applicants without delay.. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
Teacher Training funding options available
A range of financial support is available to help fund your teacher training, including tuition fee loans, maintenance loans, and tax-free bursaries or scholarships for eligible subjects. Additional grants and support are also available for those experiencing financial difficulties. International students may have limited options but could still qualify for specific grants.
Scholarships
To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.
Application process
Apply online through DfE Apply. We recommend you apply early as possible as the course is often full by Spring.
Course Code: Z638
The Interview process
Selection is rigorous and designed to identify candidates with the strongest aptitude. Candidates selected for interview will be invited to:
- meet course tutors
- find out more about the course
- have a one to one interview
- show GCSE and Degree certificates (where these are available).
We work closely with partner schools to select candidates and applicants will often have the opportunity to meet senior colleagues from partner schools when they join us for interview day.
Career opportunities
The University of Birmingham's Primary in SEND QTS Teacher Training course is highly esteemed across Birmingham and the West Midlands.
We boast an exceptional record of student employment post-course completion, with numerous alumni advancing to roles as Primary SENCO, subject and phase lead, Heads of Departments, Senior Managers, advisers, and university tutors. We provide comprehensive career services and support for our students, preparing them to excel in the teaching profession.
- #1 Most Targeted UK University
by leading graduate employers (High Fliers Research 2024)
Careers Network
Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.
Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.