This course isn't currently open to applications

For more information, please contact our Admissions team on +44 (0)1225 876 180 or admissions@bathspa.ac.uk.

Make a difference to children's lives by becoming a Primary or Early Years teacher through our highly regarded teacher training course.

  • Our highly regarded teacher training programmes are committed to excellence in research and professional practice.
  • Inspire children to learn. Change their lives and futures - as well as your own.
  • Train part-time, three days a week, including your days in University and in school.*

Developed in partnership with schools and early years settings, our part-time PGCE Primary and Early Years teacher training programmes will support you to become an exceptional teacher.

There are two age-phases to consider, through which you’ll achieve both a PGCE (with 60 Master's credits) and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS):

  • PGCE Primary and Early Years - 5-11, with QTS (part time)
  • PGCE Primary and Early Years - 7-11, with QTS (part time)

Your training will take place over 16 months, running on a unique timetable from February to June of the following academic year. You'll spend approximately two thirds of this time in a school or educational setting, for three days per week, up until the final 14 week school placement, which is full-time.

Throughout this part-time teacher training course, you'll experience a dynamic relationship between your training in the University and your training in school.

*Please note that the final school placement (final 14 weeks; 17 weeks including holidays) is full-time.

Woman talking to camera from her stylish living room
Harriet shares her experiences of being a teacher

"The PGCE course provides the ultimate teaching package – subject experts to impart their wisdom, placements in a variety of schools across the region, and even the opportunity to perform Shakespeare and sing in a gospel choir!"

Edward Powe, PGCE Primary and Early Years

What you'll learn

Overview

While you’re a Bath Spa Teacher, you'll explore models of teaching that will develop your understanding of the many ways in which children learn. Emphasis is placed on how parents and carers, families, schools and communities are key to children’s learning and well-being.

When you complete your initial teacher training, you'll be fully qualified to teach. This part time course is designed to ensure that you graduate as an exceptional teacher, able to confidently and successfully join the teaching profession and be a valued member of the educational community.

Course components

University-based training
We'll encourage you to think critically about educational research, national education initiatives and classroom practice, as well as supporting you in the process of reflection and analysis of your own practice.

You’ll be taught in lectures, seminars and workshops covering all Foundation Subjects across the National Curriculum.

School-based training
You'll be placed in at least two schools or settings relating to your selected age phase of training (either 5-11 or 7-11).

Over the 16-month training programme, you'll have the opportunity to practise and perfect your developing teaching skills. During school training, you’ll be able to reflect on your University training in the context of children’s learning environments.

How will I be assessed?

You'll be required to undertake a range of assignments that assess your understanding of theories and practices relating to teaching. These will allow you to develop an in-depth understanding of the relationship between teaching and learning and the impact you'll have as a teacher on children’s learning, progress and well-being.

In addition, you're required to meet the Teachers’ Standards in your selected training age phase, which will demonstrate your skills in planning, teaching, assessing and evaluating children’s learning and progress.

How will I be taught?

We'll support you in monitoring and tracking your progress by offering you advice and guidance on how to improve your performance as a teacher.

You'll be assigned an Academic Tutor who will regularly meet with you to review your progress, as well as visiting you during your assessed school training. During school training, you'll also be supported by a Training Mentor, who will guide you in understanding schools' policies and practices, as well as supporting you in developing effective classroom skills.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

Opportunities

Careers

This part time PGCE course produces high calibre teachers with the relevant skills, knowledge, understanding and experiences necessary to enter a career in teaching.

Adobe Creative Campus

Develop a wealth of indispensable digital skills that you can take into your future career. One of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, we provide all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite, giving you the tools to communicate creatively, whatever your course or chosen professional field.   

Facilities and resources

Where the subject is taught

As a Bath Spa Teacher, you'll learn in a variety of locations within our wide partnership, both at the University and in schools.

Your main campus will be Sion Hill. Teaching will take place in rooms equipped with relevant texts, equipment, training materials, and electronic resources.

Fees

2025 entry
Student Annual tuition fee
UK part time £4,768*

Fee notes

*The total course fee is paid over both years, meaning that you'll pay 50% of the full-time fee during each academic year of study. In 2025, the full-time fee is £9,535.

Additional course costs

You may need to pay additional course costs over and above your tuition fees, for example, for specialist equipment or trips and visits. Please check the course Programme Document (linked under the main image on this page) for details of any additional costs. You can also read our Additional Course Costs Policy for further information.

Funding opportunities

Please visit our Funding pages for an overview of the funding options that may be available, including scholarships and bursaries.

“Head teachers are confident that they gain a professional who is of high quality when they employ NQTs from Bath Spa University. Consequently, employment rates are high.”

Ofsted Report, rated Outstanding, September 2015

Interested in applying?

What we look for in potential students

You’ll need to be well suited to the teaching profession both personally and academically. We look for people with a committed professional approach and an exceptional work ethic. You’ll need to be organised, flexible and unflappable, as well as being able to communicate, interact and relate well to everyone. When entering the teaching profession, having strong emotional resilience and a sense of humour will give you the edge.

In addition to the general entry requirements, you’ll need a good honours degree; your degree can be in any subject. We only accept candidates with GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above (or recognised equivalents) in English, Mathematics and a Science subject.

How do I apply?

Please note that applications for this course are currently closed. Please contact admissions@bathspa.ac.uk for further information.

If you need more guidance, please head to our how to apply webpages.

Get ahead

To help you in choosing the age-phase you want to be the focus of your training, you may wish to spend some time within a school or appropriate setting.

Contact us

PGCE Admissions Officer: