Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS

Typical qualification requirements:

Entry criteria detail typical offers, but USW considers all applications on an individual basis, which means that we could make offers based on qualifications, personal profile and experience. The exception to this, is that Welsh Government require that all candidates have a minimum GCSE grade C/grade 4 (or equivalent) in English Language, Mathematics and Science at the point of entry on any ITE course. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be acceptable.

Entry to the PGCE programme is conditional on: An Honours degree in an area related to primary education, of at least 2:2 classification; or any honours degree of at least 2:2 classification where an A level grade C or above (or equivalent) has been obtained in a primary curriculum subject area. Selection is based on a successful interview.

Interview: An interview is required for this course. Those applying will be provided with further details if successful at the initial selection stage. Those interviewed must demonstrate an aptitude for teaching as well as their intellectual abilities through a process of group discussion and individual questions. Those applying will be required to pass literacy and numeracy tests and must demonstrate appropriate knowledge of digital competency.

All entrants will have met the requirements of the Education Health Standards prior to commencing the course. Statutory obligations under the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) will be followed and reasonable adjustments put in place to ensure applicants are not discriminated against in the application process or whilst on the ITE course. Staff members will meet the statutory requirements placed on the institution by the disability equity duty.

Additional Requirements:

GCSEs: The University normally requires a minimum 5 GCSEs including Mathematics and English Language at Grade C or above (for ITE courses) and Science at Grade C.

If you do not have the GCSE grade C requirements in Mathematics, English Language and/or Science, but you hold a GCSE grade D, then you are able to gain equivalency of a grade C by successfully completing a module in Mathematics, English and/or Science. Further details can be found here: Equivalency GCSE Modules for English, Maths and Science.

You can view the accepted Equivalencies to GCSE English Language or Welsh Language and Mathematics C grade for entry to Initial Teacher Training Education here.

Relevant work experience: In addition to the formal qualifications, work experience with children in a school setting is normally required. This can be, for example, full or part-time paid or voluntary work in an educational setting.

This work experience should be equivalent to at least ten days and must normally be completed before an application is submitted. The student will be required to explain how they have met this requirement in their personal statement. The candidate may be asked to submit an additional reference relating to their work experience confirming they have completed the required experience in a school setting.

DBS: An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child Workforce and Child Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service is required – details will be sent to applicants at the appropriate time.

International applications welcomed:

We welcome international applications with equivalent qualifications of our entry requirements. For more details related to your country of residence please view our dedicated country pages.

English language requirements

International applicants will need to have achieved an overall of IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component or equivalent.

Equivalents can be located on our English Language pages.

If you have previously studied through the medium of English IELTS might not be required, please visit our country specific page for further details. If your country is not featured, please contact us.

If you do not meet the English entry criteria please visit our Pre-Sessional course pages.

Contextual offers

We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions.

USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university.

We're here to help

Whether you a have a question about your course, fees and funding, the application process or anything else, there are plenty of ways you can get in touch and we'd to talk to you. You can contact our friendly admissions team by phone, email or chat to us online.