PGCE Early Childhood Education

Applicants should have at least an upper second class honours degree in the cognate subjects of Childhood Studies, Early Childhood Studies, Psychology, Sociology or a National Curriculum subject, or a second class honours degree in a non-cognate subject supported by evidence of significant experience in and aptitude for the subject applied for, or have equivalent work experience or training normally from within a work environment. 

Substantial work experience (at least 150 hours in the previous 12 months) in either the Early Years Foundation Stage or Key Stage 1 age range in a UK based school must have been completed prior to you making your application. One of the two Referees on your UTT form must be from an Early Years setting or KS1 school-based setting which confirms the time you have spent in the setting/classroom and comments on the contribution you have made.

IELTS 6.5 with no skills below 6.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.

For fees and funding information please see our website

The Teaching Agency provides a Training Bursary to students studying at our university who are registered on the PGCE programme, depending on meeting certain qualifying criteria. For more information about bursaries please visit the website http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching/funding/postgraduate-funding?keywords=Bursaries

Successful completion of this course leads to the recommendation of Qualified Teacher Status. Although the 3-7 years specialism enables you to work across the whole primary age range it is geared directly to the early years’ sector where there is increasing demand for trained professionals.

Early Years Teacher
Primary Education Adviser
Community Education Worker

Professional Studies: Early Childhood (20 credits)

You will critically analyse the curriculum for both the Foundation Stage and Key Stage One age phases; and critically evaluate and reflect on your own professional practice in relation to many issues including diversity and inclusion.

Critical Issues in Early Years (20 credits)

This module aims to develop your professional knowledge and understanding of the contemporary issues that affect young children and to critically analyse values and beliefs which underpin policy and practice.

Playful Learning & Playful Pedagogies (20 credits)

Teaches you the ability to reflect on and articulate knowledge and understanding about the complex nature of play and the links with learning.

Early Years Foundation Stage: Curriculum & Pedagogy (20 credits)

You will gain an understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum and start to critically evaluate the approaches to teaching, learning and assessment in the EYFS.

Key Stage One: Curriculum & Pedagogy (20 credits)

This module will help you to develop a critical appreciation of teaching, learning and assessment in the Key Stage One of the National Curriculum.

Developing as a Subject Specialist (20 credits)

You will progress as a subject specialist within the 3 to 11 settings to improve your curriculum development and your own professional development needs.

Professional Practice (Non-credit bearing)

This module will help you to develop knowledge, skills and understanding of the whole curriculum and the role of the teacher in working with children, families, colleagues and other professionals in early years education.