Applicants should have (or be working towards) a Bachelors degree, preferably with a 2:2 or above.
Additional requirement information
GCSEs (and equivalents)
A minimum of level 4 (grade C if taken before 2017) in GCSE English, Mathematics and Science (or equivalent). GCSE equivalents are offered by St Mary's University.
For all 2021 Primary PGCE programmes (PGCE Primary General, PGCE Primary with PE Specialism and PGCE Primary part time) - two of the three GCSEs required for primary teacher training must be held at the point of application. Only one equivalence test will be accepted. Applicants must hold two full GCSE qualifications.
The Irish equivalent to GCSE is the Irish Leaving Certificate. In order to qualify to apply for the PGCE Primary programme you must already have a C grade or above (at Ordinary level) or a D grade or above (at Higher level) in all three subjects. The Science subject studied must be Biology, Chemistry or Physics. Home Economics and Agricultural Science at Leaving Certificate level are not accepted.
International students must have a ‘pass’ in their high school or senior school examination in these subjects and evidence of this needs to be submitted to the University for approval.
School observation
At St Mary's, we would like all applicants to have made a fully informed decision about considering joining the teaching profession. As part of that decision making process, spending some time in school(s) observing what teachers do and beginning to give some consideration to how they manage learning can be really insightful and informative.
DBS check
Successful completion of a physical and mental fitness to teach and a Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check are also required.
Irish applicants
Make sure to check our information for candidates applying from Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Writing ability
The course is fast paced, and trainees need to come in ready to write at postgraduate (master’s) level. PGCE is awarded on receipt of 60 master’s credits. The first M level assignment is due at the end of October. A high standard of basic writing is required. ECs are not automatically given for students with a learning disability so this should be flagged at interview in order they can be signposted for additional support early on.
Placements
Placements for 2023-4 are changing. All placements have to be assessed by us. This is a DfE requirement. 120 days minimum have to be spent in school over the year. The first placement lasts 7 weeks (from after October half term), with 6 days of preparation beforehand.
Students are encouraged to find their first placement themselves. This can be in KS1, KS2, or special. Schools cannot be abroad. Schools must be in Ofsted categories 1-3 and have to be ‘approved’ by us, i.e. checked they can conform to our partnership agreement.
If a student currently works in a school as a TA, they cannot do their placement in the same class they have worked in, and ideally must do it in a different key stage. Students are strongly encouraged to spend some time volunteering in this school in the summer before they start with us if they do not already work there. If a student cannot find a school themselves, we will find one for them.
The development and consolidation placements will be found by us. Students will teach in a different KS to their first placement. There will be a week of preparation days before February half term; the assessed placement starts after half term and lasts for 5 weeks. Students will be required to pass this placement before going on, at the same school, for their final (consolidation placement) which starts after Easter and lasts for 10 weeks.
ECT (Early Career Teacher) Induction
Induction takes 2 years and must be done in England after achieving QTS. A person deemed to be a fully qualified teacher has completed a recognised teacher education qualification and programme of induction in the country in which they qualified and can provide an official letter from the relevant teacher registration body, competent authority or Ministry of Education confirming recognition as a fully qualified teacher in the State/country.
Therefore, if you qualify for a QTS at St Mary’s University, you will need to remain in England as an ECT to complete your induction years.
We have been notified by the Irish Teaching Council that this must now be carried out in schools in England, before registering to teach in Ireland.
International requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in any section (or equivalent).
We now accept IELTS Indicator test results as proof of your English language level.
The gov.uk website has a 'Get into teaching' guide for overseas students.
Further information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.