Program Overview
The Education - Primary (PGCertEd) at Oxford Brookes University is a Postgraduate Certificate programme in Education over 9 months, delivered On-campus. This programme equips graduates with advanced knowledge and practical skills for professional and academic careers in the field.
Students gain a rigorous grounding in both the theoretical foundations and applied dimensions of education. The programme combines coursework, research components, and practical projects that develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and specialist expertise relevant to industry and research needs.
Graduates of the Education - Primary (PGCertEd) programme are well-prepared for careers in academia, industry, government, and the private sector across United Kingdom and internationally. The programme provides an internationally recognised qualification within the Bologna higher education framework.
Key Program Features
- Duration: 9 months
- Language of instruction: English
- Study mode: On-campus
- English requirement: IELTS 6
- Tuition: GBP 12,640 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
- Location: Oxford, United Kingdom
Career Opportunities
Graduates of the Education - Primary (PGCertEd) programme are prepared for diverse careers in education:
- Teacher / Lecturer
- Educational Consultant
- Curriculum Designer
- School Administrator
- Education Policy Researcher
- Training Specialist
Program Curriculum
Course Structure
- Developing Reflection and Critical Practice encourages you to think critically about educational practice and to link this to your school based training
- Research Informed Practice gives you the opportunity to study an area of your interest in more depth
- Developing Professional Practice is concerned with the development of attitudes, skills and knowledge required to build understanding of the full professional life of a teacher. It also applies your knowledge and understanding of the curriculum guidance to classroom practice through explanations of planning, teaching and assessment
- School based training - The Oxford Brookes Primary Partnership of schools is well established and mentors and teachers are involved in all aspects of your training. You will undertake periods of school experience teaching across classes within your chosen age range, within at least two partnership schools
- Curriculum Studies develops knowledge and understanding of the primary curriculum and the requirements of the national curriculum. This will cover English, mathematics, science, information and communication technology, design technology, geography, history, art, music, drama, physical education and religious education. Information and communication technology is addressed within other curriculum elements, as are further cross-curricular aspects of the course such as special educational needs, multicultural education and citizenship.
- the good attainment and outstanding progress of students, irrespective of their varied starting points
- communication across the partnership, which ensures high expectations and consistency
- very effective team working among enthusiastic, committed and knowledgeable trainers at all levels
- the commitment and enthusiasm of trainees, their outstanding professional attitudes to their development, and the capacity to identify their own learning priorities
- the outstanding support provided for individual trainees, particularly those who are at risk of failure.
Admission Requirements
Academic Requirements
- Recognised UK degree, or degree equivalent, typically at second class honours.
- Passes at GCSE grade C or above in English Language, Mathematics and Science (or equivalent). There will be brief assessments of English and mathematics competence at interview.
- To be considered for interview, candidates are expected to already have insights into the primary classroom, gained through experience in a school. Applicants must complete a minimum of two weeks in a UK state primary school prior to application.
- Satisfactory health and criminal record audits.
Although there is no deadline for applications we recommend that you apply as early as possible as places for postgraduate teacher training are highly competitive. Early application is especially advised if you live locally and would like to work in our partnership schools.
- You will need to pass the Department for Education\'s professional skills tests in Literacy and Numeracy before you can start the course.
- You will have to apply for your teacher training course through the UCAS for teacher trainingapplication form. When you receive your offer letter, you need to book dates to take the Department for Education skills test.
- When you go to the test centre you should take your offer letter with you as evidence that you have already applied for a course of teacher training. You will not be allowed to take the test unless you can provide this evidence.
- Applicants are allowed three attempts to complete each test. The first attempt is free but a charge will apply if you are required to re-take either test. We, therefore, strongly encourage you to familiarise yourself with the test content and take several practice tests before you attempt to book a test date. Successful applicants will only be called for interview once we have confirmation that they have completed their Skills Tests.
- All candidates whose application forms indicate appropriate qualification and experience will be invited for interview. In order to be accepted on the course, you must also have satisfactory criminal record and health checks.
International applications
Preparation courses for International and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you to meet the entry requirements for this course and also familiarise you with university life. You may also be able to apply for one student visa to cover both courses.
- If you need to take a pre-master\'s course to help you to meet both the English language and academic entry requirements for your master\'s course, you can take our two year master\xc2\x92s course. This course combine the pre-master\'s diploma and your master\'s in one application. You can apply for one visa for the two years of study.
- If you need to improve your English language, we have pre-sessional English language courses available to help you to meet the English language requirements of your chosen master\xc2\x92s.
If you are studying outside the UK, for more details about your specific country entry requirements, translated information, local contacts and programmes within your country, please have a look at our country pages.
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS Postgraduate.
Through UCAS Postgraduate, you should use the UKPASS portal to make your application, which will then be forwarded directly to our Admissions Office. You should send supporting documentation to us directly using the email addresses on the UKPASS application form.
English Proficiency: IELTS 6 or equivalent.
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 12,640 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
Tuition fees: GBP 12,640 (Tuition (Year)) — International students; GBP 9,000 (Tuition (Year)) — EU/EEA students
IELTS requirement: 6
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Contact Oxford Brookes University directly for scholarship, grant, and financial aid information for this programme. Many European universities offer merit-based and need-based funding for international and domestic students.
About Oxford Brookes University
Oxford Brookes University
Oxford, United Kingdom
Oxford Brookes University is a distinguished institution of higher education committed to academic excellence, innovative research, and preparing students for leadership in their chosen fields....
University Profile- Start Date September 2026
- Language English
- Duration 9 months