A professional course leading to qualified teacher status.
The closing date for this course is 15 November 2022.
This course leads to qualified teaching status within the primary school and the Religious Certificate is recognised by all four churches within Northern Ireland.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The course prepares you to teach a full range of pupils in primary school.
Full time.
The central purpose of the course is to help develop teaching competence and this is reflected in the teaching and learning methods employed. In the university-based work these often take the form of workshop activities, although a variety of lectures, tutorials peer tutoring and computer assisted learning will also be used. Assessment is through satisfactory performance in course work and school experience.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 59% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (25%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (20%) or Lecturers (55%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic staff (81%) are accredited fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advanced HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2021-2022.
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Our Campus in Coleraine boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor facilities that are open all year round to students and members of the public.
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The feeling of community at our campus makes for a warm and welcoming student experience.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
In this section
Year: 1
Status: C
This module School Experience 1 is designed to provide an academically and practically challenging programme which will give students an opportunity to put into practice the professional knowledge, skills and values related to qualifying as a classroom teacher which they have acquired in Foundation for Learning and Teaching. The module will focus on laying a foundation of competence in the pedagogy of Learning and Teaching in a school situation.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module builds on the professional, knowledge, skills and values that were introduced in Modules 1, 2 and 3 and is designed to provide students with the opportunity to develop and demonstrate their skills and understanding of effective learning and teaching in schools and to show competence that will allow them to be awarded the PGCE.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides an orientation to the place and purpose of RE in the primary classroom. It explores the skills, strategies and pedagogies required for effective learning and teaching to take place.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module explores the theory and pedagogy of creating effective Religious Education learning environments for young children in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module will provide an academically challenging programme which will give students an opportunity to study the theory and practice of education. The module gives them the theoretical background that provides the context for their teaching and which will be applied during the student's practical teaching experience in Module 2 encouraging reflection and analysis on the ways in which theory informs practice.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module 'Developing effective Learning and Teaching' will provide an academically challenging programme which will give students an opportunity to critique the theory and practice of education. The module gives students the opportunity to extend their knowledge and understanding of the Foundation stage curriculum. They will be able to work collaboratively in subject specialist groups to produce lesson plans and prepare teaching and learning resources for a foundation stage classroom. The design of the group work presentation is aligned to the Assessment Handbook guidance document (2021: p.37) which stresses the importance of equal contributions of every group member (Moore and Exley, 1993). The module allows students to develop and deepen their critical analysis and reflection skills.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Applicants must strictly meet all the criteria listed 1 GCSE passes at grade C in mathematics and science. GCSE pass at grade C in English 2. An honours degree. Priority will be given to students with a 2.1 degree but students holding a 2.2 degree are welcome to apply. The degree must be appropriate to a primary education subject area. Primary curriculum subjects include Mathematics, Science, Geography, History, Languages/Literature, Art, Music, Drama, Personal Development, Physical Education and Religion. 3. knowledge, interest and experience in the education of primary aged children in a formal classroom setting gained within the last three years. (Classroom practice should exceed at least 2 weeks). 4. Medical certificate of satisfactory health. 5. Evidence of good quality presentation and basic literacy skills are required throughout the application process. 6. Applications will be scrutinised to ensure that they do not have a criminal record which would inhibit their ability to work safely with children. 7. Two acceptable references must be provided - one character and one academic.
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
Not applicable.
In this section
Teaching and related professions.
19 weeks in a primary school.
Initial teacher education programmes in Northern Ireland B.Ed. degrees and post- graduate PGCEs for the purposes of registration with the Council all of which must be compliant with DE Circular 2007/22.
| NI/ROI Cost | GB Cost | International and EU (Excluding ROI) Cost |
|---|---|---|
| £4,710 | £9,250 | £15,840 |
Successful applicants must apply for AccessNI clearance (£33) and complete an Occupational Health Check (£35) and are responsible for costs associated with these applications.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
