Applying for a
teaching degree –
2014 entry
Types of teaching degrees
• You will study towards either becoming a primary
school teacher or secondary school teacher
– To work as a primary school teacher you will complete a
three year degree in Early Years/Primary Teaching – followed
by an ‘NQT’ year
– To work as a secondary school teacher you will study a three
year degree in a subject and then a further one year Post
Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) followed by an NQT
year, OR you will complete a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed)
degree which includes Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Example entry requirements (Primary)
• University of Huddersfield – Primary Education & Early Years
– 340 UCAS points (A,A,B)
– GCSE English, Maths and Science at C+
– 5% of applicants receive an offer for this course
– ‘Recent and sustained experience in a school setting’
• University of Hull (Scarborough campus) – Primary Teaching
– 280 UCAS points (B,B,C)
– GCSE – Maths, English Language and Science at C+
– 29% of applicants receive offers for this course
– AS levels not accepted
• Leeds Metropolitan University – Primary Education
– 300 UCAS points (B,B,B)
– 200 of your points must be from 2 x A-levels, not BTEC/AS etc
– GCSE – Science C, English B and Maths C
– General Studies not accepted
Example entry requirements - Secondary
courses with QTS
• Sheffield Hallam University – Secondary Education (Mathematics)
– 200-240 UCAS points
– GCSE English Language & Maths at C+
– 29% of applicants receive an offer for this course
• Leeds Trinity University – Secondary Physical Education & Sports Coaching
– 240-280 UCAS points
– GCSE – Maths, English Language and Science at C+
– Experience related to the study of Sport or Physical Education, such as Physical
Education, Sport Studies, Biology, Psychology, Sociology or Sport Science
• University of Sunderland – English Education (11-18 years)
– 260 UCAS points
– GCSE English Language & Maths at C+
– Voluntary experience in a secondary school English department
Online Resources
• The Times Education Supplement (TES) New Teachers –
www.newteachers.tes.co.uk
• Department for Education –
• www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching
• The Student Room –
www.thestudentroom.co.uk/wiki/Become_a_teacher
Entry Tests
• The QTS Skills Test – since 1st July 2013, all students
wanting to enrol on a course which awards QTS,
must complete this skills test before starting the
course.
– Register online
– Sit the test at a test centre near you
– 63% pass rate
– Focus on literacy and numeracy
Interviews
All teaching degree places will be allocated after you have
attended an interview.
How to prepare for an interview
What a uni interview is really like
Strange interview questions!
Interview tips – by students for students
Work Experience
Work experience is an essential criteria when applying for a teaching degree - experience must
be complete by the time you apply to university.
Placements should increase your knowledge of: the classroom environment, behaviour
management, record keeping, lesson planning etc.
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Speak to Mrs Haigh to arrange a placement at a local school or upcoming Summer school
Do you know any teachers? – Do you have any friends or relatives who are teachers? Use
any existing contacts you have and ask if they might be willing to take you in and observe
lessons.
Ask your old school –If you are in touch with any of your old teachers or they might
remember you then they might like to see that they have inspired a love for teaching in an
ex-pupil!
Be brave and ask! – If you don’t have any existing contacts then just ask! Look
on Edubase.org for schools in your area and contact them to ask if you could come in and
observe lessons.
Be as flexible as you can – It is not easy if you are studying to find time to go into a school
but you do need to be as flexible as possible.
Alternative Routes
• Manchester Metroplitan University
– Education Studies (Foundation) X302
– Education and Early Childhood Studies (Foundation) X324
– Early Years and Childhood Studies (Foundation) X341
• 200 UCAS points
• Bradford College University Centre
– Early Years (Foundation) X311
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120-160 UCAS points
Grace C+ GCSE in English, Maths and Science
• Once you have passed the Foundation Year you will progress
directly onto Year 1 of the linked honours degree
Personal Statement Tips
Education & Teaching Personal
Statement Guidelines