Routes into Teaching Mini Guide 2025
Why Nottingham Institute of Education?
We are a community - learning from and supporting each other to make a positive difference in society.
Designed to prepare you for your future career, our courses are innovative, hands-on, and career-focused.
Together, we inspire, we empower, and we impact.
Courses spanning all phases of learning and development — from the early years to adult education. Learn at the forefront of your profession, from people with first-hand experience of the sector you’ll be entering.
Specially designed teaching rooms simulating classrooms to prepare you for teaching.
Placements and work‑based opportunities through our extensive network of hundreds of partner schools and institutions.
Meet our Students
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves.
The support from tutors and staff and NTU has been incredible from start to finish. It was very visible that the course staff wanted us to be successful.They were always happy to meet before or after the session to explain anything of which I was not sure, as well as provide additional study materials.
I have benefitted from NTU’s links with local schools by having two very contrasting placements. Getting to learn how they (practitioners) deal with classroom management, teaching and learning, and replicating that experience into my own teaching during my course.
Patrycja Socha
Tom Clarke
PGCE Early Years Initial Teacher Training (EYTS)
PGCE Secondary Computer Science with ICT (QTS)
Scan the QR code to discover more inspiring student stories
Lily‑Mae Hackett
There are a number of reasons I chose NTU! The bright, modern campus has everything you need in close proximity. There are excellent resources and facilities, such as the primary mock classrooms for D&T, art and science. The friendly, welcoming and helpful staff also stood out to me.
Gurkirpa Swali
Teaching in primary school was the end goal - standing proudly in front of my class as a diverse male teacher, having the power to enhance the curriculum, and leaving children with an unforgettable learning experience.
BA (Hons) Primary Education (QTS)
BA (Hons) Primary Education (QTS)
Choosing your Teacher Training Course
Whether you are studying for a degree, just graduated, already working in schools or planning a career change, we offer many routes to help you become a teacher.
This useful guide is designed to help you understand the best pathway for you.
Head to page 11 to find out about our Initial Teacher Training PGCE Early Years
I have or am studying towards an undergraduate degree.
Primary Education
I have or am studying towards A-levels, BTECs or equivalent.
I have or am studying towards a relevant undergraduate degree.
I have a degree, and I am or will be employed in a teaching role in a Primary school, but do not have qualified teacher status.
I have a degree, and I am employed to teach and have extensive Primary teaching experience, but do not have qualified teacher status.
Secondary Education
I have or am studying towards A-levels, BTECs or equivalent.
I have or am studying towards an undergraduate degree.
I have a degree, and I am or will be employed in a teaching role in a Secondary school, but do not have qualified teacher status.
I have a degree, and I am employed to teach and have extensive Secondary teaching experience, but do not have qualified teacher status.
Further Education and Skills
I have or am studying towards A-levels (or equivalent) or an undergraduate degree, and relevant work experience in my intended subject specialism.
Head to page 12 to find out about our BA (Hons) Primary Education (QTS) degree
Head to page 12 to find out about our Primary Education PGCE
Head to page 15 to find out about our Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship PGCE
Head to page 15 to find out about our Primary Assessment Only Route to QTS
Head to page 17 to find out about our undergraduate BA or BSc (QTS) teacher training degrees
Head to page 17 to find out about our Secondary Education PGCE.
Head to page 18 to find out about our Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship PGCE
Head to page 18 to find out about our Secondary Assessment Only Route to QTS
Head to page 19 to find out about our Further Education and Skills courses.
Career Progression
Our teacher training courses set you up to succeed. They provide opportunities and experiences to develop your understanding of learning and teaching, and to help you to achieve your professional ambitions through certified Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS), Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) or Qualified Teacher Learning and Skills (QTLS).
Leadership
Being a leader in a school could encompass a number of different roles, from taking charge of a year group or key stage to becoming a head teacher. In these roles, you’ll have a large influence in the school, setting high standards and ensuring continuous improvement throughout.
Focus on your subject
Pursue a career as a head of department or as a leading practitioner, sharing your passion for your subject. In these positions, you’ll still have time in the classroom but enjoy additional responsibilities – from training new teachers to acting as a leading expert on your subject within the school.
Pastoral care
If you’re interested in ensuring the welfare of students throughout their education, a pastoral role might be for you. This can range from guiding a tutor group through school to becoming a head of year. You could also take on the role of a mentor for young people with special educational needs.
A salary to match your talent
Your salary will be linked to your responsibilities and performance, so you can get out what you put in. In some cases, bursaries, scholarships and early career payments may be available from the government.
Career Progression
Early Years Initial Teacher Training Courses
Early Years Initial Teacher Training PGCE (employment‑based pathway)
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/pgceearlyyears
This course is for: Graduates who are employed in an early years setting to teach children from 0 - 5 years.
Course length: One year part-time or full-time
Entry requirements: A UK honours degree or equivalent. GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at a minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. One year’s work experience in a related role and current employment in the sector (no less than 15 hours per week). DBS check. Fitness to Practise declaration.
Start date: September
Fees and funding: This course is funded by the Department for Education. Your workplace can access funding through the university to support you in completing this course.
Early Years Initial Teacher Training PGCE (graduate entry pathway)
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/pgceearlyyears
This course is for: Graduates who have an undergraduate degree.
Course length: One year part-time or full-time
Entry requirements: A UK degree or equivalent. GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at a minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. An interview. Professional Checks: DBS check. Fitness to Practise declaration.
Start date: September
Fees and funding: A training bursary of up to £5,000 is available.
Primary Education Courses
Primary Education
BA (Hons) with (QTS)
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/baprimaryedu
Primary Education PGCE
This course is for: Applicants aiming for a career as a Primary Teacher working with children aged 3-11 who want to achieve an Honours Degree and recommendation for QTS.
Course length: Four years full-time
Entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from three A-Levels or equivalent. 5 GCSEs at grade C / 4 or equivalent including English, Mathematics and Science. An interview, and Mathematics and English tasks. DBS check. Fitness to Practise declaration.
Start date: September
Fees and funding: University fees and funding apply.
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/pgceprimaryedu
This course is for: Graduates aiming for a career as a Primary Teacher who want to achieve a PGCE and recommendation for QTS.
Course length: One year full-time
Entry requirements: A UK honours degree or equivalent. GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. Two references - one academic and one vocational. An interview and Mathematics and English tasks. DBS check.
Start date: September
Fees and funding: University fees and funding apply.
Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship PGCE
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/pgceteacherapprenticeship
Primary Assessment Only Route to QTS
This course is for: Graduates who are or will be employed by a primary school who do not yet have a teaching qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Course length: 16 months full-time
Entry requirements: A UK honours degree or equivalent. GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent.
Start date: August/September
Fees and funding: Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/assessmentonlyprimary
This programme is for: Graduates with substantial experience, currently employed by a primary school, who do not yet have a teaching qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Course length: Maximum of 12 weeks part-time
Entry requirements: A UK honours degree or equivalent. GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. Two years’ relevant and recent experience of practice in two schools or colleges across two or more age ranges. An interview and English assessment. DBS check.
Start date: Various
Fees and funding: The cost of the assessment must be met by you or your supporting school.
Secondary Education Courses
Secondary Education BA (Hons) and BSc (Hons)
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/basecondaryedu
These courses are for: Applicants who want to study their subject at degree level and achieve an Honours Degree and recommendation for QTS.
Courses include: Chemistry Computing English Mathematics Physics
Course length: Three years full-time
Entry requirements: Entry requirements for these courses reflect the same admission criteria as the equivalent undergraduate course. For example, BSc (Hons) Chemistry with Secondary Education has the same entry requirements as BSc (Hons) Chemistry. In addition, you’ll also need GCSE English and Mathematics at grade C/ 4 or equivalent. An interview. DBS Check.
Start date: September
Fees and funding: University fees and funding apply.
Secondary Education PGCE
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/pgcesecondaryedu
These courses are for: Graduates aiming for a career as a Secondary Teacher who want to achieve a PGCE and recommendation for QTS.
Courses available in most secondary education subjects.
Course length: One year full-time
Entry requirements: A UK honours degree or equivalent.
GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. Two references - one academic and one vocational. An interview. DBS check.
Start date: September
Fees and funding: University fees and funding apply.
Level 6 Teacher Apprenticeship PGCE
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/pgceteacherapprenticeship
Secondary Assessment Only Route to QTS
This course is for: Graduates who are or will be employed by a secondary school who do not yet have a teaching qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Course length: 16 months full-time
Entry requirements: A UK honours degree or equivalent. GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent.
Start date: August/September
Fees and funding: Funded through the Apprenticeship Levy.
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/assessmentonlysecondary
This programme is for: Graduates with substantial experience, currently employed by a secondary school, who do not yet have a teaching qualification or Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Course length: Maximum of 12 weeks part-time
Entry requirements: A UK honours degree or equivalent. GCSE English and Mathematics at minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. Two years’ relevant and recent experience of practice in two schools or colleges across two or more age ranges. An interview and English assessment. DBS check.
Start date: Various
Fees and funding: The cost of the assessment must be met by you or your supporting school.
Further Education and Skills Courses
Further Education and Skills Courses
CertEd
/ PGCE
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/fes
This programme is for: Applicants aiming to teach students aged 16 and over.
Course length: One year full-time, two years part-time Entry requirements: CertEd: A-level at grade C or equivalent or substantial industrial/ commercial experience in the intended subject specialism.
PGCE: An honours degree from UK university in the intended subject specialism. Relevant work experience will strengthen your application.
Other requirements:
GCSE English, Mathematics at a minimum grade C / 4 or equivalent. An interview. DBS check.
Start date: September
Fees and funding: University fees and funding apply.
Education and Childhood Courses
NTU provides a number of degrees in Education and Childhood, listed below. Graduates from these courses are offered a guaranteed interview for a place on our PGCE Primary teacher training course.
Education
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/educationcourses
Courses include:
Education Studies BA (Hons)
Education Studies and Psychology BA (Hons)
Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion BA (Hons)
Policy and Practice BA (Hons)
Childhood
Find out more:
ntu.ac.uk/childhoodcourses
Courses include:
Childhood and Psychology BA (Hons)
Childhood and Society BA (Hons)
Childhood: Health and Wellbeing BA (Hons)
Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)
How to Apply
NTU is helping to build a teaching profession that reflects our society. It is important that young people and adults are educated and inspired by teachers who reflect the diversity of our communities. We welcome applications from people of all ages and backgrounds.
The process and the dates for applying differ depending on the type of course and the age ranges you wish to teach. We recommend that you start to think about your application at least a year before you wish to start your course.
Undergraduate degree courses leading to QTS
For undergraduate degree courses leading to QTS, please apply through UCAS. Visit ucas.com/teaching‑ in‑the‑uk for more information.
Postgraduate degree courses leading to QTS and Further Education and Skills
For postgraduate courses leading to QTS, you can find your course through the DfE’s Find service at ntu.ac.uk/dfe‑find‑ primaryed or ntu.ac.uk/ dfe‑find‑secondaryed. You can apply through gov.uk/ apply for teacher training. Visit getintoteaching. education.gov.uk to find out about places available and how to apply.
PGCE Early Years
Initial Teacher Training and Assessment Only
For PGCE Early Years
Initial Teacher Training and Assessment Only courses, you should apply directly to the university. Visit ntu. ac.uk/applyguidance to find out more.
Funding, Bursaries and Scholarships
Student loan funding
Undergraduate and postgraduate teacher training courses are generally funded through the undergraduate funding system. If you’re eligible, you’ll get a loan to cover both your tuition fees and to help towards accommodation and other living costs (i.e. maintenance). The amount of Maintenance Loan available depends upon your household income and whether you are living with your parent(s) / carer(s), and other factors. Full details are available from gov.uk/teacher training funding.
Scholarships
Scholarships may be available in some subjects from independent institutions. You cannot receive both a bursary and a scholarship. Further details about other possible sources of funding are available at ntu.ac.uk/bursariesandscholarships.
Teacher Apprentices are not eligible for loans, bursaries or scholarships.
Alumni Discount
If you are currently studying at NTU or have recently graduated, and your course is not eligible for a DfE bursary or other scholarship, you may be eligible for 20% off your postgraduate course fees as part of our Alumni Discount. Visit ntu.ac.uk/alumnidiscount for further details.
Bursaries
Undergraduate
The DfE also make bursaries available to Secondary trainee teachers in your final year of study, in some curriculum subjects. Visit getintoteaching.education.gov.uk for details.
Eligible undergraduates may also receive the NTU Bursary of £750 for each year of study. You can find out more at ntu.ac.uk/bursariesandscholarships.
Postgraduate
Bursaries are available from the Department for Education (DfE). These are allocated to subject areas where they think there may be a shortage of teachers. The amounts vary depending on your course and certain eligibility criteria, such as the class of undergraduate degree that you hold. Visit getintoteaching.education.gov.uk for details of funding available from the DfE. This tends to be updated each October for courses that start the following Autumn. You don’t need to apply for a bursary – if you are eligible, it will be paid automatically.
Further information
For more general information about budgeting, deadlines and applying for these loans, grants and scholarships, visit visit ntu.ac.uk/ugfees or ntu.ac.uk/pgfunding.