Entry Requirements

There are both academic and non-academic (including CRB checks) entry requirements for the PGCE. The University is responsible for ensuring that all applicants are able to demonstrate that they meet these national requirements by the start of the programme.

Academic Entry Requirements – Overview (see Note 1)

Qualifications	Grade	Primary	7-14	11-18 & 14-19	Post-compulsory
Degree (or equivalent)		(2:2 Hons degree or above only)	(See Note 2)	(See Note 2)	(See Note 2)
GCSE English (or equivalent)	C or above
GCSE Maths (or equivalent)	C or above
GCSE Science (or equivalent) (See Note 3)	C or above

Note 1: Please note that the above entry requirements are the minimum that have been set by the government. For programme specific requirements, which might include specific degree classifications, degree subjects and non-academic requirements (see subject pages).

Note 2: Applicants' are expected to have a minimum of a 2:2 (Hons) degree, although individual offers might vary and be set above this classification. In most cases at least 50% of the degree subject should be relevant to the PGCE subject (see subject pages). If you have a classification below a 2:2 (Hons) degree your application would need to be supported by evidence of substantial experience of working with children and young people, and a track record of success in that field.

Note 3: Sciences accepted include general science, biology, chemistry and physics. If you have another science subject please check with Student Recruitment to see if it is accepted for entry onto the course.

Equivalent Qualifications
If you are unsure if your qualifications are equivalent to a degree or GCSE then you should contact the Student Recruitment department to seek confirmation. It is the University’s final decision as to whether they can accept your qualifications.

Please note that level 2 in adult numeracy and literacy are not deemed to be GCSE equivalent, and are not accepted for entry onto the PGCE.

The National Academic Recognition Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC) provides a written qualifications comparability service of overseas and UK qualifications. See useful contacts for contact details.

Equivalency Tests
The University offers equivalency tests in English, Mathematics and Science for most PGCE programmes, where applicants do not meet the required GCSE or equivalent standards. The tests are only offered to applicants that are offered a place on the PGCE. While a pass in an equivalency test demonstrates that an applicant meets a GCSE equivalent standard in a particular subject, the test does not provide applicants with a nationally recognized qualification and so cannot be accepted by other Universities.

Applicants are advised to contact the Student Recruitment department to check if the equivalency test is available for the PGCE for which they are applying. If the equivalency test is not offered for your PGCE programme then you will be expected to undertake a course, such as the GCSE, to meet the entry requirements.

While the University will provide some basic guidance about the test, we do not offer a revision course and are not able to provide past copies of equivalency test papers. We would advise any applicant that feels that they need a lot of subject support to undertake a course, such as a GCSE, to obtain this qualification before the start of the PGCE.

Non Academic Entry Requirements

In addition to academic entry requirements, the University also requires all applicants for teacher training courses to demonstrate that they meet the below non academic entry requirements.

All applicants must:

• All PGCEs (except Post Compulsory) - Undertake a recommended period of at least ten days, preferably in a UK state school, observing the age group and curriculum relevant to the PGCE programme for which an application is being made.
• (For Post compulsory only) - have relevant experience or have undertaken relevant observation in a further education college.
• Provide two supportive references from relevant referees.
• Demonstrate that they can read effectively and can communicate clearly and accurately in spoken and written English.
• Demonstrate that they are capable of meeting the Professional Standards for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and Qualified Teacher, Learning and Skills (QTLS) by the end of their training.
• Possess appropriate personal and intellectual qualities to be teachers
• Meet national standards for physical and mental fitness to teach (see health clearance).
• Not have previously been excluded from teaching or working with children, and do not have a criminal background which might prevent them from working with children or young people (CRB and GTCE clearance).

Health Clearance
All applicants must be deemed to be medically fit to undertake a teacher training course in England, Wales or Scotland. When applicants are offered a place on a course, they are sent a health questionnaire to allow an assessment of their medical fitness. In most cases medical advisers can make a decision about an applicant’s medical fitness for teacher training on the basis the completed questionnaire. In exceptional circumstances, however, the medical adviser may ask an applicant to have a medical examination before making a decision.

CRB Clearance
Before an applicant can start a teacher training course, they have to disclose any previous criminal convictions, cautions or bind-overs irrespective of when they occurred. It is a government requirement that all applicants undertake an enhanced criminal record check through the CRB (Criminal Records Bureau).

Non-UK residents must go through the CRB process. It is expected that students from countries where a further check/certificate of good conduct can be obtained, will also undertake this process.

As of 1st March 2006 the University no longer accepts CRB certificates from other organisations.

There is a charge made by the CRB for this process (currently £44) plus a £5 administrative charge made by the University. The process for CRB begins at the interview stage.

If you have a criminal record, it will not automatically prevent you from becoming a teacher. If you have any concerns about this process and want to discuss any convictions, cautions or bind-overs then you can contact Lorraine Symonds (Student Recruitment Manager) at the University (see useful contacts).

Where an applicant declares a conviction, caution or bind-over, the University makes a decision based on the outcome of the interview first. Once this has been completed, those offered a place will be asked to submit further information concerning their circumstances and then a decision is taken as to whether to confirm the offer.

Where an applicant fails to disclose information that subsequently comes to light through the CRB process, the applicant faces the likelihood of having their offer of a place withdrawn.

GTCE Suitability
Before an applicant can start a teacher training course, they must also complete the GTCE Suitability declaration form, disclosing any previous criminal convictions, cautions or bind-overs irrespective of when they occurred and be deemed suitable for GTCE registration.