PGCE Early Years FAQs

Thank you for your interest in our PGCE Early Years programmes.  Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions that we are asked in relation to this programme.

How do I apply for the course?

You can apply directly through our online application service (RISIS)

Which of the two PGCE Early Years programmes should I apply for?

If you have an undergraduate degree but do not have experience in working with young children, you should apply for the Graduate Entry - mainstream (GE) programme.

If you have an undergraduate degree and are currently employed within an Early Years setting (for example, in a day nursery) in the UK you should apply for the Graduate Entry - employment-based (GEB) programme.

What qualification will I be awarded at the end of my programme?

On successful completion of your programme you will be awarded a PGCE in Early Years and gain EYTS (Early Years Teacher Status)

What are the entry requirements?

A Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification in any subject and GCSEs in Maths, English and a Science (either combined Science or a core science) at Grade 4 (or C), or an equivalent qualification, is required for entry to this programme. 

Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) or similar Level 5 qualifications are not acceptable. 

You will also be required to obtain two acceptable professional or academic references and will need to undertake mandatory safeguarding checks (DBS (criminal records check), and an online Fitness to Teach Occupational Health assessment).  If you have lived outside the UK for more than 6 months in the last five years you will also need to obtain a letter of good conduct or police certificate from the relevant country.  We will send you further information and instructions if you are offered a place on the programme.

Do I need relevant work experience?

No, you do not need to be currently working in an Early Years setting for the Graduate Entry (GE) programme.  However, most of our successful applicants are able to demonstrate their knowledge of the role of the role of the Early Years teacher by referring to relevant experience (either paid or unpaid) with the Early Years age group.  We therefore recommend that you gain some experience either working with or observing children in an Early Years setting.

For the Graduate Entry employment based (GEB) programme you will need to be currently employed within an Early Years setting in the UK.

Will I need to attend an interview?

Yes, all short-listed applicants will be required to attend an interview either online or on campus.

Do you offer this programme online or on a part-time basis?

No, we only offer a full-time programme and students would need to come to the university for taught sessions and be based in the UK for placements..

Is there a deadline for submitting an application?

For the Graduate Entry (GE) programme, we are receiving a very high volume of applications for the limited number of places that we have been allocated by the DfE.  We therefore advise you to apply for this programme as soon as possible as applications will be closed when we have made offers for all of the available places.

We are receiving fewer applications for the Graduate Entry employment based (GEB) programme so this is likely to remain open longer for applications from those currently working in an Early Years setting in the UK.

I have already applied, when will I hear whether I have been short-listed?

We have received an unprecedented number of applications for the places we have available for our PGCE Early Years programmes.  It may therefore be up to twelve weeks before you hear about your application. Please bear with us while we work through the applications.

What financial support is available?

The tuition fees for both Early Years programmes are paid by the UK Department for Education (DfE).  You will therefore not need to pay any tuition fees for this programme.

For the Graduate Entry (GE) programme students will need to be able to support themselves and fund their own living expenses during the course.  UK students are eligible to apply for a maintenance loan from Student Finance England/Wales/Scotland. 

For the Graduate entry - employment-based (GEB) programme students will continue in their employment.

Are there any bursaries or scholarships available?

The Department for Education will pay a small bursary to students studying on the Graduate Entry (GE) programme who hold a first class, upper second or lower second class degree.  Further information is available on the Get into Teaching Early Years website.  You do not need to apply for this bursary.  Eligible students will automatically receive the payment in 10 equal instalments after they have enrolled for the programme with the first payment being made in mid-October.

There no university-funded scholarships available for this programme.

Can I work while undertaking the programme?

Due to the intensive nature and placement requirement students on the Graduate Entry (GE) programme would only be able to undertake very limited additional work while enrolled at the university and any employment undertaken by students on the GE programme cannot be working in any capacity with children.

For the Graduate entry - employment-based (GEB) programme, students will continue in their employment.

How many placements will I need to undertake and will I need to find placements myself?

GE students complete four placements across the length of the programme. One of these placements takes place in school (KS1, working with children aged 5-7), and is a non-assessed placement. There are two long placements in two different early years settings and a specialist placement usually in a special educational needs nursery. Students need to demonstrate that they have working experience across the birth to five age range.

GEB students complete the majority of the programme within their own early years workplace, but they also need to complete a school-based KS1 placement and a second assessed placement with children that they have limited experience of working with in order for them to meet the requirement for experience across the birth to five age range.

GE students arrange their own KS1 placement in a Primary school. The Programme Director organises the other three placements in early years settings. GEB students arrange their KS1 and second assessed placement.

Student Visa questions

Does the university sponsor student visas for this programme?

The University will provide student visa sponsorship for students joining the GE programme. 

Can I bring dependents with me to the UK if I have a student visa?

No, students joining the course with a student visa are not permitted to bring dependents with them to the UK.

Can I apply for a Graduate visa (previously known as post-study work visa) at the end of the programme?

Yes, on successful completion of the PGCE Early Years programme you will be eligible to apply for a Graduate Visa.  You can find further information on Graduate Visa eligibility on the UK Government Graduate Visa pages.

How much money will I need to show that I have to support myself for my student visa application

You can find full details of the financial evidence you will need to show and other student visa information on the UK Government Student Visa pages.

Who should I contact if I have a question that is not answered on this page?

Please contact the teacher training admissions team if you have a question that is not covered on this page.