Course Summary
This course leads to qualified teaching status within primary schools, and the Religious Certificate is recognised by all four churches within Northern Ireland.
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
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.
More details on the degree subjects that are suitable for PGCE Primary can be found here:
https://www.ulster.ac.uk/study/entrance-requirements/postgraduate-entry-requirements/pgce-primary-subject-areas
Eligibility
PGCE Programmes at Ulster are only available to applicants from Northern Ireland or the Republic of Ireland, and who meet all the requirements to be deemed a home fee payer. This means that if you are not a UK or Irish citizen (or have settled in the UK status), you will not be eligible to study this course.
English Language Requirements
For admission to any initial teacher education course, applicants must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in English language and mathematics. In addition, all new entrants to primary level courses must demonstrate an acceptable level of competence in a science subject or subjects. An acceptable level of competence is defined as a GCSE level pass at Grade C or higher, or an equivalent qualification. Enquiries regarding equivalent qualifications should be made to the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CCEA).
• For English language requirements go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/english-language-requirements
• For Your country go to: https://www.ulster.ac.uk/global/apply/countr
Application Details
The closing date for applications for entry is normally 31st May and interviews are held in June. Applications received after that date may be considered if all places are not filled. If all places are filled then late applications will be considered the following year.
Start Date: September 2026.
Fees
Your Application
Application is through the University's online application system (see "Application Weblink" below).
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Social
The Social person's interests focus on interacting with the people in their environment. In all cases, the Social person enjoys the personal contact with other people in preference to the impersonal dealings with things, data and ideas found in other groups.
Many will seek out positions where there is direct contact with the public in some advisory role, whether a receptionist or a counsellor. Social people are motivated by an interest in different types of people and like diversity in their work environments. Many are drawn towards careers in the caring professions and social welfare area, whilst others prefer teaching and other 'informing' roles.
Career Progression
Teaching and related professions.