Initial Teacher Education at Bath Spa

Bath Spa University has a long tradition of Initial Teacher Education. Programmes are planned and taught in close collaboration with teachers in schools.

Each year we recruit a diverse group of around 500 trainees to our wide range of programmes in Initial Teacher Education leading to the award of either a Postgraduate or Professional Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).

Our PGCE Trainees

We actively welcome trainees from a wide variety of backgrounds. What matters most is the belief that you have what it takes to be a good teacher. Many candidates join us straight from university but an increasing number of people are choosing to pursue teaching as a second career, bringing with them valuable knowledge and experience from the workplace.

Carefully Phased

You will build up confidence and competence in your teaching ability through a phased programme of development. The content of all our programmes is relevant to the National Curriculum. You will build your understanding and teaching skills within this framework.

School or Setting Placements

A high proportion of time is spent on classroom placements, working with children and young people, teachers and other education professionals and university tutors. Placements are varied so that many trainees will have experience of teaching in different types of school or setting.

Assessment

You will be assessed continuously through your programme whilst on school or setting placements and also through a range of assignments. Throughout the programme you will work on a personalised training plan, which you will develop in negotiation with teachers and other professionals in schools and with your university tutors.

Your programme gives you the opportunity for accreditation at Honours (H) or Master's (M) level. If all of the relevant assignments are passed at Master's level your award would be the Postgraduate Certificate in Education. If the relevant assignments are passed at Honours level your award would be the Professional Graduate Certificate in Education.

Which Course to Apply For?

If you are undecided about which course to choose you will probably be asking yourself some of these questions:

You will find the answers to all these questions, and more, in this prospectus.

Building on a Long History

Although Bath Spa University is modern and progressive its success is based on a long history of tradition and success in higher education - we can trace our origins back over 150 years to the original Bath School of Art, and our first trainee teachers trained here over 50 years ago. It is also underpinned by sound financial management that allows significant investment in the estates infrastructure and in resources and facilities for students and trainees.

Accessible and Supportive

We have built our success on accessibility and equality of opportunity. The unique study and social environment we offer is a key factor in our distinctiveness - and in our popularity. Our students come from a range of backgrounds and cultures, from all parts of this country and from overseas, and with a variety of academic credentials.

The Bath Spa Community

When students are asked what they like about Bath Spa University they often say that it is "small and friendly" and that they appreciate the community feel. With around 5,500 students it's small enough for students to feel that they won't get lost in the crowd - but large enough to provide excellent facilities and social activities. There is an atmosphere of mutual respect and tolerance among students and staff, firmly embedded in a policy of equality and diversity.

You will find the answers to all these questions and more on the teaching courses page.