PGCE application guidance

How to apply

You should apply for teacher training via GOV.UK.

You will be asked for references. If you have graduated within five years of the start date of the PGCE, the principal referee must be an academic from your university.

When to apply

Universities and colleges will begin to consider candidates from October each year, so early application is advised.

The PGCE offers places on a first come, first served basis and courses remain open until all places have been filled or until 1st August.  Prospective candidates are advised that courses may close at short notice, especially late in the cycle.  This means that some applications made through the Department for Education may reach us after courses have closed.   

Prospective international applicants are advised to leave sufficient time to complete all pre-course admissions requirements, including visa and finance applications in order to ensure they can meet the course start date.  See the University's information for prospective International students.

Applicants may be offered a place on a waiting list for a limited period. Qualified applicants may be offered places as they become available.

Selection criteria

Academic qualifications

All trainee teachers are expected to meet the University's academic entry requirements. You should also refer to subject-specific entry requirements. 

If English is not your first language, you must meet English language requirements for the PGCE.

W‌e can accept a range of international qualifications as GCSE equivalents.  You will need to send us your certificates if you are offered an interview and we will assess them. 

Subject knowledge enhancement

If you do not quite meet the required academic requirements but meet the other entry requirements and qualities, you may be offered a place on the condition that you complete a subject knowledge enhancement course to top up your subject knowledge. These courses are available in several locations. 

Personal qualities 

The PGCE is a demanding course and we want to make sure that you will be able to not only complete your studies but thrive and become a confident and successful teacher. For all of our programmes, we look for:

• good subject skills;
• good understanding of the place your subject in the secondary school curriculum;
• up to date awareness of effective teaching and learning in your subject;
• interest and awareness of what working with young people involves;
• commitment to teaching in the state sector;
• communication skills;
• critical analysis;
• good organisation;
• reflection;
• resilience. 

Please also read the  School of Education competence standards (PDF, 115kB) prior to applying.

We will use your application form to assess if you meet these requirements and qualities. If you are called for an interview, you will also be assessed for these qualities and competencies throughout your interview. 

Interviews

If we shortlist you, you will be invited to a remote interview. You will be interviewed by subject tutors and staff from our partnership schools.

The format of the interviews varies, however they may include:

• making a presentation;
• engaging in group discussions;
• completing a range of tasks;
• an individual interview.

Visiting a school

Although not mandatory, we recommend you gain experience in an educational setting before applying.

Medical check

All students are required to undertake prescribed medical formalities before starting the PGCE. You will be sent a University of Bristol Health Questionnaire and other required documentation automatically if you are made an offer.

Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)

Any offer is conditional upon the satisfactory receipt of an Enhanced DBS. Details will be provided in your offer letter.

Equal opportunities

We have an active equal opportunities policy and we particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds and those with disabilities. Judgements are focused only upon academic and professional requirements.

Disability support

If you have a disability, or other health or learning condition, we encourage you to contact Disability support to discuss any potential requirements. We encourage you to be open about any disability and we are committed to managing disability issues positively and helping you.

Accepting an offer

If you are offered a place, you will be asked to confirm online.

Places offered are expected to be taken up in the next academic year. However, if you are unable to accept your place within this timeframe, you must re-apply for intake in the following year.