Applying for a PGCE WITH QTS COURSE

Starting your PGCE with QTS* at the University of Cumbria is an exciting step in your teacher training journey. Our supportive programmes help you gain the skills to inspire future generations and enter any classroom with confidence.

* Accreditation for the award of QTS for September 2025 entry is through the University of Warwick. From September 2026, all students will receive both their professional QTS qualification and their academic qualification from the University of Cumbria.

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how to apply - 3 Simple Steps

Here you'll find detailed guidance on deadlines and step-by-step instructions to help you navigate the application process smoothly.

Step 1

Search for a PGCE course and vacancies on DfE Find Postgraduate Teacher Training.

You can search specifically for University of Cumbria PGCE courses by checking the ‘by school, university or other training provider’ box and then entering University of Cumbria into the search bar.

Search dfe apply

Step 2

All PGCE courses at the University of Cumbria with vacancies will then appear.

Click on the course you want for further details and entry requirements, plus a link to our webpage.

pgce courses

Step 3

You now need to fill in all sections of the form, including your personal statement and details of your referees.

Once you have submitted your application we will review your application.

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where do i apply?

All applications for PGCE with QTS courses must be submitted through the government-run DfE Apply service. Within DfE Apply, you can apply for up to four Teacher Training courses. Entry requirements for each course can be found on their respective course pages.

There are two types of PGCE with QTS you can study with us:

School-based via one of our delivery partners – where you are based at a school for the entirety of your training.

Campus-based with placements – where you are based at one of our university campuses and complete school placements as part of your training.

The application cycle opens in October each year. You can search for available PGCE courses using DfE Find Postgraduate Teacher Training. Once you have chosen a course, all PGCE applications must be submitted through DfE Apply.

For PGCE with QTS courses, we recruit until early January for the January cohort and until the end of August for the September cohort. There is no fee for using the DfE Apply service.

Looking for our online PGCE (Non-QTS)? Apply here.

October

DfE Apply opens for new applications.

December

Application deadline for PGCE Primary January cohort.

January

January cohort registration day – first day of course.

late august

Application deadline for PGCE September cohort.

September

September cohort registration day – first day of course.

What does my application involve?

When you make your PGCE application, you'll need to provide details about your qualifications, work history or experience, and your reasons for applying. Please note that to apply for PGCE courses, you will need to have already completed a Bachelor’s degree by the course Registration Day. Teacher Training applications are made up of the following main sections:

Personal statement

References

You need to provide the details of two people who can give a reference for you. If you are still at university or finished your degree within the last five years, one of these will have to be someone from that university. If you already work in a school, one of your references should be from your Headteacher. The other references can be from people you work for or a mentor who can comment on your character and potential as a teacher. References will only be contacted if you accept an offer on a course.

Contact your referees before you start your application so they can keep an eye out for your request and complete your references in a timely fashion.

Hear from our students

I couldn’t have felt more supported by the staff at the university and I truly believe that they quickly equipped with me the skills necessary to find my feet in the classroom. I count myself lucky that I have had the opportunity to be taught by them.

Joseph Rudd

Student - PGCE Primary Education with QTS

Read Story
The real deciding factor was the opportunity to specialise in Experiential and Environmental Learning. When I heard about the Morecambe Bay curriculum, it really appealed to me as an opportunity to see place-based education in action. When I accepted the offer, I knew I had made the right choice. Prior to my arrival in England, I joined tailored webinars for my course and had the opportunity to meet our programme leader Adrian. They also had webinars to clarify details about the visa process and academic skills for postgraduate study. The student support is incredibly visible here.

Destiny Bunprakong

Student - PGCE General Primary with QTS – Environmental and Outdoor Learning Specialism

Read Story
I chose the University of Cumbria for many different reasons. One of them being the sentimental value to me. My nana had come to the same campus when she was starting out her nursing career, so it held a special place in my heart to know that I’m on the same campus as her.

Tia Emmens

Student - Primary Education: Inclusion with SEND with QTS (5-11)

Read Story
Go for it! It’s one of the best decisions I have ever made! It’s a great way to improve your confidence and teacher training provides you with many transferable skills, whether you aim to become a teacher or use your training for a different career... All the lecturers are super approachable and are always willing to talk through things.

Ruth Cornish

Student - General Primary (5-11 Years) with QTS

Read Story
It’s daunting coming back to uni as a mature student. You think “can I cope? Am I past it?” But there is a lot of support on the course. The tutors, the peers, we all wanted the best for each other! I wasn’t past it. My life experience meant I brought with me other qualities and skills that I had learnt from my previous job and from being a mum and they made me a brilliant teacher!

Lois Andrews

Student - PGCE Primary Education with QTS - School Direct Route

Read Story

What does a personal statement look like?

The DfE Apply application requires a personal statement, which should be between 500 and 1000 words long.

It needs to be written by you, about you, and can include any skills, hobbies, interests, qualifications or experiences you think are relevant to your application. This is particularly useful if you are retraining or changing career and need to prove that you have transferable skills. It is also really important that you mention any teaching experience you have gained, secured, or are looking to secure, as long as you will have completed your school experience prior to the start date of the course.

You’ll find tips on what to include in your personal statement on the application form, but here are some examples of things you could write about.

Your interest in the subject or age group
The demands and rewards of teaching
The personal qualities you have that would make you a good teacher
How you might contribute to a school outside of the classroom
Your experience working with children or young people

Your thoughts on welfare and education
The subject of your undergraduate degree
Modules you studied as part of your degree
Postgraduate degrees (for example, a Masters or PhD)
Your A level subjects expertise you’ve gained at work

tips and tricks

Writing a strong personal statement can make a big difference to your application. Once you’ve drafted your content, use the following tips and tricks to refine your statement, avoid common pitfalls, and make sure you’re ready to submit your application.

Read some examples online
Keep it positive and enthusiastic
Proofread it yourself and ask others to check it for you
Use a professional looking email address
Use a strong opening and closing sentence
Avoid jokes, quotes and humour
Explain why you think a teaching career is for you
Talk about the qualities you possess that you believe will make you a good teacher
Mention any experience you have had in a teaching role and what you have learned
Try to link your points to the current programme of study for the course you want to apply to

applying for a PGCE FAQS

What information should I include on my application?

All the information you need to provide will be requested by DfE within your 'Apply for Teacher Training' online application. You can expect to provide:

Email address – almost all the correspondence will be via email. Please use a personal email address rather than a work/university address. It will also help if you ensure our email address, as well as the Department for Education email address, is saved as a 'safe recipient' in your email profile.

References – your application requires a minimum of 2 references. You can request as many references as you like, requesting more might increase the chances of getting 2 quickly. These can be requested and submitted through the DfE Apply system online.

Qualifications – you should provide details of all your qualifications, including GCSEs and A Levels. The DfE Apply system will provide guidance on how much information you need to provide.

Personal statement – your personal statement should be clear, concise and with a good standard of English language. Use paragraphs and check your spelling/grammar. You should explain why you want to teach in your chosen age group, demonstrating your enthusiasm and commitment to your subject and also your understanding of the role of a school teacher.

Your personal statement is important. We are looking for evidence of your commitment to teaching, your potential to meet the academic demands of the course and your professional suitability to the role of a school teacher. The 'Apply for Teacher Training' Personal Statement is made up of two parts; first outlining why you want to teach and secondly focussing on your suitability to teach a subject area or age group.

Adjustments - The DfE 'Apply for Teacher Training' application will provide the opportunity for you to request any adjustments that you require. We strongly advise you to communicate any access needs you have, so that we can support you in your application period and during the course. We are committed to providing equal opportunities to all applicants, and this step allows us to tailor your application process.

What is the application process and what are the interview arrangements?

Applications will be sent to the university daily from October onwards.

For university-based applicants, your application will be sent to the tutor for an initial decision; you can monitor the outcome of your application online via DfE Apply. If you are selected for interview, your application will be scheduled for an interview and we will get in touch with details of the day and any tasks you need to prepare. Interviews are scheduled according to the date of application. Interviews are scheduled according to the date of application. We will get in touch with details of the day and any tasks you need to prepare.

For School Direct applicants, your application will be reviewed for entry criteria and sent on to your chosen school. If you are selected for interview, the school will contact you directly with details of the day and any tasks to prepare for.

How many times can I apply during the application cycle?

You will generally only be considered once for your chosen course during the DfE Teacher Training application cycle. Re-applications within the same cycle may be possible in limited circumstances, but only if you have not already been interviewed for the course (unless you are requesting to change from Primary to Secondary or vice versa).

If you were unsuccessful in your original application and wish to be considered for an alternative course or to resubmit your application, you must update your application on the DfE Apply system. A revised personal statement must reflect the changes made, including how you have addressed any feedback provided.

We may consider a re-application in the following circumstances:

Your application was rejected before interview, and you have since made relevant updates or improvements based on feedback you received.
The course you originally applied for was closed or full, but has now re-opened.
You wish to switch between Primary and Secondary, or apply for a different Primary course (not the same course at a different campus). A clear rationale and evidence of commitment to the new age phase must be provided.

Please note that school experience is no longer a compulsory requirement for application. While we may recommend gaining classroom experience as part of feedback, applications will not be rejected solely due to lack of school experience.