Train to teach

Leading the way in education

Initial Teacher Training (ITT) at LJMU was rated the best on Merseyside by our 2019 OFSTED Inspection.

Our teacher training programmes are designed to develop reflective practitioners who can apply a deep understanding of the curriculum, learners and learning. This helps our trainees to fulfil their teaching ambitions, by having a positive impact on the development and achievement of the children and young people in our schools.

In 2019 our OFSTED report supported our mission, saying that:

“There is a true partnership commitment to ensuring that training programmes provide ‘well-qualified, committed and socially engaged’ teachers to meet the needs of pupils in the north west of England and beyond”.

“Across both primary and secondary phases, the proportion of trainees who find employment locally, nationally and internationally is consistently high. Leaders in employing schools value the partnership’s training programme and the contribution that newly qualified teachers (NQTs) make to the learning and progress of pupils”.

We deliver innovative approaches to initial teacher education, working with primary, secondary and other education providers across the North West of England and beyond. Each year we receive outstanding feedback from our students, with our NSS results standing at 95% overall satisfaction for the past two years.

Our longstanding links with local authorities, schools and professional subject associations enable our students to gain a variety of professional experience and forge useful contacts within the sector. Our partners provide vital insights into current practice, enhancing our ongoing research and consultancy work.

The practical components of our teacher training are closely linked to the University-taught elements. This enables students to reflect on their professional development and build strategies to improve their teaching skills.

"I was really drawn to the PGDE and the opportunity to gain masters-level credits."

David Lenagh -
Secondary Teaching

Your qualification

LJMU is one of a small number of universities offering the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE). Like the traditional Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), the PGDE leads to Qualified Teacher Status, however, it also incorporates 120 credits at masters-level, based on assessments closely linked to classroom practice.

The PGDE can be completed over the same time frame as a PGCE, for the same cost. As the course has more credits than a PGCE, however, graduates can go on to complete a full masters degree (MA/MSc) while working as a newly qualified teacher (NQT).

Course options

LJMU offers a choice of PGDE courses in primary and secondary teaching. All with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

We provide primary teaching options in the 3-7 and the 5-11 age range with optional specialisms in primary Mathematics or Physical Education.

Secondary teaching courses are available in: Art and Design, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design and Technology (Product Design or Food), English, Geography, History, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Performing Arts (Dance or Drama), Physics, Physics with Mathematics, Physical Education and Religious Education.

We also offer a School Direct route into teaching. With School Direct programmes, schools, working closely with LJMU, take a lead role in aspects of the course from recruitment to planning, delivering and managing the teacher training. LJMU works with School Direct consortia across Merseyside, Cheshire and the wider North West region, to provide Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in: primary education (ages 3-7 and 5-11) and a broad range of secondary subjects. School Direct tuition fee and salaried options are available. The LJMU School Direct qualification normally leads to a PGCE (60 credits) rather than a PGDE.

Interested in how you can get into teaching? Take a look at our Teacher Training section to find out more about our routes into teaching.