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PGDip Primary Education (SSPIP) Mathematics

The Primary Education (SSPIP) Mathematics programme from University of Birmingham and offers 120 credits towards our MA in Teaching Studies. Our programme offers high quality training and support, which will prepare you to teach in the 5-11 age range. It is run in close partnership with schools.

Quick Facts

  
Full-Time Duration: 38 weeks
Starting in: September
Tuition Fee: £21,150 per year
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom

This Primary Education (SSPIP) Mathematics programme from University of Birmingham will enable you to develop your subject expertise within a primary context. You will learn to teach all the primary curriculum subjects as well as developing specialist expertise in teaching mathematics. You will be fully prepared for employment in a generalist role at the start of your career, where as a class teacher you will ‘champion’ mathematics and inspire children and teachers. The course lays the foundations for you becoming a future mathematics lead or specialist teacher in a primary school.

We are looking to recruit graduates with strong mathematics subject knowledge who demonstrate an enthusiasm for mathematics and an understanding of the primary context. You will benefit from our collaboration with a wide range of partner schools and the diverse communities we serve will enrich your experience.

On our programme you will be challenged to develop informed and justified decisions about how you approach your teaching, in order to enable you to continue to develop over your career. On successful completion of your PGDipEd you will be awarded 120 credits towards your Masters in Teaching Studies.

Programme Structure:

  • The Primary Mathematics Specialist course is similar to the Primary course, and you will attend the same taught sessions as generalist trainees. In addition, there is substantial additional specialist input on the learning and teaching of mathematics, to enable you to develop confident subject expertise.
  • Our Professional Enquiry course provides breadth and depth of insight across key themes such as learning theories, assessment, equalities, inclusion and teacher health and wellbeing. An additional PSHE award is also available to all students.
  • Our subject courses develop your understanding of effective pedagogy in the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science, as well as the wider foundation subjects.

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Careers

We work closely with the University careers service and local councils in order to provide you with support for the job application process. Our success rate for completion of our primary courses and subsequent employment in schools remains consistently high. Primary mathematics specialist students are highly sought after. A majority of students gain employment in the local region, many of them choosing to remain in partnership schools. Many newly qualified mathematics specialists secure employment in a more generalist post at the start of their career, joining the mathematics leadership team and going on to lead mathematics in their schools.

Requirements

  • All applicants to the Postgraduate Diploma in Primary Education (SSPIP) Mathematics course must hold a degree from a UK Higher Education Institution. This should be a 2.2 or above (and this will be a condition of any offer where the degree is not already awarded).
  • Evidence of strong mathematics subject knowledge and enthusiasm for mathematics is required. We welcome applications from candidates with A level Mathematics and/or degree content, as well as those who have a passion for mathematics and strong performance at GCSE.
  • You must also have a GCSE in English (Grade 4 or above*), or an equivalent qualification which must be attained prior to making an application. GCSE Science (Grade 4) must be attained as a condition of entry, where this has not already been obtained.

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