Teacher Training application guide

If you are ready to begin your teacher training application, this step-by-step guide should help. Here we offer general advice to support you in your application, along with information relevant to your application to us here at Birmingham. 

Step 1: Choose your course at Birmingham

Our Primary and Secondary postgraduate teacher training courses prepare top graduates for a career inspiring learning and transforming lives. You may have already looked in detail at your chosen course, however they are listed here along with the course code and links out to course information should you need to view it again. 

Primary

 

Secondary

 

You will apply via the UK Department for Education application portal (DfE Apply) once you have selected your course(s). 

Step 2: The application process

Applications are currently open for entry in September 2024.

1. Create account

When you first visit the DfE Apply portal you will be asked to create an account. You can then begin your application. You can save your progress and submit when everything is in place. 

2. Choose courses and providers

You can choose to apply to up to three different institutions. Your application is automatically sent to your chosen institutions for consideration. 

3. Submit application

Once your application is complete, you can submit it via the DfE Apply portal.  Your application is automatically sent to your chosen institutions for consideration. 

4. Invitation to interview

Your University of Birmingham application will be screened by our admissions teams and if you meet the criteria, you will be invited onto our campus in Edgbaston for a face-to-face interview. Should you not be able to attend for a face-to-face interview, we can arrange an online one for you. 

5. Receiving an offer

If you are successful at interview, you will receive a conditional offer from us which is dependent on you fulfilling any conditions that we apply. For example, providing evidence of GCSE qualifications, degree certificates and photo ID. You will also be asked to apply for an enhanced DBS check and complete a Health Declaration form as well as a Suitability to Teach form.  

6. Preparing to start your teacher training

You will be invited to attend a Welcome Day on Campus. This will be an informal event lasting until lunchtime and will give you further information to help prepare you for your training in September. You will receive further details of this event when you accept the offer. 

7. Beginning your teacher training

You will start your teacher training in person in September 2024 (exact date TBC). During this time, you will be asked to complete various administration tasks including registration along with reading essential documents outlining the expectations of the course. We will also ask you to bring in the original copies of your qualifications and your photo ID so this can be checked for compliance.  

 

Step 3: Complete your application

When you complete you application form, it is important that you provide as much evidence and detail as possible to demonstrate your qualifications, experience and reasons for choosing to train to teach. 
Your personal statement is a key component of the application. There are two sections to complete. The first section asks you to explain why you want to be a teacher, and the second section asks for your suitability for the age range and/or subject you have chosen. 
Head of Teacher Education, Dr Donna Dawkins shares some of the qualities we look for in a teacher training applicant

Step 4: Invitation to interview

Once your application is submitted via the UK Department for Education website (DfE Apply) it will be first passed on to our central admissions team to check you meet the basic entry requirements for the course. This is then passed to the academic admissions tutor, who screens your application for suitability for the course. Once this has been cleared, you will be sent an invitation to an interview.  

Your interview day schedule

This broad schedule applies to both Primary and Secondary level subject interviews. 

  • 09:45 - 10:00 - Meet and greet from students and staff in the foyer of specified building
  • 10:00 – 10:30 – Welcome and introductory task
  • 10:30 – 11:30 - Subject specific tasks as outlined on your invitation
  • 11:30 – 13:00 – Individual interviews
  • 13:00 - 14:00 – Refreshments and campus tour (optional)

Travelling to your interview

What to bring

  • Please remember to bring a form of photographic identification, for example your passport or driving licence along to your interview

Frequently asked questions

If you have specific questions about your chosen course or application, please contact our admissions team directly on

Email: iteadmissions@contacts.bham.ac.uk