We offer several routes into teaching. Now that you know which is best for you, it's time to begin your application. Your application form, interview and referee statements are an opportunity to demonstrate your potential to become an excellent trainee teacher and that you will benefit from the Durham University Teacher Education Programmes.
This page explains the application process and outlines what to expect at each stage.
On this page (Click on the links below to navigate directly to each section)
If you obtained your most recent qualification outside of the UK, visit the Get into Teaching website for more information on training and teaching in the UK, as well as fees and financial support.
You can also call the Get into Teaching Line on 0800 389 2500 for:
The verbal check is a candidate-based advice service, the aim is to provide guidance on a candidate’s eligibility prior to applying. Final decisions on candidate eligibility still lie with providers prior to commencement of Initial Teacher Training.
We advise applying as early as possible in the recruitment cycle.
We are an ethical provider. We will only offer you a place on one of our programmes if we are confident that we can place you in our partnership schools. Once we have reached capacity, our application portal will close.
Please submit your application via the Department for Education (DfE) website.
We will assess your application against our entry requirements, which you can find on our PGCE course listings. If you are eligible, we will invite you to interview.
Interviews last 45 minutes and include a five-minute presentation. You will receive an invite for a morning or afternoon invite session via DfE Apply. You will then receive an email containing more information about the interview process.
We are currently conducting interviews via Teams or Zoom. Please click the Teams / Zoom link in your invitation at least 5 minutes before your interview to allow time for the meeting to load. You do not need to install Teams / Zoom on your computer before the interview.
We will ask you to provide copies of the following documents before your interview.
Two members of our Durham University Partnership will usually conduct the interview. Your interview will last 45 minutes and will explore your experiences and give you an opportunity to demonstrate your knowledge, understanding and desire to become an Early Career Teacher.
During the interview, you will give a five-minute talk addressing the following topic:
During the talk, you will demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and present with enthusiasm and conviction to engage the audience.
Note: You can use flash cards or bring notes as memory aids for your presentation.
If you are successful at interview, we will offer you a conditional place on your programme via DfE Apply. If you accept the offer, we will write to you confirming your offer, and outlining any conditions you need to meet.
If you are unsuccessful at interview, we will provide you with feedback. The feedback is intended to help you with future applications. Being unsuccessful in your first interview will not affect future applications to Durham University or other providers.
Your interview performance, as well as your application form and your referee statements provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate to us that you not only possess the potential to become an excellent trainee teacher, but also that you will benefit from the Durham University Teacher Education Programmes in particular.
Pre-Interview
Invitation to Interview
You will receive an Invitation to interview via DFE Apply with a morning or afternoon session. You will then receive an email containing further information about the specifics of the interview process. At present, interviews are being conducted via Teams or Zoom. You do not need to have Zoom/Teams installed on your machine prior to this however, it is advisable to click on the link 5 minutes before the start of your interview time to allow for it to load.
Documentation
You will be asked to send a copy of your photo ID to ed.ite@durham.ac.uk prior to the day of your interview. This allows the interviewer to verify your identity. If this is not received, unfortunately your interview will not be able to go ahead. If you anticipate any difficulties with providing this ID please get in touch on the email address above as soon as possible.
You will also need to provide copies of your Degree certificate if you already have a degree, your GCSE certificates for Maths, English Language and if you are a Primary applicant, your GCSE Science certificate (combined Science or Biology, Chemistry or Physics).
You will be asked to provide a contact telephone number for the interviewers. This will only be used in the event of technical difficulties.
Welcome Presentation
Please ensure you have watched the relevant presentation prior to your interview (found at the bottom of this section)
Individual Interview
The interview will usually be conducted by two members of the Durham University Partnership.
The interview will explore the interviewee's experiences and provide them the best opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and desire to become an Early Career Teacher.
Candidate Presentation
Interviewees are requested to prepare, in advance, a short talk-:
Candidates will be required to demonstrate their ability to communicate effectively and present with enthusiasm and conviction to engage the audience. A strict time limit of 5 minutes for the presentation will be imposed by the interviewers and the interview itself shall be 45 minutes. Note: Interviewees are allowed to use flash cards or bring notes to use as memory aids.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Can I use notes for the presentation?
A: Yes, interviewees may use notes or flash cards to help them during their presentation.
Q: What should I wear on the day?
A: We would encourage you to dress smartly but comfortably, something which would be suitable for working in a classroom/school.
Q: What should I do if I have any special requirements?
A: If you have any special requirements that need to be taken into consideration on the day of your interview, please contact ed.ite@durham.ac.uk as soon as you receive the invitation to attend.
Post Interview
You will receive notification of a decision shortly after your attendance at a selection day if you are successful at this stage...
If you are successful at interview we will update DFE Apply offering you a conditional place on the programme. If you choose to accept the offer of a place then we will write to you confirming the offer and outlining any conditions to be met.
If you are unsuccessful at this stage, you will be provided with brief feedback from the interview which may help you moving forward. Being unsuccessful in your first interview will not affect any future applications with us.
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