Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Primary Education students working in a study group in the Scarborough library

The BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies course aims to supply knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and skilled individuals to local and national school-centred teacher training institutions.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

UCAS codes

X320
X322
X321

Start date

November 2024
January 2025
March 2025
May 2025
June 2025


Course overview

The primary education sector is responsible for educating young minds, nurturing talents, and contributing directly to the development and growth of future generations.

  • This BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies course provides learners with theoretical and practical learning modules that underpin the core concepts of effective education and teaching, which are relevant to both the current practice in schools and the changing context of education.
  • Throughout the course, you will be provided with opportunities to undertake work experience2 in local schools to better understand how theory is put into practice.

Why you should study this course

We offer a style of education that provides the structure which you need to balance your study, work, and life commitments. By providing a consistent in-person timetable, students can plan a study routine that can be implemented alongside other commitments.

We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with work experience opportunities to help prepare you for your future career. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone. We cover one module at a time, allowing you to understand each topic before moving onto the next.

Your experience with us is designed to provide you with relevant academic and graduate skills so that you are a strong candidate for your chosen career path. This course aims to provide the necessary knowledge and experience of primary education for you to then apply for the next step.


What you'll study

This comprehensive degree programme will equip you to engage, motivate and inspire young learners in a wide range of schooling environments.

From child development theories to consideration of varied perspectives of primary education, you will learn responsive and innovative techniques to support effective curriculum delivery, drawing on advanced knowledge of child development and theoretical perspectives.

During the course there are a number of practical elements to help cement your knowledge of primary education and teaching. You may have the opportunity to take part in visits to special schools within the local area, and opportunities for work experience alongside your academic commitments for a more rounded learning experience.

This year is designed to help you explore the core fundamentals of primary education. You will learn about educational practices throughout history and the impact previous perspectives had on child development. Further, you will have the opportunity to reflect critically on how radical changes have shaped how education is taught today while analysing methods of effective engagement with young children ages 0-8. Throughout the year, the programme aids personal, professional, vocational and academic development, providing you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three.

Students who successfully complete the first year are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

During the year, students are encouraged to compare practices and discuss the differences of social, physical and emotional perspectives. In this year, you will learn to refine key analytical skills and develop pedagogical knowledge, while examining the ways in which various perspectives impact on child development and learning. You will also be equipped with comprehensive research skills, ready for progression into year three. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for an HND in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements2 usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

As you are preparing for the next step in industry or further education, you will explore complex subjects such as the processes of designing a curriculum. You will demonstrate your knowledge by undertaking an independent research project, where you'll collate your knowledge of skills, behaviours and techniques in effective teaching to produce work on an educational topic of your choice. By the end of this year, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful leader, with the ability to identify the core processes and mechanisms that underpin innovation. Students who successfully complete the final year are awarded a BA (Hons) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

We regularly review our course content to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end of year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.


Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

Assessment methods vary and include, practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

The Coventry University Group’s assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Students studying at CU Scarborough campus currently can apply for a funded three-to-four-week education summer camp with 'Smithsonian Associates' in the US (subject to availability). This experience allows students to plan for and to teach groups of children, thereby providing students with valuable, professional skills from which to draw on when they apply for teacher training.

Please note that all international experience opportunities may be subject to additional costs, competitive application, availability and meeting applicable visa and travel requirements are therefore not guaranteed2.

Teaching in primary schools requires a specific skill set and recent developments in policy require even higher standards from teachers than ever before. This course differs from other routes into teaching as it allows you to practise and refine your academic and graduate skills, making you a strong candidate for PGCE applications. You will learn how to reflect, how to put theory into practice and importantly for working in schools, how to collaborate effectively with colleagues. We are proud of the calibre of students who leave CU Scarborough and go on to teacher training or to other chosen paths. While this course focuses on primary education, students may go on to work in early years, secondary schools or even further education.

Amy Matthews, Course Leader in Education, 2023
teacher helping a pupil looking at laptop

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

Access to HE Course

Successful completion of our Health and Human Sciences Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

If you undertake an Access to HE course, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off. For full information and to check your eligibility visit www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
HND 80 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

We recognise a breath of qualifications so if you do not meet the direct entry requirements please contact us. Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

If you are an international student and are interested in applying, you can do so by completing our online application form.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application via your given email address.

Please be aware you will need the following information in order to make your application:

  • All academic transcripts
  • Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
  • One academic reference
  • IELTS score
  • Your personal statement
  • Copy of your current passport

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.0

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

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Tuition Fees

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 per year Not available
EU £7,950 per year with EU Support Bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of international scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees3:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our campus building4 is designed with your needs in mind. It features an open central atrium with IT suites and study spaces. The onsite library offers a wide range of essential and recommended reading materials, including access to over 115,000 eBooks. Additionally, you'll find dedicated spaces for career guidance, study support services, a café, a prayer room, and social areas within the building. Just next door to the campus, you'll find Scarborough's leisure village—a vibrant complex including an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, a sports hall, a fitness suite, all-weather pitches, and the Scarborough Athletic football ground.


Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to apply for a postgraduate certificate in education to become a teacher in early years, primary or secondary education. Some graduates decide to work as teaching assistants in mainstream or special schools.

You may decide that you want to work with the 'early help' service instead, working with children in the community. Perhaps if you have specific skills, such as sports or music, you may instead become a children's coach or peripatetic music teacher.

This degree provides a range of career opportunities for our graduates with most going on to pursue a vocational career in the primary education sector - one of the most rewarding professions available.

The skills taught are transferable, which allows our graduates to pursue an alternative career path if they wish. These include, but are not limited to, Family Support Worker, Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Widening Participation, SENCO, Attendance Officer and Teaching Assistant roles.


How to apply

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