Intro

Do you want to qualify as a primary school teacher with a focus on the 3–7 age range?

This course leads to the award of Qualified Teacher Status, enabling you to teach in England, it is also recognised in Wales once registered with The Education Workforce Council (EWC).

We’re one of the UK’s largest university providers of teacher training and have been educating teachers and leaders for over 100 years. We were rated Outstanding by Ofsted in our 2018 inspection.

Benefitting from our extensive school partnerships, you’ll gain practical experience in a wide range of settings. We also offer a diverse range of subject modules to give you the knowledge, skills and understanding required to become an outstanding teacher. Ofsted identified our approach to training in schools as a key strength of this course, with an excellent balance between university tuition and school-based training.

You will learn from our course team who have many years’ experience in schools. You’ll also benefit from having an individual support tutor who will help guide you through your academic and professional development. We will continue to support you after you qualify through our ECT support programme.

Open days

Book your place:
Brighton Falmer campus open day

Open days are the best way to find out about your course, the campus where you'll be based, and get a feel for the University of Brighton.

Book your place

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer 

UCAS code X100

Full-time 3 years

Qualified Teacher Status is awarded by the Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA)

Apply now with UCAS for 2023

Course content

Course structure

This course is delivered through workshops, practical sessions and school-based training.

There are no written exams on this route. You will be assessed in a variety of ways, such as assignments and collaborative group presentations. Your school-based training is assessed in conjunction with our partnership schools.

You will learn to provide developmental support to learners from foundation to Key Stage 1, encouraging a love of learning to help children reach their full potential.

You will gain a knowledge and understanding of the full primary curriculum, with subject studies to strengthen your specialist knowledge in your chosen area, while you start to develop your leadership and management skills.

Some course details may change as we work to ensure our courses are up to date with new government education policy, initiatives, and changes in the education system.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

Children with their hands up to answer a question

Year 1

Modules

  • Education Studies: How Children Learn

    This module will support you to develop an understanding of pedagogy and professionalism in an early years and primary context.

  • English and Language Acquisition

    This module will introduce you to relevant theory, research and practice, enabling you to understand children’s development as speakers, listeners, readers and writers (including the nature and function of the teacher’s role in this process). You will develop your subject knowledge and understanding of the teaching of English and the principles that underpin effective practice in the EYFS and primary phase. This will be framed in the context of current legislation and curricular policy to support preparation for your first placement.

  • Exploring Learning and Teaching in Mathematics and Computing

    This module will introduce you to relevant theory, research and practice in order to develop confidence and positive attitude towards mathematics and computing.

    You will develop your understanding of how children develop as mathematicians and will be introduced to the core concepts and key processes of computer science. It will be underpinned by current government legislation and curricular policy to support you in your school based training.

  • Teaching Primary Science

    This module will enable you to become aware of your capabilities in relation to subject knowledge and to challenge and address personal misconceptions in scientific concepts.

    It will introduce you to relevant theory, research and practice in order to gain a broad understanding of how children learn science and the methodology associated with it. You will be guided to make effective and creative pedagogic choices in order to support pupil progress. This will be framed in the context of current government legislation and curricula and prepare you for your school based training.

  • Introducing the Foundation Subjects

    In this module you will develop your curriculum awareness and understanding of the effective planning, resourcing and teaching of art, design and technology, modern foreign languages, music, geography, history, physical education, religious education, and PSHE (personal, social, health and economic education) across the early years and primary age phases, as appropriate.

  • School Based Training 1

    This module is the first of three school based training modules, and will provide you with opportunities to gain specific experiences in order to develop and demonstrate professional attributes, skills, knowledge and understanding linked explicitly to the Teachers’ Standards. You will develop insights into pupils’ learning and the role of planning and assessment to facilitate pupil progress. It will enable you to reflect upon and evaluate your experiences, identify professional strengths and development needs and set targets for improvement.

A child explaining something to his teacher

Year 2

Modules

  • Education Studies: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment
  • Teaching English, Principled Practice and Current Policy
  • Deepening Subject and Pedagogic Knowledge to Impact on Children's Mathematical Understanding
  • Curriculum Design and Enhanced Practice in Foundation Subjects and RE
  • School-based Training 2

Options*

  • Developing Expertise in Teaching and Learning in Art and Design
  • Enhancing Computing Subject Knowledge
  • Story: How We Use Language to Imagine Entertain and Understand
  • Developing Curriculum Expertise in Primary History and Geography
  • Developing Mathematical Thinking
  • Developing Expertise in Primary Physical Education
  • Developing Expertise in Primary Personal, Social and Health Education
  • Science, Scientists and Working Scientifically

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

Four students balancing around the outside of an exercise mat

Final year

Modules

  • Contemporary Curriculum Studies and Professional Development
  • Education Studies: Preparing to Lead Children’s Learning
  • Individual Professional Project
  • School-based Training 3

Options*

  • Processes and Practices: Developing a Rationale for Art, Craft and Design in the Primary Classroom
  • Teaching Primary Computing
  • Language, Thought and Learning
  • Creative Curriculum Design in History or Geography
  • Contemporary Issues in the Teaching and Learning of Primary Mathematics
  • Outdoor and Adventurous Activities, and Swimming and Water Safety
  • Developing Expertise in Citizenship Education and Religious Education
  • Science Beyond the Classroom

*Option modules are indicative and may change, depending on timetabling and staff availability.

A paper craft workshop

 School-based training

School-based training in a partnership placement school forms an important element of each year of study.

You will be asked to complete a school-based training information form when you start your course and we will use this information to match you to a suitable placement. We will consider your previous experience, travelling distance, the age phases you wish to teach, and your current needs.

We will fully prepared leading up to your school-based training and will be supported by both the university and a school-based mentor throughout your training. Almost all of our placements will be with partner schools in south-east England, most of them in East and West Sussex.

In your first year you will spend a week in school in semester 1 followed by a block of approximately seven weeks in school in semester 2. You will be paired with another trainee and will teach a maximum 50% timetable.

In your second year you will be in school for a block of approximately two months. This will again be a paired placement and you will teach to a 50% timetable that builds to 75% towards the end of School-Based Training 2.

In your final year you will be in school for another three months but this time you will teach with increased autonomy and up to a 75% timetable. The final placement is not paired.

I have really loved all four of my teaching placements, which have been incredibly varied, from a small village school with mixed year groups to a large urban primary school with a diverse intake.

Jennifer Lamb, Primary Education with QTS (3–7 years) BA(Hons)

 

Before going on placement, the university provided lots of information so I felt fully prepared. I was warmly welcomed by the teaching staff who made every effort to support my needs and offered many opportunities for observing and learning.

Lucy Albone, Primary Education with QTS (3–7 years) BA(Hons)

Meet the team

Polly Herbert - joint course leader

Polly is one of the Course Leaders of our Primary Education with QTS courses and teaches primary English. Polly has over 20 years’ experience in primary education.

Polly started her career in primary education working as a teaching assistant in a specialised school for children with complex needs before enrolling on the BA Primary with QTS in The School of Education here at The university of Brighton. During her time studying at Brighton, Polly specialised in teaching Primary English, qualified with a first class degree and was awarded The Walker May prize.

During her time working in primary schools, Polly taught all age phases and was the literacy coordinator in her school as well as part of the West Sussex Primary English team. Polly was delighted to return to the School of Education to join the prestigious tutoring team on the BA Primary course.

Since working at the University of Brighton, Polly has completed a PG Certificate in higher education and has become a Fellow in Higher Education (FHEA). Polly leads the first year curriculum English module as well as teaching English across the course. With a focus on student experience, Polly leads the course in partnership with Tim Laing.

Polly has a keen interest in creative practices in primary English, she has co-authored work on primary drama in digital form and is currently carrying out research in partnership with The National Theatre exploring the enablers and barriers to implementing creative practices in English in primary schools.

Ofsted

In our most recent Initial Teacher Education inspection report, the University of Brighton was graded 'outstanding'.

Ofsted identified some of our key strengths as:

  • the very high attainment of the majority of trainees
  • the expertly designed and diverse range of programmes that respond to trainees' backgrounds, needs and interests as well as to national priorities
  • the outstanding progress made by trainees as a result of training, which enables them to fulfil their potential
  • inspirational teaching, tutoring and mentoring that model the best teaching and give trainees the ambition to reach the highest standards
  • highly reflective trainees who demonstrate good subject knowledge and a breadth of understanding of how to teach
  • an excellent range of training experiences that effectively prepare trainees to teach in a diverse society
  • the excellent resources available to trainees
  • leadership that is dynamic in its approach to anticipating change and solving problems
  • a visionary approach to innovation and change.

Our latest news

Module receives Inclusive Practice Marks

Module receives Inclusive Practice Marks

A module on our Secondary Mathematics Education BA(Hons) with QTS course has received two marks for inclusive practice.
We’re 8th for education!

We’re 8th for education!

The Guardian published its 2023 University Guide this week and we’re delighted that education courses at Brighton are placed 8th in the UK – a climb of 26 places.
Trainee teachers receive Primary Science Enhancement Award

Trainee teachers receive Primary Science Enhancement Award

Congratulations to four trainee teachers studying our Primary Education (5–11 years) BA(Hons) with QTS  who recently received the Primary Science Enhancement Award for Initial Teacher Education.
Walker May Literature Prize

Walker May Literature Prize

Congratulations to Holly Ayling and Keziah Langston who were recently awarded The Walker May Literature Prize at this year’s Graduation Ceremony.

Read more from our blog

Careers

Preparing for your teaching career 

This course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the professional qualification for teachers. QTS enables you to teach in schools in England, it is also recognised in Wales once registered with The Education Workforce Council (EWC).

You’ll benefit from our partnership with over 600 schools, where you’ll gain practical school-based experience in a wide range of settings – large, small, rural and urban.

You will gain a knowledge and understanding of the full primary curriculum, with subject studies to strengthen your specialist knowledge in your chosen area, while you start to develop your leadership and management skills.

If you are considering whether a career in teaching is for you, and you are a UK resident, the Department for Education’s School Experience Programme offers 1 to 10 days’ classroom experience in a secondary school.

A primary school pupil with his hand in the air in front of his teacher

School-based training 

Your three school-based training phases will give you supported experience and help you gain confidence in your teaching ability.

Our staff will ensure that you are well prepared for each phase of school-based training, and that you have all the support and guidance you need to make the most of these opportunities.

We have partnerships with over 600 schools and settings which offer you opportunities in large, small, urban and rural settings ensuring you will have a well-rounded experience. You will experience time in two contrasting schools during your course.

Your school-based training experiences will include:

  • writing lesson plans and evaluations for the classes you teach
  • engaging in both formative and summative assessment of pupils learning and performance.
  • completing your e-portfolio as evidence of meeting the Teachers’ Standards.

Each year we organise over 2,500 placements for our students with partner schools and colleges, offering varied placement opportunities. We work hard to ensure that your school-based training will provide you with learning opportunities and valuable experience with the age group you are qualifying to teach.

School-based experience will enable you to demonstrate and grow your knowledge. It will also enable you to make valuable contacts in schools which will help when you are looking for your first teaching role.

Facilities for learning 

Our facilities include a curriculum centre which contains more than 30,000 specialist resources for trainee teachers including books, DVDs, games and an online catalogue.

Our Falmer campus also houses specialist classrooms that replicate those used in schools so you’ll feel at home when you go on your school-based training and start your career.

  • Teaching facilities include:
  • science labs
  • art classrooms
  • kiln room
  • dark room
  • design and technology workshop
  • performance studio.
education library

Click to view a virtual tour of some of our facilities

Graduate destinations 

Our teaching graduates benefit from excellent employment rates, that are consistently above the sector average.

University of Brighton trained teachers are highly sought after by our partnership schools. They are known for their creative and innovative approaches to teaching.

Many of our graduates take on mentoring and leadership roles, or opt for specialist roles such as special education needs.

Our careers service holds an annual teaching recruitment fair on campus which our partner schools attend looking to recruit newly qualified teachers for the next school year.

West Blatchington School pupils in the classroom

Further study 

After completing your NQT year we offer a range of opportunities should you wish to continue your studies.

Our Education MA further integrates academic study with work-based learning and research.

We also offer a specialist PGCert:

There are also a range of non-teaching related postgraduate opportunities and research degrees.

students walking around our Falmer campus

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and re-discover) your strengths and what matters to you. We are here for you throughout your university journey as you work towards a fulfilling and rewarding career.

Connect with our careers team

  • Find part-time work that you can combine with your studies.
  • Find, or be, a mentor or get involved with our peer-to-peer support scheme.
  • Develop your business ideas through our entrepreneurial support network.
  • Get professional advice and support with career planning, CV writing and interview top tips.
  • Meet potential employers at our careers fairs.
  • Find rewarding volunteering opportunities to help you discover more about what makes you tick, and build your CV.

Whatever your career needs, we are here to help. And that's not just while you are a student, our support carries on after you've graduated.

Find out more...

Coloured background with the words Be More, Connected, Skilled, Emlployable

Early career support

We will continue to support you after you qualify through our ECT support programme.

We’ll offer resources, advice, events and drop-in sessions to help you overcome the key challenges that many new teachers face in their first few years of working as a qualified teacher. We’ll help you with the next stage of your journey and offer support that will enable you to develop and thrive in your early career.

Our website provides guidance and support for after you graduate, including the latest teaching job vacancies, personal statement feedback, short mock interviews, useful contacts for advice and a variety of helpful resources including videos.

A male teacher with students in the classroom

Entry criteria

Flexible admissions

When you apply to Brighton we want to hear about who you are. Grades are never the whole picture; we're interested in things like creativity, resourcefulness, persistence and the capacity to think big and find new ways of doing things. And we recognise that not everyone has the same background. That's why we treat everyone who applies as an individual. We recognise many qualifications and we care about all of your achievements and the experiences you've had that set you apart.

Find out more

Students on a field trip

Entry requirements

A-levels
BBB.

BTEC
DDM.

International Baccalaureate
30 points with three subjects at Higher level.

Access to HE Diploma
pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3, with 24 credits at distinction and the rest at merit.

T-level
Merit in the Education and Childcare T-level. Other T-level subjects are not accepted.

GCSE (minimum grade C or grade 4)
at least five subjects including English language, mathematics and science. 

If you do not have the required GCSEs find out which equivalent qualifications we accept instead.

Interviews

Interviews for this course can be in-person at the university or online. Applicants invited to interview will be able to choose a date and which option suits them best.

Experience

While experience in a school is not a condition of entry for initial teacher education courses we recommend that you take up opportunities to gain a realistic understanding of whether teaching is right for you. The Get Into Teaching School Experience Programme offers opportunities across the country to book a day’s worth of experience.

Studied before or got relevant experience?
A qualification, HE credits or relevant experience may count towards your course at Brighton, and could mean that you do not have to take some elements of the course or can start in year 2 or 3. 

English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, at least 6.0 in all four skills.

Other

  • Applicants from minority ethnic and other groups under-represented in the profession, including men in primary teaching, are particularly welcome. 

  • All offers are subject to an occupational health check and Disclosure and Barring Service enhanced disclosure check. 

  • We are committed to safeguarding and child protection. As part of our selection and interview process, we will undertake additional checks to confirm the suitability of candidates.  

     

Fees

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,250 GBP

International (full-time) 14,892 GBP

Transport costs associated with travel to and from your placement will be reimbursed.

What's included

You may have to pay additional costs during your studies. The cost of optional activities is not included in your tuition fee and you will need to meet this cost in addition to your fees. A summary of the costs that you may be expected to pay, and what is included in your fees, while studying a course in the School of Education are listed here.

  • You will have access to computers and necessary software, however many students choose to buy their own hardware, software and accessories. The amount spent will depend on your individual choices but this expenditure is not essential to pass any of our courses.
  • In most cases coursework submissions are electronic but you may wish to print notes and should budget approximately £30 for printing.
  • For courses which require a placement, you’ll be expected to pay for your travel expenses but you may be able to claim some travel costs back from the university, depending on where your placement is in relation to where you live.
  • Course books are available from the university but you may wish to budget up to £150 to buy your own copies
  • You may wish to consider budgeting up to £25 for stationery/teaching materials.

You can chat with our enquiries team through the Stay in touch panel at the end of this page if you require further information. Or check our finance pages for advice about funding and scholarships as well as more information about fees and advice on international and island fee-paying status.

Info

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2022–23.

Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study and are subject to an annual increase of no more than 5% or RPI (whichever is the greater). The annual increase for UK students, who are subject to regulated fees, will increase no more than the statutory maximum fee.

You can find out more about our fees in the university's student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf).

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full-time or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take.

Location and student life

Campus where this course is taught

Falmer campus

Set in the South Downs, our Falmer campus is around four miles from Brighton city centre. 7,000 students are based here taking subjects including criminology, English, education, nursing and medicine, paramedic science, psychology and sociology. Brighton and Hove Albion's Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources and clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students. Psychology students learn in our applied cognition and flexible creative method labs.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes, and a students' union shop and bar.

The campus sports centre has a fitness suite, activity studios and a sports hall. There is also a floodlit astroturf football pitch, netball and tennis courts.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre and there is a BTN BikeShare hub on site. There are regular bus services to the city centre and other campuses. Falmer train station is right next to campus and a nine minute journey to central Brighton.

Newly refurbished atrium in the Checkland Building

Accommodation

Brighton: Falmer

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students.

Halls of residence
We have halls of residence across Brighton in the city centre, Moulsecoomb, Varley Park and Falmer.

  • You'll be prioritised for accommodation in the halls that are linked to your teaching base, subject to availability.
  • Falmer campus is linked to the halls on Falmer campus and at Varley Park. All halls are self-catered.
    • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls are on Falmer campus and offer a range of rooms
    • Varley Park offers a mix of rooms. It is around two miles from Moulsecoomb campus and four miles from the city centre. Public transport in the city is excellent.

Private renting
There's plenty of support if you opt for private renting. This is an option which offers choice and flexibility – enabling you to choose where you live and who with. Every summer we provide online events and resources, as well as other advice services, for students looking for a place to live and people to share with.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

About Brighton

The University of Brighton is at the heart of our city's reputation as a welcoming, forward-thinking place which leads the way when it comes to the arts, music, sustainability and creative technology. Brighton is home to a thriving creative community and a digital sector worth £1bn a year to the local economy, as much as tourism.

Many of the work-based learning opportunities offered on our courses such as placements and guest lectures are provided by businesses and organisations based in the city.

You can also get involved with city festivals and events such as the Brighton Festival, the Fringe, Brighton Digital Festival, Brighton Science Festival, the London to Brighton bike ride, and the Great Escape festival of new music to name but a few. Other annual highlights include Pride, the Brighton Marathon, and Burning the Clocks which marks the winter solstice.

You'll find living in Brighton enriches your learning experience and by the end of your course you will still be finding new things to explore and inspire you.

It's only 50 minutes by train from Brighton to central London and less than 40 minutes to Eastbourne. There are also daily direct trains to Bristol, Bedford, Cambridge, Gatwick Airport, Portsmouth and Southampton.

Map showing distance to London from Brighton
Brighton Beach sunset

Maps

Falmer campus

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Support and wellbeing

Your course team

Your personal academic tutor, course leader and other tutors are all there to help you with your personal and academic progress. You'll also have a student support and guidance tutor (SSGT) who can help with everything from homesickness, managing stress or accommodation issues.

Your academic skills

Our Brighton Student Skills Hub gives you extra support and resources to develop the skills you'll need for university study, whatever your level of experience so far.

Your mental health and wellbeing

As well as being supported to succeed, we want you to feel good too. You'll be part of a community that builds you up, with lots of ways to connect with one another, as well having access to dedicated experts if you need them. Find out more.

Students talking in a social area

Sport at Brighton

Sport Brighton

Sport Brighton brings together our sport and recreation services. As a Brighton student you'll have use of sport and fitness facilities across all our campuses and there are opportunities to play for fun, fitness or take part in serious competition. 

Find out more about Sport Brighton.

Sports scholarships

Our sports scholarship scheme is designed to help students develop their full sporting potential to train and compete at the highest level. We offer scholarships for elite athletes, elite disabled athletes and talented sports performers.

Find out more about sport scholarships.

Students playing frisbee

Student Views  

Oliver Moutrey

After deciding that I wanted to pursue a career in education, the choice to choose Brighton was so easy. The university is rated outstanding for teaching and I lived 45 minutes away from campus and saw it an easy commute to make.

The course is absolutely incredible, it’s very practical and hands on but it can be challenging as well. The most interesting aspects of the course have to be working collaboratively as a group, there are so many ideas bouncing off one another and it’s a truly great environment to be in.

All of the staff have been absolutely incredible. They are engaging and aspiring people and have a lot of knowledge about what they teach.

This course helps you to prepare you for your future career. Staff show you how to plan, teach, assess and improve in your own teaching from this. School-based training on top of this ultimately helps shape you as a teacher and is a really powerful resource

I can safely say that the lecturers really do provide an insight on their experiences - they help you understand and underpin relevant strategies and ways to teach children and how to best support them in most situations. I can already see an incredible transformation in myself as a teacher from when I first started the course to where I am now.

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Oliver Moutrey, education student

Stay in touch

Open days

Book your place:
Brighton Falmer campus open day

Open days are the best way to find out about your course, the campus where you'll be based, and get a feel for the University of Brighton.

Book your place

Ask a question about this course

If you have a question about this course, our enquiries team will be happy to help.

01273 644644

Statistics

Find out more about how the academic year and degree courses are organised, and about learning and assessment activities you might get to grips with at Brighton. More specific information about this course is detailed in the programme specification (linked below). You can find out also about the support we offer to help you adjust to university life.

Course and module descriptions on this page were accurate when first published and are the basis of the course. Detailed information on any changes we make to modules and learning and assessment activities will be sent to all students by email before enrolment, so that you have all the information before you come to Brighton.

Discover Uni

Discover Uni enables you to compare information when choosing a UK university course. All UK universities publish Discover Uni data on their website.

Programme specification

The programme specification is the approved description of each course. They give a detailed breakdown of the content and structure of the course, and are updated following course changes.

Programme specification

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