Primary Education (5-11 years) BA(Hons) with QTS

Top reasons to choose this course

• You’ll train to teach with an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ provider.
• 2nd in the UK for education courses – Guardian University Guide 2025.
• 95% of graduates in work or further study 15 months after their degree – Graduate Outcomes Survey.
• School placements in each year of the degree with opportunities in large, small, urban and rural settings.
• Gain a knowledge and understanding of the full primary curriculum with option modules to develop your expertise in the subjects that interest you most.
• Learn in specialist classrooms that replicate those used in schools and our curriculum centre with its 30,000 resources for student teachers.
• Our teaching graduates benefit from excellent employment rates that are consistently above the sector average.
• No written exams.

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, from assignments to 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 Key Stage 1 to 2, 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.

From year 2 you’ll be able to study an area of subject interest leading to advanced knowledge and graduate confidently able to teach Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

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.

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. You will examine areas including child development (motor, cognitive and affective); seminal and contemporary theories of learning; how to ensure participation and learning for all pupils; policy frameworks; principles of the planning cycle; and understanding the need for decolonising the education curriculum.

• 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

  You will study the relevant theory, research and practice to develop confidence and a positive attitude towards mathematics and computing. You’ll deepen your understanding of how children develop as mathematicians and will be introduced to the core concepts and key processes of computer science. The module is underpinned by current government legislation and curricular policy to support you in your school-based training.

• Teaching Primary Science

  You’ll become aware of your capabilities in relation to subject knowledge and will challenge and address personal misconceptions in scientific concepts. You will look at theory, research and practice to understand how children learn science and the methodology associated with it. You’ll also be guided to make effective and creative pedagogic choices to support pupil progress. The learning is framed in the context of current government legislation and curricula to prepare you for 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 personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) 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.

Year 2

Modules

Core modules

• School-based Training 2

  In this school-based training module you will develop the professional attributes, skills, knowledge and understanding required for the Teacher’s Standards. You will develop insights into pupils’ learning and the role of planning and assessment to facilitate their progress. You’ll also reflect upon and evaluate your experiences, identify strengths and development needs and set improvement targets.

• Teaching English, Principled Practice and Current Policy

  In this module you will look at the inter-related nature of speaking, listening, reading and writing and the teacher’s role in these processes. You will develop your subject knowledge and understanding of the teaching and assessment of English and the principles that underpin effective practice in early years foundation stage (EYFS) and primary settings.

• Deepening Subject and Pedagogic Knowledge to Impact on Children's Mathematical Understanding

  This module will deepen your subject knowledge and understanding of the learning, teaching and assessment of mathematics. You’ll use relevant theory and underpinning principles of effective teaching and learning to prepare you to meet the challenges of ensuring pupil progress during your school-based training and meet relevant professional standards.

• Curriculum Design and Enhanced Practice in Foundation Subjects and RE

  In this module you will explore a range of subject-specific strategies to support the creative planning, teaching and evaluation of foundation subjects and religious education (RE) and look at how appropriate cross-curricular links can be made via a thematic approach. You will also explore and evaluate the place of foundation subjects and RE in early years foundation stage (EYFS) and primary settings.

• Education Studies: Creating an Inclusive Learning Environment

  Drawing on your placement experience, this module develops your awareness of the issues of diversity and difference and how to respond to these through effective planning, teaching and learning. You will look at special educational needs and learn how to create an inclusive learning environment, while examining some of the complex and sensitive issues involved.

Options*

• Developing Expertise in Teaching and Learning in Art and Design

  In this module, you will build on your prior knowledge, understanding and skills in the subject of art and design. You’ll develop expertise in planning and teaching art and design in the early years foundation stage (EYFS) and primary classroom, and explore materials, techniques, processes and visual elements.

• Story: How we use Language to Imagine, Entertain and Understand

  This module introduces you to theory, research and practice related to English oral and literary language. You will develop your understanding of the role of story and the part this plays in children’s lives and development. Significant children’s books will be studied, focusing on literary language and the construction of childhood. You will also look at how spoken language and written text are influenced by social and geographical factors.

• Developing Curriculum Expertise in Primary History and Geography

  In this module, you will develop a deeper subject knowledge and understanding of the methods of teaching history and geography. You will evaluate how a range of resources can be used to support teaching within early years foundation stage (EYFS) and primary contexts and learn to plan high quality learning experiences.

• Developing Mathematical Thinking

  This module will help develop your capacity in and understanding of mathematical problem solving through collaborative and independent mathematical activity. You will identify and analyse your working strategies and reflect on the application of theory to your own mathematical working. You’ll also learn teaching methods that enable children to think mathematically in the primary classroom

• Developing Expertise in Primary Physical Education

  You will develop your knowledge of teaching and learning methods in primary PE during this module through practical and classroom-based workshops and seminars. You will look at the role the PE subject leader has in organising the curriculum to provide a broad range of opportunities for physical education, physical activity and school sport.

• Developing Expertise in Primary Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)

  In this module you will deepen your knowledge of personal, social and health education (PSHE) content and learn effective teaching methods for delivery. You’ll explore what constitutes excellent PSHE teaching methods and learn to plan high quality learning experiences within early years foundation stage (EYFS) and primary contexts.

• Science, Scientists and Working Scientifically

  This module highlights the importance and nature of science and scientists. It will enable you to think and work scientifically, explore the ways in which science is carried out in schools and its application in the primary school curriculum. You will engage in scientific investigation to develop key enquiry skills and associated conceptual knowledge.

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

Final year

Modules

Core modules

• School-based Training 3

  This school-based training module provides you with the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to be an autonomous, reflective and critical teacher. You will reflect upon and evaluate your experiences and identify professional strengths and needs as the basis for continued professional development.

• Individual Professional Project

  In this module you will gain understanding and command of an area of personal interest relevant to early years foundation stage (EYFS) and primary education. It centres on a personal research study in which you will critically evaluate the impact of research in these settings and reflect on the implications for your own future practice.

• Contemporary Curriculum Studies and Professional Development

  This module looks at contemporary curriculum developments across early years foundation stage (EYFS) and primary subjects with an emphasis on critical evaluation and self-reflection. You will use these reflections and increased understanding to plan and facilitate your own professional learning and development throughout the module and into your early career.

• Education Studies: Leading Children's Learning

  This module encourages you to consider and analyse the educational, social and political climate and its impact on the inclusion of all learners, drawing on current theory, initiatives, policies and ideas, including critical race theory. You will also develop your own educational philosophy and reflect on the implications for your future professional development.

Options*

• Teaching Primary Computing

  In this module you will explore effective teaching methods to develop children’s knowledge of computing as a subject. You will look at relevant policy and research and develop your understanding of current curriculum frameworks for computing. You will also design and implement learning experiences and reflect upon your teaching experience to further evolve your practice.

• Processes and Practice: Developing a Rationale for Art, Craft and Design in the Primary Classroom

  This module expands your subject knowledge, creative and professional practice in relation to working with a range of materials, processes and themes around art, craft and design. You will explore the importance of hands-on experiential learning in art using textiles, 3D, sculpture and craft materials, tools and techniques and how this can be adapted and applied for the early years foundation stage (EYFS) or primary classroom.

• Contemporary Developments, Theories and Practices in Primary English

  This module will enable you to engage with relevant issues and developments within the current educational climate in relation to the teaching of English. You will explore up-to-date research and policies in the school setting and carry out and analyse innovative teaching and learning approaches.

• Creative Curriculum Design in History or Geography

  Through this module you will learn to creatively design and deliver history or geography curriculums in an early years foundation stage (EYFS) or primary context within the relevant curriculum frameworks. You will build the skills and confidence to initiate and support school-level curriculum development in these subjects, including opportunities for learning beyond the classroom.

• Contemporary Issues in the Teaching and Learning of Primary Mathematics

  This module will enable you to analyse the connection between your own perspectives on the nature of the mathematics, your experiences and your views of teaching and learning. You will discuss theory, policy and practice and consider a range of contemporary issues to understand how different pupils experience the learning of the subject in school.

• Developing Expertise in Citizenship Education and Religious Education

  In this module you will develop the ability to effectively plan and teach citizenship education and religious education in an early years foundation stage (EYFS) or primary context within the relevant curriculum frameworks. The module will help deepen your subject knowledge and explore the value of citizenship and religious education in an EYFS or primary setting.

• Science Beyond the Classroom

  This module builds on your previous learning and includes experiences and focuses on the importance of teaching and learning primary science beyond the confines of the classroom through a range of visits to informal learning contexts in the school environment, immediate locality and further afield. You will also explore the constraints and challenges of using informal learning environments, including risk assessment.

• OAA and Swimming and Water Safety

  This module will deepen your knowledge and understanding of the teaching and learning of outdoor adventurous activities (OAA), swimming and water safety with the help of practical sessions. You will share and gain ideas so you can lead, support and develop these curriculum areas in a primary school setting.

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

School-based training

School-based training forms an important element of each year of your degree, enabling you to gain confidence in your teaching ability, demonstrate and grow your knowledge and make valuable contacts which will help when seeking your first teaching role.

Organising your school-based training

We organise over 2,500 placements annually with our 600-plus partner schools and colleges, offering varied placement opportunities in large, small, urban and rural settings to give you a well-rounded experience. Almost all of our placements are in south-east England, most of them in East and West Sussex.

When you start your primary education degree course you’ll complete a placement form and we will use this to match you to a suitable school, taking into consideration your previous experience, travelling distance, the ages you want to teach and your current needs.

You will be fully prepared leading up to your training and be supported by the university and a school-based mentor throughout so you can make the most of these opportunities.

What to expect

There are three school-based training phases over your degree and you will spend time in two carefully selected schools.

Your training experiences will include creating lesson plans and evaluations for classes, carrying out formative and summative assessment of pupils’ learning and performance, and maintaining an e-portfolio as evidence of meeting the Teachers’ Standards.

Year 1: You’ll spend a week in school in semester 1 followed by a block of around seven weeks in school in semester 2. You will be paired with another trainee and will teach a maximum 50% timetable.

Year 2: You’ll be in school for a block of about two months in another paired placement and will teach to a 50% timetable that builds to 75% towards the end of School-Based Training 2.

Year 3: You will be in school for another three months in an unpaired placement and will teach with increased autonomy and to a 75% timetable.

My placement has helped me to apply the theory we’ve been learning at university and put it into practice, making it all the more real.

 

I’ve gained the confidence to gauge a better understanding and it has equipped me with the skills needed to be able to confidently take whole lessons in various subjects.

Christian Dolan, Primary Education degree with QTS (5–11 years) BA(Hons)

Meet the team

Facilities

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.

Ofsted ‘outstanding’

Graded ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted for primary and secondary in our 2024 Initial Teacher Education inspection.

Ofsted commended us on many aspects of our courses, saying:

• Trainees shine at Brighton’s long-established and highly impressive teacher training programmes.
• The care and dedication shown by staff towards trainees is superb.
• Trainees are at the heart of everything. They are valued and expertly supported throughout the course.
• The curriculum skilfully equips trainees in safeguarding, behaviour management and supporting pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
• Trainees impress the placement settings they work in because of their professionalism and aptitude to apply what they have learned.

Course fees

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

The fees listed here are for the first year of full-time study if you start your course in the academic year 2025–26.

You will pay fees for each year of your course. Some fees may increase each year.

UK undergraduate and some postgraduate fees are regulated by the UK government and increases will not be more than the maximum amount allowed. Course fees that are not regulated may increase each year by up to 5% or RPI (whichever is higher).

If you are studying part-time your fee will usually be calculated based on the number of modules that you take.

Find out more

• Brighton Boost – cost of living help for our new undergrad students. Find out about how we can help with your study, accommodation or travel costs and more...
• Fees, bursaries, scholarships and government funding info for UK and international undergraduate students
• Student finance and budgeting while studying
• Read our student contract and tuition fee policy (pdf) for more on University of Brighton tuition fees.

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