Intro

Teaching children aged five to 11 years is rewarding and fulfilling. You’ll have an early impact on children’s learning and development and help lay the foundations for academic success and personal growth.

Our Primary Education (5-11 years) degree leads to QTS – the professional teaching qualification. 

You’ll have school placements in each year of study and develop your skills and knowledge through workshops and practical sessions at university.

As a Brighton student teacher you’ll learn with an Ofsted ‘outstanding’ provider from an expert team, with their own classroom experience, in our specialist facilities that replicate those used in schools.

Key facts

Location Brighton: Falmer 

UCAS code X122

Full-time 3 years

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

Meet us at an event

What are the skills and qualities of great teachers?
Discover your potential to teach at our online event. Find out how we support you to develop your skills and explore activities that will give you a flavour of what it's like to choose teaching as a career path.

Our online events are held on Microsoft Teams and you may need to download the app if you are joining on your smartphone. (Google Play / App Store)

What are my next steps?

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: Falmer campus open day 27 and 28 June

Or if you're ready, apply now with UCAS for 2025

Entry criteria

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 Early Years or 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. If we invite you to an interview you'll be able to choose a date and which option suits you 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.

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

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. 

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.

Contextual admissions

At Brighton, we understand that not everyone has the same opportunities, and some may face extra challenges to meet grade requirements. Every Brighton applicant is treated as an individual and we value creativity, persistence, resourcefulness and big ideas alongside grades.

If you meet our contextual admissions criteria and the subject-specific A-level and/or GCSE requirements for this course, your offer from us will be at least two grades or 16 UCAS tariff points lower than the standard for your course. Find out about contextual admissions at Brighton. You’ll be invited to interview with us after we make you an offer.

Sign up for one of our interview preparation advice sessions for top tips on how succeed at interview.

If we make you a contextual offer, you may be eligible for extra financial support through our Brighton Boost cost of living package. Find out about the Brighton Boost.

Graphic with the text 'Potential + possibility'

Course content

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.
male and female student using finger puppets

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.

student and lecturer with their fingers in a jug of water

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 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.

Art PGCE students in classroom

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.

Primary PE QTS students on floor

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.

Group of teaching students using maths specialist equipment

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.

You will be 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.

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

Tim Laing – course leader

Tim is the Course Leader of our Primary Education with QTS courses specialising in primary physical education and has over 20 years’ experience in Primary Education

Tim gained a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science before starting his career in primary education. He worked as a support teacher for children with complex needs and as a PE and school sport teacher in a preparatory school before completing a PGCE in Primary Education. He moved to Brighton as a year 4 class teacher in his NQT year and over the next 10 years taught across all age phases as a class teacher, as well as taking on the role of PE subject leader. Tim then created a role as the school’s first primary PE specialist teacher which enabled him to transform and sustainably improve the school’s PE and school sport provision, which he was then able to replicate across a number of local schools.

Tim’s career at the University of Brighton started as a part-time lecturer in primary PE, teaching one day per week alongside his work as a primary class teacher and PE specialist in school. He developed his role to Senior Lecturer in Primary Education, teaching Education Studies alongside PE. Tim now leads both primary PE subject study modules, as well as teaching primary PE across all primary education courses at the university.

Tim says of being a primary school class teacher: “I love making a positive difference to the lives of children. As a primary school teacher, I love being an ambassador and advocate for all subjects – getting to be an art, science, history, geography, English, PE, RE, science, maths, computing, music and PSHE teacher is incredible. I love that no day is the same. I love learning as much from the children as they learn from me!” 

“We support all students by putting them at the heart of all we do. I am proud of each and every one of our students as they complete the course, take their first steps in their teaching careers and begin to improve the lives of the children in their care.”

Tim Laing

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:

View our science labs tour

View our art and design rooms tour

View our Curriculum Centre tour

 student working in the curriculum centre

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.
Ofsted Outstanding provider

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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 and is also recognised in Wales once registered with The Education Workforce Council (EWC).

90% of graduates were in work or further study 15 months after this degree – Graduate Outcomes Survey.

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 one to 10 days’ classroom experience in a secondary school.

Pupil with his hand up in a primary school class

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 carefully selected 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.

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 and have a superb reputation across the country. They are known for their creative and innovative approaches to teaching, making them very successful in securing jobs.

Many of our graduates have taken on mentoring and leadership roles or focused on 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.

school children touching a plasma globe

Further study 

Should you wish to continue your studies, our Education MA further integrates academic study with work-based learning and research.

There are also a range of research degrees.

The Checkland Building at Falmer

Supporting your employability 

Outside of your course, our Careers Service is here to support you as you discover (and rediscover) 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 about our Careers Service...

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

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.

The university tutors supported me long after finishing the course. During my NQT year at a community college they continued to provide me with advice and check on my professional progress and my wellbeing.

Brenda, graduate and teacher

Fees and costs

Course fees

UK (full-time) 9,535 GBP

International (full-time) 17,250 GBP

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

What's included

Here you’ll find details of specific resources and services that are included in the tuition fee for our education and teaching students. To help you to budget for your studies, there is also information on any additional costs that you may have to pay or can choose to pay in addition to your tuition fee.

Check out our finance pages for info about fees, funding and scholarships along with advice on international and island fee-paying status.

You can chat with our enquiries team if you have a question or need more information.

What’s included in your tuition fee

  • Course books, magazines and journals are available in the university libraries. You do not need to have your own copies. See the subject area guides in the library for an up-to-date list of key subject journal databases.
  • You will have access to computers and necessary software on campus – and can borrow a laptop from us if yours is broken or you don’t have a computer at home. Specialist equipment is provided to cover essential learning.

Find out how tuition fees enable us to support all of our students with important services, facilities and resources across the university.

Additional course costs

  • 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.
  • You’ll need to budget for printing and stationery for personal study, and books if you decide to buy your own.
  • You may wish to budget up to £25 for stationery/teaching materials.
  • 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.

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. Students based here study a range of subjects including education studies, teaching, sport and exercise, nursing and midwifery, allied health professions and medicine. Brighton & Hove Albion’s Amex stadium and beautiful Stanmer Park are right next door.

Falmer campus has two halls of residence on site, as well as a library, restaurant, cafes and the Students’ Union shop and bar.

The campus has extensive sport and leisure facilities including a fitness suite, swimming pool, outdoor grass football and rugby pitches, sports hall, tennis and badminton courts, and dance and spin studios.

Specialist learning facilities at Falmer include the curriculum centre used by teaching and education students, which houses over 30,000 teaching resources, clinical skills and simulation suites used by health students, and labs and a strength and conditioning suite used by sport students. We’ve recently redeveloped the Falmer campus – learn more about the many facilities our students have access to.

Cycle lanes link Falmer with our other campuses and the city centre. 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.

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Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of a place in halls of residence to all eligible students. So if you apply for halls by the deadline you are guaranteed a room in our halls of residence.

Brighton: Falmer

Halls of residence
We have self-catered halls on all our campuses, within minutes of your classes, and other options that are very nearby.

You can apply for any of our halls, but the options closest to your study location are:

  • Paddock Field and Great Wilkins halls offer a range of rooms on our Falmer campus, minutes from your classes, and on the edge of the South Downs.
  • Varley Park is a popular dedicated halls site, offering a mix of rooms and bathroom options at different prices. It is around two miles from Falmer campus and four miles from the city centre, and is easy to get to by bus.

Want to live independently? We can help – find out more about private renting.

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

Outside views at Falmer accommodation

student outside the sport and health complex at Falmer

Extensive facilities at Falmer sports centre

Students dining at Westlain

Students dining at Westlain

Local area

One of Time Out's 50 best cities in the world

“Brighton has… all the important parts of a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis (connections to London in under an hour, an array of properly excellent restaurants, energetic late-night spots) … with the easy-breezy beachy attitude to life that makes you feel welcome in an instant.”
Time Out’s 50 Best Cities in the World, 2025

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 there are 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 about how we support your wellbeing.

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  

Christian Dolan

“Being a primary teacher has been a life-long dream. This course in particular was very appealing to me as it offered a focus of 5-11 years olds Key Stage 1 and 2 which was exactly the age range I wanted to teach.

“I chose Brighton as it was local, I also know some alumni who had studied here and recommended it. The school also offered unique course variations compared to others nearby.

“The structure and variety that the course has to offer has been really good. One lecture really varies from the next, with a mix of teaching methods to keep us on our toes. It’s a hands-on and practical course which I’ve personally found really helps to keep me engaged and helps with my learning. There’s also some similarities that run throughout, so you kind of know what’s coming up next and can prepare accordingly. 

“The resources we have access to are excellent. The Open Learning Centre is a dedicated space to find everything you might need whilst teacher training. It has been a really useful resource throughout my first year with things like assignment planning and writing and the ability to practice your Interactive White Board skills!

“During placement, I have taught both small groups and whole class lessons which helped me to build my confidence. When teaching my class I had various opportunities to teach an array of subjects including English, Maths, Science, PE, Geography and History.

“School-based training has helped me identify which subjects I am most confident in teaching as well as those where I need to brush up my subject knowledge and become more confident in.

“I have another two years of study to go, however I already know what age phase I would like to teach. I plan to look for my first teaching post, ideally in Brighton and get two to three years’ experience behind me. I would then love to look at teaching in an International English School aboard, where you teach the UK National Curriculum but in a completely different country. It would be a fantastic way to grow within my career whilst having the opportunity to explore another country and culture.”

Christian Dolan UG primary 5-11

 Laura Fair 

“This course has given me the underpinning knowledge of how children learn.

“During my time on this course I was placed on a range of school-based training which gave me experience in a classroom with a mixture of age phases and helped me to develop my differentiation skills.

“I particularly enjoyed my final placement which was based in a unit supporting children with autism at a special needs school. Here I gained a great insight into SEN and acquired skills that I have been able to use in my career.

“After graduating in 2011 I went straight into my first role at a local primary school, teaching years 1, 2 and 6. Since then I have gone on to study the Education masters at the University of Brighton and am currently deputy head in a Primary school.”

Laura Fair

Bethanie Ruston

“The last three years have been a roller coaster, but what a great roller coaster to have been on!

“I’ve been lucky to have had the best of lecturers who have been full of support, experience and knowledge and who have set assignments which have both challenged and stretched my thinking. Strong values and beliefs have always been at the core of who I am, however, the University of Brighton has given me the confidence to explore them, express them (and even question them at times) with a level of confidence and dignity that did not feel possible before.

“I have sat in on so many inspirational lectures that have left my hand sore from excessive note-taking and there have been guest speakers who have left me in awe of their wisdom. My eyes have also been left sparkly and my heart full from a myriad of wonderful children.

“I’m looking forward to the next exciting chapter of my life as a class teacher at a local school in Bedfordshire (where I grew up) with a class of year 4 children.”

Bethanie Ruston

Oliver Moutrey 

“Throughout my school life I always aspired to be a teacher, I see their job as something influential and incredible.

“The course itself is really practical and hands-on but it can be challenging at times as well

“I can already see a transformation in myself as a teacher from when I started the course.

“The facilities available to us are phenomenal, the university also has an open learning centre dedicated to education students.”

Oliver Moutrey, education student

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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.

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Course specification

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