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Primary Education (QTS) BA (Hons)

UCAS code: X101

Start year

Information for 2025

About this course

Primary education is a fundamental part of any child’s academic and personal development. Primary teachers play a crucial role in developing a child’s essential knowledge and skills. They inspire our young people's love for learning and help to develop well-rounded children – laying the foundations for their future.

At NTU, you’ll not just learn how to be a teacher, you’ll become one. Studying this four-year course means you’ll have the time to really get to grips with the curriculum and understand how to meet the diverse needs of learners. You’ll be taught by former primary school teachers in specially designed teaching rooms. Plus, you’ll spend plenty of time in the classroom, putting what you’ve learned into practice. All the while, you’ll be building your resilience, critical thinking and creativity.

You’ll graduate ready to start your career as a confident and innovative teacher with the skills and experience demanded by schools. You’ll be committed to shaping the minds, lives and futures of all our young people – making a positive difference in our diverse society.

Why study this course?

  • 97% of BA (Hons) Primary Education students believe the course has improved their career prospects (National Student Survey, 2024).
  • You’ll be recommended for accreditation for Qualified Teacher Status with the Department for Education, allowing you to take a post as an Early Career Teacher upon course completion.   
  • You’ll specialise in either the 3-7 or 5-11 age ranges, in the context of developing your general expertise as a primary teacher.
  • You’ll gain 60 credits towards a full Masters degree by studying the final year leadership module at Masters level.

Accreditation

We are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then to complete your induction period.

  • DfE logo
95
%

of BA (Hons) Primary Education graduates were in work and/or further study 15 months after completing their studies (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21)

What you’ll study

The course is structured to equip you as a new teacher with a holistic view of the curriculum. You’ll gain a range of skills, knowledge and understanding enabling you to meet the individual and diverse needs of learners. Your understanding of children, their learning and development will be at the centre of your teaching practice. You’ll develop a critical understanding of inclusive practices in education and take responsibility for your own professional development.

Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies One (60 credit points)

This module introduces you to curriculum area content. You’ll focus on the core primary curriculum subjects - English, Maths and Science – as well as developing your understanding of the wider curriculum. You’ll be introduced to the principles of learning, demonstrating how these translate into teaching across the early years and primary frameworks.

Develop and Evaluate Practice One (60 credit points)

This module will develop your understanding of how theories of learning, child development and cognitive science inform principles of learning. You’ll undertake your first period of Professional Practice, designed to support your understanding of the responsibilities regarding safeguarding and children’s well-being. You'll cover the nature of professionalism and how to make a positive impact in school in terms of your aspirations for children and relationships with both children and adults.

Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies Two (60 credit points)

As part of this module, you’ll develop confidence in your own subject knowledge for teaching across both core and wider curriculum subjects and recognise progression in children’s learning within curriculum subjects. You’ll focus on formative assessment practices underpinned by a sound knowledge of the needs of individuals, groups of pupils and the requirements of the curriculum.

Develop and Evaluate Professional Practice Two (60 credit points)

This module will strengthen your understanding of how to meet the needs of a diverse range of learners. The module includes your second period of Professional Practice. You'll develop your understanding of the need to personalise learning to meet the needs of specific learners. You'll consider some of the barriers children face in their learning and develop your awareness of a range of issues and theories around Special Educational Needs and Disability and inclusive education. You'll also cover educational philosophy.

Core

Develop and Evaluate Professional Practice Three (60 credit points)

This module includes your third period of Professional Practice where you will be supported in developing effective and inclusive classroom management skills. You’ll identify ‘best practice research’ and learn how to take a creative and inclusive approach towards innovation in your planning and teaching. You’ll reflect on your own practice and the impact your approaches have on the learning, development and progress of all children. You’ll engage with the idea of the teacher as a ‘researcher’ and develop your understanding of research methods.

Wider Perspectives (20 credit points)

This module will enable you to integrate values and beliefs into the curriculum so that it is innovated with a focus on educating the child as a global citizen for the future. You'll develop an awareness of innovative and creative approaches informed by 'best practice' research. You'll research and critically evaluate new knowledge, concepts and evidence from a range of sources and explore your own values as a teacher. You'll explore the global dimensions of education and understand how it can underpin creative planning.

Optional

You’ll choose one of the following optional modules:

Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies Three (3 – 7 strand) (40 credit points)

As part of this module, you’ll further extend your subject knowledge for teaching the core subjects and to support your understanding of the holistic and interconnectedness of learning. You’ll develop an awareness of responsive, innovative and creative approaches informed by ‘best practice’ research which supports young children’s sense of well-being, involvement and engagement. You’ll develop the confidence to articulate your emerging ideas and values effectively and be aware of the impact these have on your own practice.

Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies Three (5 – 11 strand) (40 credit points)

As part of this module, you’ll further extend your subject knowledge for teaching in the core subjects and in your chosen area of foundation subjects. You’ll evaluate your own subject knowledge in aspects of the 5-11 curriculum and identify further areas for development. You’ll also explore the global dimensions of education and understand how it can underpin creative planning.

Core

Develop and Evaluate Professional Practice Four (20 credit points)

This module will develop your aspirations as a future teacher and potential leader in schools. It includes your final period of Professional Practice. This will allow you the opportunity to demonstrate that you can be an outstanding and creatively innovative teacher. It will enable you to empower others and lead change within your educational context.

Principles in Practice Four (40 credit points)

This module will stimulate your thinking about learning and teaching and develop mastery within your own practice. You’ll refine and deepen your skills as a reflective practitioner and as a teacher-researcher so that this continues throughout your teaching career; to establish a professional learning journey which will nourish your practice and sustain in the long term. You’ll carry out an independent empirical study focused on an area/subject of your choice. You will apply research skills in this context and will be expected to offer, in your chosen area, new insights and ideas into how provision in this area might be carried forward in your practice. The module also includes a focus on Special and Inclusive Education.

Optional

You’ll choose one of the following optional modules:

Leading Primary Practice (60 credit points)

As part of this module, you'll use and apply your emerging leadership and management skills through collaborative group work. The module will allow you to gain an understanding of your own emerging strengths in the leadership and management of a team. You'll also develop your confidence in leading change and articulating your vision for primary education through the development of policy and practice. You'll share your professional learning through disseminating the findings of your research study to your peers for critical review.

Leading Early Years Practice (60 credit points)

As part of this module, you'll use and apply your emerging leadership and management skills through collaborative group work. The module will allow you to gain an understanding of your own emerging strengths in the leadership and management of a team. You'll also develop your confidence in leading change and articulating your vision for primary education through the development of policy and practice. You'll share your professional learning through disseminating the findings of your research study to your peers for critical review.

We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

James Duncan

Primary Education (QTS)

The course gave me a noticeable boost in confidence and experience that set me apart compared to others who took different pathways into teaching. This foundation allowed me to relax, enjoy the job, and start "swimming" right away.

Georgia Brown

Primary Education (QTS)

I had a really positive experience at NTU. I learned so much about best practice and the expectations of teachers, from pedagogy to curriculum requirements, which has been essential to my job.

Charlotte Jordan

Primary Education (QTS)

I felt NTU offered a strong sense of community and countless opportunities to grow.

Oli Goodman

Primary Education (QTS)

Being in the classroom and teaching is what I enjoy most on placement. Having the opportunity to deliver a lesson that engages children, and develops a passion for that subject, is highly rewarding as a trainee teacher.

Lily-Mae Hackett

Primary Education (QTS)

I have a passionate desire to make a positive impact on the lives and education of young people.

Sammy Kingsnorth

Primary Education (QTS)

I knew from the first open day at NTU that it was the right university for me. There was an immediate warm, friendly aura that made me feel so welcome.

Heidi Benson-Loydall

Primary Education (QTS)

I would encourage anyone to study the course here, as I have had such a good experience.

Sarah Normansell-Thomas

Primary Education (QTS)

I always feel welcome and know that I can be true to myself. I have been given so many opportunities such as becoming a student ambassador, being a course representative and protecting mental health as a student mental health champion.

Christy Simons

Primary Education (QTS)

After having my daughter, I realised I loved teaching her things and watching her learn and decided I had finally found my passion at the age of 33!

Gurkirpa Swali

Primary Education (QTS)

Teaching in primary school was the end goal - standing proudly in front of my class as a diverse male teacher, having the power to enhance the curriculum, and leaving children with an unforgettable learning experience.

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How you're taught

Learning from experts

You’ll be taught by former primary and early years teachers who have a wealth of experience and a passion for teaching. Our lecturers are highly respected researchers within their fields of education, working with national associations and partnership schools. Many work more widely with subject associations and as school governors.

Placement

You’ll be well-prepared for a future in teaching with placements in a range of settings through our extensive network of partner schools and institutions.

You’ll spend a minimum of 160 days in professional placement across the four years, giving real-life context to your studies and hands-on experience. Professional placements are integrated within the course with each ranging from five to eight weeks. You’ll also benefit from placement opportunities engaging with 0-3 year olds, Key Stage 3 and Special Schools.

In Year Three, there’ll also be the opportunity for you to organise an educational placement in a community or international setting.

Enrichment opportunities

A number of enrichment opportunities are offered as part of the course to enhance your learning including:

  • A subsidised fieldwork trip in Year One
  • Forest School experience in Year One and Year Three
  • Take One Picture project in Year Two, linked to the National Gallery
  • Special placement in Year Three where you chose to spend at least ten days in an educational context anywhere in the world
  • Extra school-based projects including Core Week and SEND Week.
  • Masters module in school leadership in Year Four
  • Education for Sustainable Development opportunities: Values Week, Inclusion, Wider perspectives (SiP certificate), SEND experiences
  • Additional award opportunity, for example NTU award, SiP (Sustainability in Practice)
  • Publications opportunities.

How you're assessed

  • Year 1 coursework
  • Year 2 coursework
  • Year 3 coursework
  • Year 4 coursework

Contact hours

You will have around 10 – 12 hours per week of contact time (lectures, seminars and workshops) with our teaching staff which is around 30% of a full-time week. Approximately 90% of our teaching is in-person. The remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study. Some weeks will also involve block placements.

Staff Profiles

Mrs Suzanne Gomersall - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Suzanne Gomersall is a Lecturer in Primary Education and the Admissions Tutor for BA (Hons) Primary Education at Nottingham Institute of Education, Nottingham Trent University,

Lee Rowcroft - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Lee Rowcroft is a senior lecturer and course leader for BA (Hons) in Primary Education at the Nottingham Institute of Education.

Lizzie Greeley - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Lizzie Greeley is a Lecturer on the BA Primary Course and lectures across all four years, delivering sessions on primary English, Music and Professional Development.

Felicity Allard - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Felicity Allard

Paul Waring-Thomas - Principal Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Paul Waring-Thomas is a Principal Lecturer in Nottingham Institute of Education in the School of Social Sciences.

Richard Muge - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Rich Muge is a Senior Lecturer in primary Education at Nottingham Institute of Education, School of Social Sciences

Simon Brown

Simon Brown

Cat Lazenby - Lecturer

Nottingham Institute of Education

Cat Lazenby is a Lecturer in Primary Education and Admissions Lead for PGCE Primary Education at Nottingham Institute of Education, Nottingham Trent University,

Dr Alison Murphy - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Dr. Alison Murphy is a Senior Lecturer and leads the final fourth year of the undergraduate BA (Hons) in Primary Education at the Nottingham Institute of Education. 

Rebekah Gear - Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Rebekah Gear, Lecturer, Nottingham Institute of Education.

Chloe Barber - Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Chloe Barber is a Lecturer on the BA (Hons) Primary Education and PGCE Early Years Initial Teacher Training courses at Nottingham Institute of Education.

Catherine Taylor - Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Catherine Taylor is a Lecturer on the BA Primary Education course at the Nottingham Institute of Education, Nottingham Trent University.

Careers and employability

What skills will I develop?

Through your degree, you’ll develop a set of skills that are valuable in primary education, as well as being transferrable to a range of careers. These include:

  • knowledge of teaching and learning processes
  • thinking critically and creatively
  • initiating and challenging ideas
  • planning and organisation
  • patience and flexibility
  • knowledge of child development
  • interpretive and analytical thinking
  • problem solving skills
  • oral and written communication.

Your future career

Graduates have gained positions in primary schools in the UK and overseas. Primary Education graduates also find employment in government departments, educational publishing, social service agencies, and research fields.

Our graduates are following a variety of career paths including roles as:

  • Primary School Teacher
  • Early Years Practitioner
  • Family and Child Community Worker
  • Special Education Teacher
  • Teaching Assistant
  • Supply Teacher.

Our close relationships with partnership schools leads to a high proportion of graduates taking up employment locally.

With four periods of professional practice and wider enrichment opportunities, such as field work and specialisation, our graduates are confident, critical and creative professionals committed to the development of all through education and highly employable. Our emphasis on subject leadership in the final year of the course ensures that graduates are well placed to lead innovative practice in school.

Teaching salaries

The average starting salary for a teacher is £30,000 and experienced teachers can earn up to £56,959, with Head Teachers reaching salaries over £139,000 (DfE website, 2023).

From the outset of your training, you will focus on developing your teaching skills and demonstrating the impact of children's learning.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have. Learning a new language can:

  • Enhance your communication skills
  • Enrich your experience when travelling abroad
  • Boost your career prospects.

If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.

Campus and facilities

You’ll mainly be studying in the Ada Byron King building, with access to facilities including our specially designed teaching rooms simulating primary classrooms for design and technology, art and science. These purpose-built classrooms will help prepare you for a future in teaching, giving you the chance to gain hands-on experience in a realistic environment.

Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!

You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.

Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.

Entry requirements

UK students

Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to three qualifications.

Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to three qualifications.

Other requirements: An interview and writing task, and GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C / 4 as this is a statutory requirement for anyone intending to enter the teaching profession. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk.

To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.

International students

Academic entry requirements: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to three A levels. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.

Other requirements: An interview and writing task, and GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C / 4 as this is a statutory requirement for anyone intending to enter the teaching profession. We accept the GCSE equivalency taken via equivalencytesting.com or astarequivalency.co.uk.

English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.

Policies

We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.

Fees and funding

UK students

- see the fees for this course, as well as information about funding and support.

£9,535 per year

Find out about the extra support we may be able to provide to help pay for uni, including NTU bursaries and scholarships.

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees, including the placement year and study abroad options are subject to government policy and may change in future years of study.

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but we don’t want you to feel anxious or confused about it. Visit our fees and funding pages if you have any concerns.

International students

- see the fees for this course, as well as payment advice and scholarships.
  • £17,500 per year

You will need to pay tuition fees for each year that you are at university. The tuition fees might increase from the second year of your undergraduate course, in line with inflation and as specified by the UK government.

Scholarships

We offer international scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for a scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.

Living costs

See our advice on managing your money and the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham.

Paying fees

As an international student, you'll need to make an advance payment of £6,000 when you've accepted your offer to study at NTU. You'll then need to pay your tuition fees in full, or have an agreement to pay in two further instalments, before the start date of your course.

Find out how and when to pay your fees, including information about advance payments, instalment dates and how to make payments securely to the University.

Enquiries

If you have any queries relating to advance payments or arrangements to pay, please contact our friendly and experienced international enquiries team.

Additional costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses. There are just a few additional things you may need to budget for:

Textbooks and library books

Most modules will recommend one or more core textbooks, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential textbooks, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) - meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Printing and photocopying costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the printing and photocopying information on the Library website.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Fees and funding advice

For more advice and guidance, you can email our Student Money Team or phone us on +44 (0)115 848 2494.

Cost of living information and support

Managing your money can help you make the most of life at NTU. Here's how we can support you, and now you can make your funding go further.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application and personal statement

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. So include all of your qualifications and grades, including resits or predicted grades.

Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! You’ve got 4,000 characters to impress us. Make sure you use them to show how your skills and qualities are relevant to the course(s) you’re applying for. For more hints and tips, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.

Interviews

All candidates who meet the minimum entry requirements for this course will be required to take part in a one-to-one online interview with a member of the teaching team.

School experience

School observation experience can enhance your application. It will also help you to confirm that teaching is the right career choice for you.

Diversity of our students

We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of teacher trainees. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.

All applicants welcome

We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through UCAS.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

You can get more information and advice about applying to NTU on our Your Application page.

Good luck with your application!

You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.

Application advice

Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example.  After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Writing your personal statement

Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:

Interviews

All candidates who meet the minimum entry requirements for this course will be required to take part in a one-to-one online interview with a member of the teaching team.

School experience

School observation experience can enhance your application. It will also help you to confirm that teaching is the right career choice for you.

Diversity of our students

We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of teacher trainees. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.

All applicants welcome

We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications. All applicants will need to apply through UCAS.

Would you like some advice on your study plans?

Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

If you already have a teaching qualification from outside the UK, you may be able to apply for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in England. To learn more and check if you meet the eligibility criteria, please visit the Department for Education website.