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BAE

Primary Education BA (Hons)

Gain all the knowledge, skills and experience you’ll need to become a first-rate primary teacher. Explore all facets of education to hone your skills and develop your own educational philosophy to make a difference to your pupils’ lives.

How to apply Apply via UCAS

Course details

Start date

Degree Type

BAE

UCAS Code

X101

Course length

3 years full-time

Typical offer

128 UCAS Tariff points

Tuition Fees

  • Home (Full-time): per year
  • Overseas (Full-time): per year

Overview

At Durham University, our vision is to be a leader in the development of high-quality teachers who aspire, through their scholarly, reflective and inspirational practice, to make a difference to the lives of their students, both now and in the future. To achieve this vision, Durham’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) curriculum is co-designed and delivered in collaboration between university-based and school-based expert colleagues. The Early Career Framework (ITTECF) explains the areas of expertise that trainees need to learn during the ITT year, as a minimum entitlement. The careful integration of all elements of the ITTECF forms the core of Durham’s BA Primary Education curriculum. Durham’s ITT curriculum places great emphasis on enhancing trainees’ subject knowledge and teaching for understanding – trainees ‘learn that’ and ‘learn how to’. The ITT curriculum also integrates additional analysis and critique of theory, research and expert practice that tutors and school expert partners consider appropriate. The BA Primary Education programme ensures that what we teach is informed by a range of high-quality research evidence. The Primary Education degree is ideal if you are committed to a teaching career in a primary school. You will complete a minimum of 120 days school experience, including training about whole-school issues that affect children’s learning environment. You will also engage in Intensive Training and Practice opportunities which strengthen links between evidence and classroom practice. The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and this is awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University. The degree develops the professional knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for effective teaching in a primary school. This includes: An understanding of responsibilities and roles of the primary teacherAn understanding of schools and the National Curriculum as the framework for children’s formal learningIn-depth knowledge and understanding of core National Curriculum subjectsKnowledge and understanding of foundation primary curriculum subjects Classroom effectiveness, drawing upon expertise of expert teachersPersonal educational philosophyDevelopment of a professional identity.

Course details

Start date

Degree Type

BAE

UCAS Code

X101

Course length

3 years full-time

Typical offer

128 UCAS Tariff points

Tuition Fees

  • Home (Full-time): per year
  • Overseas (Full-time): per year

What you'll study

The degree develops the professional knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for effective teaching in a primary school.

Core modules

  • Education in the Early Years

    you will develop an understanding of key pedagogical issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in early years education. You will be introduced to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, considering areas of learning specified in the framework. There will be a particular focus on children’s development of early reading and phonics, and early mathematics. You will explore ways in which early years education supports preparation for formal schooling.

  • Professional and School-Based Studies 1

    Youwill begin to develop an understanding of some of the key professional requirements involved in teaching. You will be introduced to key issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in the primary classroom, including approaches required in foundation subjects. You will develop an understanding of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) and the Teachers’ Standards, and the approaches needed to fulfil these. You will develop an understanding of safeguarding roles and duties and consider issues related to the development of a professional identity.

  • Shifting the Focus

    develops your understanding of the key elements underpinning the primary curriculum and strengthens your knowledge of their connections. You will examine ways in which the core curriculum is taught and consider the issues involved in ensuring effective provision of the National Curriculum for all children.

  • The Evidence Informed Primary Teacher 1

    will help you develop an understanding of the Primary National Curriculum Framework and the key concepts underpinning primary learning. You will review relevant policy and legal requirements, and develop a critical appreciation of Foundation subject delivery in the primary context.

Optional modules

  • In recent years optional modules have included: Intercultural and International EducationFoundations of Psychology in EducationDisability and Educational Needs: What’s so ‘Special’ about SEND?

Core modules

  • Educational Research Methods

    will help you understand the purposes and implications of educational research. You will develop a critical appreciation of the different ways in which research can be carried out in education, and learn how to assess the quality of educational research.

  • Professional and School-Based Studies 2

    Youwill continue to develop an understanding of some of the key professional requirements involved in teaching. You will develop consideration of key issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in the primary classroom, including approaches required in foundation subjects. You will build on your understanding of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) and the Teachers’ Standards, and the approaches needed to fulfil these. You will deepen your understanding of safeguarding roles and duties and develop consideration of issues related to the development of a professional identity.

  • The Evidence Informed Primary Teacher 2

    enables you todevelop a deeper understanding of the Primary National Curriculum Framework and the key concepts underpinning primary approaches to teaching. You will evaluate Foundation subject delivery and explore alternative curricula design and delivery methods.

  • The Three Cs

    further develops your understanding of the key elements underpinning the primary curriculum and strengthens your knowledge of their connections. You will explore issues involved in ensuring effective provision of core subjects in the National Curriculum for all children, including contemporary influences and initiatives.

Optional modules

  • In recent years optional modules have included: Cultural Identity, Interculturality and EducationLearning and Development in ChildhoodDisability and Educational Needs: Impairment, Empowerment and Education

Core modules

  • Beyond the Three Cs

    gives you a rich and connected understanding of the primary curriculum, and an understanding of progression beyond the primary phase. You will develop your critical awareness of effective provision of core subjects in the National Curriculum for all children.

  • Double Dissertation in Primary Education: Reflective Practice in Action

    You will undertake an extended, independent piece of research with an appropriate primary educational focus. The dissertation is an opportunity to bring together skills, knowledge and understanding gained on the course into one focused piece of work. This will give you the opportunity to reflect critically on areas of educational practice.

  • Future Leaders

    will deepen and extend your knowledge and understanding of the role of the subject leader within the primary school. You will engage with the challenges of leadership and how to work with colleagues effectively to support them in teaching across the curriculum. You will also be introduced to important current initiatives and curriculum legislation.

  • Professional and School-Based Studies 3

    Youwill consolidate and extend your understanding of key professional requirements involved in teaching. You will extend consideration of key issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in the primary classroom, including approaches required in foundation subjects. You will consolidate your understanding of the Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) and the Teachers’ Standards, and the approaches needed to fulfil these. You will extend your understanding of safeguarding roles and duties and consolidate understanding of issues related to the development of a professional identity. You will develop an appreciation of the transition to the Early Career Framework (ECF) in your Early Career Teacher (ECT) years.

  • Professional Development

    During the course, you will be assigned to one of our Partnership School Training Hubs, where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a classroom context, supported by the school, your School Training Centre Mentor and a University Tutor. These school-based activities involve structured classroom observations, planning and research projects and practical teaching – the latter starting with teaching individual pupils, eventually leading through group work to full classroom teaching. You will have a designated expert teacher-mentor who will guide your work in schools. Placement is organised through a combination of weekly serial days and block placements in school.

Learning

Lectures provide a supporting framework of key theories and concepts, with follow-up seminars for peer-assisted learning and discussion. These seminars reflect the nature and approach to teaching in the primary classroom, and support additional aspects of professional development. The degree offers many opportunities for group work, allowing you and your cohort to develop as a close team. You will be introduced to a range of classroom perspectives and stakeholder viewpoints, analysing the relationships between theory, practice and policy. You will also be assigned to one of our Partnership School Training Hubs, where you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in a teaching context. This is supported by the school, your School Training Centre Mentor and a University Tutor.

Assessment

Most taught modules are assessed by assignments, including essays, posters and portfolios. As part of the course curriculum, you will access the Government’s Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) criteria. School-based activities will be observed, and by the end of the course you must demonstrate that you meet the Government’s Teachers’ Standards in order to be awarded QTS.

Entry requirements

Fees & Funding

Choose which fees you want to see:

Home / Island students

per year

International / EU Students

per year

Home / Island students

Part Time - per year

International / EU Students

Part Time - per year

The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).

Find out more

Department Information

  • Embark on an Education degree at Durham and experience our innovative research informed teaching and exceptional support. We offer courses for people who want to teach and for those with an interest in education in its broadest sense through academic studies in education. The School of Education, Durham University offers a suite of undergraduate degrees linked to academic studies in Education. These include a single honours Bachelors degree in Education Studies and joint honours options. These allow students to develop specialism in Education studies with a partner subject. Current joint honours degree specialisms on offer are Education Studies - Geography; Education Studies - Sociology and Education Studies - Psychology (with the option of BPS accreditation). Students in our Education Studies suite of programmes can also tailor their degree by selecting optional modules from across the wider university. Our undergraduate Bachelors degree in Primary Education (with QTS) combines an academic programme of study with practical preparation to become a teacher. The programme provides the tools and support you need to become an inspiring and outstanding teacher who will make a difference to the lives of pupils, both now and in the future. For more information see our department pages.

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    Facilities

    Located on the main campus at Lower Mountjoy, we are conveniently located near the main Bill Bryson library, the Teaching and Learning Centre and lots of other departments and University services.

    • Partnerships

      Central to our teaching qualifications is the partnership between the University and schools in the area. We work with a diverse network of schools covering a wide geographical area, and if you choose a teaching qualification you will spend some of your time based in a school developing your professional skills to inspire the next generation.

    • Community

      The School of Education is a diverse, inclusive and vibrant community of almost 100 staff and more than 900 students

    • Research led

      Our world leading researchers contribute to all of our programmes in teaching and course content.

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Career Opportunities

Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:

89%

in work or further study.

100%

in high or medium skilled employment.

£31,033

is the average salary.

HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk

Employability

Our BA in Primary Education offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status with most graduates progressing directly into teaching. Graduates of the BA Education Studies suite of degrees move into a diverse range of roles including the wider children's workforce in welfare and social care related roles, education administration and business. The commercial and digital education sectors are growing internationally and our graduates are also attracted into these areas of activity. Some of our graduates undertake postgraduate teacher training courses (e.g. PGCE). Our Education Studies- Psychology graduates often move into teaching and psychology allied professions with the longer term intention of becoming educational psychologists. Some of our students choose further study, progressing to Masters or doctoral programmes and research.

More Information

Students who join us for undergraduate study participate in a first-class educational experience which combines the outcomes of world class research with innovative teaching and exceptional support.

Learn more about why the School of Education is a great place to study

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