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Primary and Early Years Education with QTS BA(Hons)

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    Overview

    If you’re striving to become a primary school teacher, then this course will help you on your way. The course focuses on developing the skills you need to teach children from ages three to eleven and upon successful completion we’ll recommend Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

    We were ranked best in Yorkshire* for student satisfaction in the subject Teacher Training (National Student Survey 2022)

    Why Primary and Early Years Education?

    • The course content is designed to address the full breadth of the Teachers’ Standards, combining university-based and school-based training. You’ll have the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge of the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science), the seven areas of learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage and the full breadth of the National Curriculum.
    • We know there’s no substitute for learning how to teach in the classroom environment, so we give you lots of opportunity to gain practical experience across our partnership schools, starting from your first term. In fact, you’ll undertake a range of longer and shorter enrichment placements every year. Your placements will be organised by our dedicated placements team alongside your academic tutors to ensure you get the experience you need. As part of your placements you’ll be able to observe experienced teachers, gain practical, hands-on experience in front of students and benefit from one-to-one mentoring. It’s all designed to help you develop your skills and move on to become an outstanding teacher.
    • While you’re studying at Huddersfield, you’ll be able to access our extensive professional and academic network, not to mention our excellent facilities and specialist equipment, including our mock Early Years and Primary classrooms designed to help you prepare for the real world whilst you study.

    *subjects rankings refer to Common Aggregation Hierarchy level 3 and are further filtered to include English HEI's with income over £100m+ in the 20/21 academic year, Question: Overall Satisfaction (Q27)

    Entry requirements

    BBB at A Level or equivalent

    120 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications

    Merit in T Level

    DDD in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in a relevant area

    • Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above
    • 120 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

    In addition you must also:

    • have GCSE English Language or Literature, Maths and a Science subject at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme. In accordance with DfE guidance, equivalent UK Level 2 qualifications for example functional skills are not accepted.
    • provide an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health clearances.
    • offers are subject to interview.

    All conditions must be met by 31 August for entry in September in the year of application.

    If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum requirements of an English Language qualification. The minimum for IELTS is 7.0 overall with no element lower than 6.5, or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

    Other suitable experience or qualifications will be considered. For further information please see the University's minimum entry requirements.

    Course Detail

    Core modules:

    Initial Professional Development and School-Based Training 1: Theories and Strategies for Teachers and Learners

    This module aims to help you to develop critical reflection, a personal philosophy and your professional practice as a teacher. It provides the opportunity to study theories of child development and education and learning. It encourages evaluation and critique of these areas of educational debate, informed by theory, current research and policy.

    Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Areas and RE 1

    This module will introduce you to the National Curriculum requirements in the foundation subjects and the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework. You will explore creative and innovative ways of teaching the foundation areas and RE and develop your understanding of planning, and of appropriate assessment strategies for different subjects. Assessment typically involves producing a poster and a group presentation on one of the foundation subjects of the National Curriculum, RE or an area of learning in the EYFS.

    Introduction to Core Curriculum Studies - English, Maths and Science

    This module will help prepare you to teach English, mathematics and science across the early years and Key Stage 1. The module will be taught jointly by subject specialist tutors and school-based trainers. Training sessions will take place both in schools and in the University. Assessment is typically via a series of practical assignment tasks examining English (including Phonics), maths and science in the EYFS or primary classroom, exploring and synthesising theory into practice.

    Teaching and Learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage

    This module will aim to develop your knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), incorporating key features of effective learning environments and effective pedagogy in the birth to five age range. A strong emphasis is given to understanding child development and the crucial role of the adult in observing, assessing and planning for learning. This module will support you to develop your skills for observing, assessing and teaching young children and communicating effectively with them. It aims to prepare you for EYFS classroom practice based on sound understanding and critical reflection of the Early Years Foundation Stage.

    Core modules:

    Advanced Primary Core Curriculum Studies - English, Maths and Science

    This module builds on learning undertaken in Introduction to Core Curriculum Studies – English, Maths and Science. The aim is to provide you with the opportunity to consolidate and extend your subject knowledge in mathematics, science and English through a series of training sessions which will take place both in the University and in partnership schools. Assessment is typically via the design, planning and evaluation of practical resources to support a sequence of lessons for a specific age group in either English, Maths or Science.

    Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Subjects and RE 2

    This module will extend your knowledge of the foundation areas and RE and their corresponding areas of learning and development in the EYFS. You will extend your subject knowledge and learn how to plan for cross curricular links and holistic learning in creative and innovative ways. Training takes place both in university and in schools and you will have the opportunity to undertake a wider curriculum placement in which you’ll teach a series of lessons. Assessment is typically via the planning, delivery and evaluation of a sample unit of work for a chosen year group, incorporating several of the foundation areas of the National Curriculum or their corresponding areas of learning and development in the EYFS.

    Initial Professional Development and School-Based Training 2: Creative Teachers and Creative Learners

    This module supports you to further develop your skills of critical reflection and professional development planning. You will extend your knowledge of theory, research, policy and practice furthering your ability to demonstrate your own professional identity and educational philosophy. Through practical sessions you will also develop your Personal Development Portfolio. The module is practice based; all students undertake an eight week assessed block of School-Based Training, involving planning, teaching and assessing children’s learning. Assessment is typically via the submission of a teaching file to include lesson planning, evaluations of your own teaching, assessments for learners, feedback from trainers/mentors, a record of professional development activities and an impact study to show learner progress.

    Working with Children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

    This module introduces you to the barriers to learning experienced by those with special educational needs and disabilities and explores strategies teachers use to overcome these. You will have the opportunity to undertake enrichment experience in an alternative educational setting to enable you to apply theory to practice, and will aim to compile a reflective and critical portfolio based on your experiences which enables you reflect critically on your knowledge and practice.

    Safeguarding Children and Young People

    Raise your awareness of current legislation, policies and procedures which exist to promote children and young people’s rights and to keep them safe. Knowledge, skills and qualities required to work with children, young people, their families and carers and other professionals in safeguarding contexts. Critically explores broader safeguarding concepts (such as CSE and PREVENT).

    Core modules:

    Initial Professional Development and School Based Training 3: Curriculum, Assessment and Data

    This module seeks to prepare you for your final block placement in which you’ll be required to take responsibility for planning and teaching for the majority of the timetable. Through critical self-reflection and personal development planning you will be guided to establish your professional values and become the teacher you aspired to be. Assessment is typically via the submission of a portfolio demonstrating your competence across the Teacher Standards parts one and two. Evidence will include planning, evaluations, feedback, a record of professional development and an impact study to show learner progress.

    Diversity, Equality and Inclusion in Primary and Early Years Education

    This module will develop further your understanding of the concept of equality, diversity and inclusive education; it builds on the work undertaken across the whole of the course, with an emphasis on promoting a good understanding of the diverse nature of classrooms and the implications of this for resourcing, teaching and learning. Assessment is typically via a written reflective report on work undertaken as a community of practice in devising a scheme of work in a primary school or EYFS setting.

    Subject Leadership and Management in the Primary School and EYFS

    The module will introduce you to leadership and management in the primary school and EYFS. It will be led by University tutors and subject leaders drawn from across the partnership. It will introduce you to the principles behind effective middle leadership and some of the associated challenges. Following a series of lectures focusing on leadership styles, middle leadership, action planning and data analysis students will undertake a focused subject project within their partnership school that supports the school’s priorities. Assessment is typically via a mini-research project implemented in school, providing evidence of dissemination of findings and suggestions for innovation in the school or EYFS setting.

    Dissertation: A Research Project in Primary/Early Years Education

    This module will facilitate development of knowledge, understanding and skills required to utilise basic research methods to explore a specific question in a small-scale investigation within the context of a primary school. The findings will be analysed critically with reference to published theory and recent research. Assessment is typically via the submission of a dissertation.

    You’ll be taught through a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and interactive workshops. On average, 17%* of the study time on the course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in university lectures, seminars, tutorials etc. You’ll also have a personal tutor assigned to you throughout your degree to support your ongoing wellbeing and ensure that you have a positive learning experience. In addition trainees take part in compulsory school placements and school led training.

    *based on 2022/2023 timetables

    Assessment includes assignments on learning theory and professional issues associated with education. Within partnership schools, mentors assess your teaching to help you develop into an effective teacher.

    Feedback (usually written) is normally provided on all coursework submissions within three term time weeks – unless the submission was made towards the end of the session in which case feedback would be available on request after the formal publication of results. Feedback on exam performance/final coursework is available on request after the publication of results.

    1. The University of Huddersfield has been rated Gold in all three aspects of the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023. We were the only university in Yorkshire and the Humber and the North West to achieve Gold ratings in all three aspects of the TEF among those announced in September 2023. In fact only 13 Universities, out of the 96 that were announced in September 2023, were Gold in all three ratings.

    2. Further proof of teaching excellence: our staff rank in the top three in England for the proportion who hold doctorates, who have higher degrees, and hold teaching qualifications (HESA 2024). So, you’ll learn from some of the best, helping you to be the best.

    3. We are first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 22 since 2008 (2023 data).

    4. We won the first Global Teaching Excellence Award, recognising the University’s commitment to world-class teaching and its success in developing students as independent learners and critical thinkers (Higher Education Academy, 2017).

    At Huddersfield, you'll study the Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* so that you gain valuable qualities and experiences that could help you to get the career you want, no matter what your field of study is. On completion of the Award, you'll receive a GPA certificate from the University of Huddersfield, alongside the specialist subject skills and knowledge you gain as part of your degree, which may help to set you apart from other graduates.

    Giving students access to the Global Professional Award is one of the reasons the University won ‘Best University Employability Strategy’ award at the National Graduate Recruitment Awards 2021. Find out more on the Global Professional Award webpage.

    *full-time, undergraduate first degrees with a minimum duration of three years. This does not include postgraduate, foundation, top-up, accelerated or apprenticeship degrees.

    Placements

    On average, in Years 1 and 2, you will undertake a compulsory block teaching placement of 6-8 weeks. This is alongside shorter enrichment placements between 1-4 weeks.

    In your final year, you will undertake a compulsory block placement of 12 weeks.

    Our dedicated course tutors will work closely with placement mentors to provide guidance and support throughout your experience, ensuring you gain maximum benefit from your placements.

    We will endeavour to place you in a location convenient to you, although some placements may be located further from your point of study. Please be aware of potential travel costs associated with your placement.

    I've really enjoyed my school placement. We have the chance to find and choose our own placements, so I was able to find a great local school to practice in. The staff there were very welcoming and encouraging, and I learnt so much from them. 

    Headshot of Joe.

    Joe Tymon, Current Student studying Primary Education Studies (Non QTS Accelerated Degree) BA(Hons)

    Practical teaching in a real-world setting
    Hands-on Early Years learning environment
    Mill Cafe

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    Important information

    We will always try to deliver your course as described on this web page. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below.

    Changes to a course you have applied for

    If we propose to make a major change to a course that you are holding an offer for, then we will tell you as soon as possible so that you can decide whether to withdraw your application prior to enrolment.

    Cancellation of a course you have applied for

    Although we always try and run all of the course we offer, we may occasionally have to withdraw a course you have applied for or combine your programme with another programme if we consider this reasonably necessary to ensure a good student experience, for example if there are not enough applicants to ensure you have a good learning experience. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and we will contact you to discuss other suitable courses with us we can transfer your application to. If we notify you that the course you have applied to has been withdrawn or combined, and you do not wish to transfer to another course with us, you may cancel your application and we will refund you any deposits or fees you have paid to us.

    Changes to your course after you enrol as a student

    We will always try to deliver your course and other services as described. However, sometimes we may have to make changes as set out below:

    Changes to option modules

    Where your course allows you to choose modules from a range of options, we will review these each year and change them to reflect the expertise of our staff, current trends in research and as a result of student feedback or demand for certain modules. We will always ensure that you have a range of options to choose from and we will let you know in good time the options available for you to choose for the following year.

    Major changes

    We will only make major changes to the core curriculum of a course or to our services if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change in this context is a change that materially changes the services available to you; or the outcomes, or a significant part, of your course, such as the nature of the award or a substantial change to module content, teaching days (part time provision), classes, type of delivery or assessment of the core curriculum.

    For example, it may be necessary to make a major change to reflect changes in the law or the requirements of the University’s regulators; to meet the latest requirements of a commissioning or accrediting body; to improve the quality of educational provision; in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback; and/or to reflect academic or professional changes within subject areas. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff leaving the University or being unable to teach, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to damage or interruption to buildings, facilities or equipment.

    Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but this may not always be the case. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will carry out suitable consultation with affected students. If you reasonably believe that the proposed change will cause you detriment or hardship we will, if appropriate, work with you to try to reduce the adverse effect on you or find an appropriate solution. Where an appropriate solution cannot be found and you contact us in writing before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for future tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    Termination of course

    In exceptional circumstances, we may, for reasons outside of our control, be forced to discontinue or suspend your course. Where this is the case, a formal exit strategy will be followed and we will notify you as soon as possible about what your options are, which may include transferring to a suitable replacement course for which you are qualified, being provided with individual teaching to complete the award for which you were registered, or claiming an interim award and exiting the University. If you do not wish to take up any of the options that are made available to you, then you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the course without liability to the University for future tuition fees and you will be entitled to a refund of all course fees paid to date. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so.

    When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by a framework of regulations, policies and procedures, which form the basis of your agreement with us. These include regulations regarding the assessment of your course, academic integrity, your conduct (including attendance) and disciplinary procedure, fees and finance and compliance with visa requirements (where relevant). It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to abide by them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan, where you will also find links to the full text of each of the regulations, policies and procedures referred to. You should read these carefully before you enrol. Please note that this information is subject to change and you are advised to check our website regularly for any changes before you enrol at the University. A person who is not party to this agreement shall not have any rights under or in connection with it. Only you and the University shall have any right to enforce or rely on the agreement.

    Equal opportunities

    The University of Huddersfield is an equal opportunities institution. We aim to create conditions where staff and students are treated solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, age, race, caste, class, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, family responsibility, trade union activity, political or religious belief, or age. Please visit our website to see our Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy

    Data protection

    The University holds personal data on all enquirers, applicants and enrolled students. All such data is kept and processed in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Legislation. The University’s Data Protection Policy and Privacy Notices are available on the University website.

    Students’ Union membership

    Under the 1994 Education Act, students at all UK universities have the right to join, or not to join, the Students’ Union. There is no membership fee. If you choose not to join you have the right not to be disadvantaged; however, you are not entitled to vote, take part in elections, or hold any office. The following arrangements apply in order that non-Union members are not disadvantaged: Non-members are welcome to take part in the activities of Affiliated Clubs and Societies on payment of the appropriate subscription. However, they may not vote or hold office in the society or club. Union members may be offered a discounted subscription. Non-members are free to use Union facilities on the same basis as members. Welfare, catering and shops are available to non-members as well as members. Union members may be offered a discounted price.

    The Office for Students (OfS) is the principal regulator for the University.

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