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Primary Education Studies (Non QTS Accelerated Degree) BA(Hons)

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Start Dates

21 September 2026

Duration

2 years full-time

UCAS Tariff

120-112

Recent Awards For Excellence

Education - QS 2025
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About this course

Overview

Why choose Huddersfield for this course?

  • A faster route to teacher training. Complete your degree in just two years and be ready to apply for postgraduate teacher training, including a Primar
  • Real classroom experience. Take part in a work placement in a primary school and gain hands-on insight into teaching and learning.
  • Explore wider education careers. This course also opens doors to roles in education policy, social care, mentoring, and more.

This course is designed to help you develop your knowledge of primary and early years education, equipping you with the skills you’ll need to progress towards becoming a teacher in a primary or early years setting, or for other roles and careers within the field of education.

Completion of this course does not result in a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a requirement for becoming a primary school teacher. However, following successful completion of the course, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) can be achieved through completion of a postgraduate teacher training course (such as a Primary Education PGCE).

If you aspire to become a primary school teacher, this course offers an accelerated route to completing an Undergraduate degree. In just two years, you’ll gain the requirements needed to apply for a Postgraduate teacher training course. From there, you can delve into further study and potentially look forward to a career in early years, primary schools, or higher and further education.

Why study Primary Education Studies (Non-QTS Accelerated Degree) BA(Hons)

Primary Education Studies (Non-QTS Accelerated Degree) BA(Hons) will prepare you for teacher training, postgraduate research, employment in the primary education sector or other education-related roles in, for example:

  • Policy-maker or researcher
  • School management
  • Social work
  • Health and social care
  • Counselling and mentoring

You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a work placement in a primary school and, as part of your placements, you’ll be able to observe experienced teachers and gain practical, hands-on experience in contributing to classroom practice.

Please note: This course follows an accelerated delivery pattern across all three terms of the academic year. This means you’ll complete the same number of modules and assignments as students on a three-year degree course.

The top five job titles advertised in the UK for graduate roles associated with Primary Education Studies (Non QTS Accelerated Degree) BA(Hons) are Teaching Assistants, SEN Teaching Assistants, Early Years Teachers, Nursery Practitioners and Early Years Practitioners.*

*Lightcast data extracted from Graduate Career Explorer – job postings from Dec 2023 to Nov 2024 showing jobs advertised associated with a selection of relevant graduate.

Career opportunities after the course *

Teaching Assistants

SEN Teaching Assistants

Early Years Teachers

Nursery Practitioners

Early Years Practitioners

*Lightcast

Who can apply?

Entry Requirements

BBB-BBC at A Level or equivalent.
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma.
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications.
Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits at Merit or above.
Merit at T Level
120-112 UCAS tariff points from International Baccalaureate qualifications.

In addition you must also:

  • have GCSE English Language and either Maths or Science subject at grade 4 or above, or grade C or above if awarded under the previous GCSE grading scheme.
  • provide an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and health clearances.

Please note that offers are subject to interview.

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 (TOEFL 87), or equivalent. Read more about the University’s entry requirements for students outside of the UK on our International Entry Requirements page.

What will you learn?

Course Details

This module introduces you to a variety of key skills intended to support your transition into higher education. The module encourages the development of academic study and communication skills necessary for success on your course along with academic tenacity and resilience. It encourages you to harness your organisation skills, have aspirations and develop self-efficacy.

This module introduces significant theories and research which underpin development and learning for children, young people and adults. It considers a range of key concepts to explain the basis of development and learning. It identifies the different dimensions of development (cognitive, linguistic, social, moral) and locates these aspects of development in their cultural and social context and in an international context. It focuses on different transitions that children and young people must make as they develop into adulthood and introduces students to different perspectives on the processes involved in learning and development.

This module will support you to develop your understanding of the term ‘curriculum’, and how different forms of knowledge and power shape the construction of curriculum. The module aims to equip you with an understanding of the theoretical perspectives on social justice and provide explanations as to how the curriculum can be re-fashioned towards a more equitable model. You will apply understandings of social justice and curriculum to create an alternative model of curriculum. To do this, you will be introduced to some alternative foci for curriculum: Neurodiverse Affirming Practice in the Curriculum, Ecojustice, Sustainability, and Social Justice in the curriculum, an Anti-racist Curriculum, and Critical Education. By the end of the module, you will design an alternative curriculum model of social justice explaining how it is situated theoretically and practically, supported by a national and international curriculum, and reflect on the challenges of implementing this model within the current structures, policies, and discourse the increasingly operate within and control education.

This module equips you to effectively teach English, mathematics and science across the primary age range with small groups of children. You will be introduced to historical and contemporary teaching and learning strategies within the core subjects and you will consider how educational reform, policy, and theories have shaped curriculum and practice. The module examines how the economic, political and educational landscape shapes curricula, especially the impact on 'other' curriculum areas such as the foundation subjects and the 'creative arts' - music, art, drama for example. The module encourages you to analyse the impact of these curriculum issues on teacher autonomy, professionalism, and practice, and asks you to identify more equitable responses for curricula reform.

This module will help raise your awareness of current legislation, policies and procedures which exist to promote children and young people’s rights and to keep them safe from harm. It emphasises the knowledge, skills and qualities required to work with children, young people, their families and carers and other professionals in safeguarding contexts; and critically explores broader concepts of child abuse. Assessment typically involves the completion of an oral assessment and a timed test.

On this module you will consider the relationship between curriculum and culture. You will develop your understanding of the wider curriculum and learn about the rationales for a range of approaches. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own observations of practice to inform and further your understanding. Assessment is typically via a presentation and a written assignment.

This module will develop your understanding of your own professionalism and practice through workplace learning. You will explore work-based learning, employability, professional concepts and reflective practice. Assessment is typically via a written report and a portfolio demonstrating your professional practice.

You will study theories of child development from historical, psychological and sociological perspectives, exploring how neurodivergent and autistic children are constructed within these narratives. You will explore atypical development, examining a range of neurodivergent experiences of education, and analysing pedagogical approaches utilised to strengthen inclusive practices for neurodivergent children and young people in a range of educational settings. You will explore the impact of autism and neurodivergence on individuals and their families and demonstrate critical understanding of support systems within and beyond educational settings.

This module will help you to learn how to design and conduct a final year project. It does this by exploring a range of research and design approaches, strategies and methods. The module helps you to design a project that utilises your knowledge and abilities, carry it out and evaluate its outcomes. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. The module guides you towards gaining a thorough, critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics and ways of doing data analysis. By the end of the module you’ll be confident and capable of designing your own rigorous and valid project.

This module allows you to pursue your academic and work-related interests and to demonstrate the breadth of knowledge, understanding, and strengths that you have developed during your degree studies. You will review critical understanding of project planning and evaluation, research protocols, methods, ethics, and analysis. You will be supported in the selection of a focus for your final project, in the development of an application for ethical approval, and at each stage of your study. Your final year project will focus on an empirical research, policy or practice development, documentary research, policy analysis, entrepreneurship activity, or other options in negotiation with your tutor. This module is your opportunity to work together with a supervisor to confidently and rigorously undertake a valid project.

You will examine definitions and different understandings of inclusion and models of disability, considering a national and global context. You will explore the impact these different definitions and models have on educational policy and practice. You will critically analyse current approaches to inclusion in a range of settings. You will develop your understanding of approaches to inclusive planning, teaching and assessment that ensures accessibility, challenge and achievability for all pupils.

You will also choose 1 optional module in this year. The current optional modules are:

Through this module you’ll explore different aspects of the health and well-being of children and young people and become equipped to evaluate the wider public health agenda, national trends and supporting legislation. Assessment is typically via research, presentation, discussion and written evaluation.

This module explores the context of and responses to a range of social, emotional and mental health needs in educational settings. Your understanding of different techniques that can be used to promote positive social, emotional and mental health plus behaviours for learning will be developed. You will explore causes of social, emotional and mental health needs, and look at how these can lead to dysregulated behaviour as well as the way that emotional and other difficulties can be recognised in one-to-one, small group encounters and whole class contexts. You will also consider theoretical aspects of supporting positive social, emotional and mental health, alongside behaviour management.

This module seeks to develop your understanding of theories of leadership, management and the organisation of professional practice. You’ll have the opportunity to explore relevant theory and practical factors such as mentoring arrangements, group structures, staff development and the leadership of change in professional practice. Assessment typically involves the development of an annotated bibliography and a poster presentation.

For more information on when and how we update our modules please see the ‘Legal Information’ section below.

Teaching and Assessment

Discover what to expect from your tutor contact time, assessment methods, and feedback process.

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Global Professional Award

At Huddersfield, you’ll study the award-winning Global Professional Award (GPA) alongside your degree* — so you’re ready for the career you want, whatever subject you choose.

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Interested in a placement?

Placements

During your time on the course, you will be required to complete at least 70 hours of work placement in your first year and 120 hours in your second year. placement

This placement will be in a relevant primary education setting, providing you with hands-on teaching experience.

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.

Additionally, your 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.

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We have the chance to find and choose our own placements, so I was able to find a great local school to practise in. The staff there were very welcoming and encouraging, and I learnt so much from them. I'm very much looking forward to my placements!

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

Where could this lead you?

Your Career

If you aspire to work with children and young people in a primary school setting, this course will help you develop the professional knowledge and skills you need. To gain qualified teacher status (QTS) to become a primary school teacher, you will need to complete a PGCE qualification after completing this accelerated degree. This course also equips you to consider non-teaching roles in education and other areas of the children's workforce.

95%
of graduates from this subject who are in work and/or further study fifteen months after graduating.

* HESA Graduate Outcomes 21/22, UK domiciled graduates, other activities excluded.

I am planning on going straight on to a PGCE upon completion of my final year of my current degree. Meaning I will have completed both an undergraduate (a full BA honours degree) and postgraduate qualification (PGCE with QTS) in the same time period as some of my peers will have taken to complete a BA(Hons) degree with QTS. Following that, I plan on becoming a primary school teacher.

- Alexandra Preece
Graduated in 2021, Primary Education Studies (Non QTS Accelerated Degree) BA(Hons).

How much will it cost?

Fees and Finance

£9,790 per year

This information is for Home students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

From January 2027 the UK government is launching a new student funding system for people starting university education. Read more about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE).

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/study/fees/

£17,600 per year

This information is for international students applying to study at the University of Huddersfield in the academic year 2026/27.

Please note that tuition fees for subsequent years may rise in line with inflation (RPI-X) and/or Government policy. 

For detailed information please visit https://www.hud.ac.uk/international/fees-and-funding/

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required to enable you to undertake placements in settings with children. We arrange this as part of the application process. Please note that there may be a charge for the DBS check.

Scholarships and Bursaries

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Tuition Fee Loans

Find out more about tuition fee loans available to eligible undergraduate students.

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What’s included in your fee?

We want you to understand exactly what your fees will cover and what additional costs you may need to budget for when you decide to become a student with us.

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If you have any questions about Fees and Finance, please email the Student Finance Team.

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What does the univsersity offer?

Gallery

Richard Steinitz building in the sunlight with staff and students sat infront

Our purpose built primary teaching room is in the

Primary teaching room with books, seating and play kitchen

Practise your skills in our purpose-built primary

Primary Education classroom with paint and sandbox

Train in a realistic classroom designed for future

Primary education bookshelf

Get classroom-ready in our dedicated primary teach

Primary education classroom table and games

Develop confidence in our hands-on primary classro

Primary education classroom table and games

Experience real scenarios in our specialist classr

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Why I Studying Primary Education Studies

Hear from Joseph Tymon, a student on our Primary Education Studies (Non QTS) Accelerated Degree BA(Hons) at the University of Huddersfield. If you’re passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives or exploring different routes into teaching, this is the perfect insight into life at Huddersfield and the opportunities our Primary Education courses offer.

What does it mean to be a Huddersfield teacher?

In this video, graduates Mason, Robbie, and Jemma share what they’ve learned, the values they’ve developed, and the impact they’re making in the classroom. If you’re considering a career in education, this shows the kind of teacher you could become and the difference you could make by studying with us.

Education at Huddersfield

Curious about studying Education at Huddersfield? Hear directly from our students and staff about the course, the community, and how it prepares you for a career that makes a difference.

Undergradute Open Days

Visit our Undergraduate Open Day to explore our courses, tour the campus, and meet academics and students who can answer your questions.

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Primary Education at Huddersfield

Explore Primary Education at the University of Huddersfield and discover how you’ll shape young minds. Learn what to expect from the course, gain insight into classroom practice, and find out how we’ll support you every step of the way.

Why Hud

Explore the unique opportunities and resources that make our institution a top choice for students seeking a well-rounded and future-focused education.

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Explore Huddersfield

Make Huddersfield your home. A Yorkshire town, surrounded by beautiful countryside, with easy access to neighbouring cities; Leeds, Manchester and Sheffield. You’ll find plenty of places to eat, drink, shop and socialise, there’s ambitious plans for future development. Our campus is situated next to the town centre - making your commute a breeze.

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Your Student Experience

Get involved in great opportunities helping you to make friends from all across the world and create lifelong memories. Join one of over 100 societies with the Students’ Union, experience new cultures through global events, earn whilst you learn and build your skills via our Global Professional Award.

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Budget Friendly

Huddersfield is not only one of the friendliest towns, it also offers you a lower cost of living than most big cities. This means you could have more money to spend, making your uni experience even better. On campus you’ll also find plenty of facilities and services to help you budget and make your money go further.

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Sustainability Matters

We’re committed to sustainability and aim to be carbon neutral by 2030. Our plan includes reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and improving wellbeing through sustainable buildings. We’re investing in digital solutions, low-impact travel, and embedding sustainability into teaching and research, investing over £1m in carbon reduction.

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Committed to Your Future

Since 2015, we’ve invested £198 million to create spaces where you can learn, collaborate and thrive. We’re continuously investing in our campus with your wellbeing in mind—adding features that make our buildings healthier, more supportive and better places for you to succeed.

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Careers support

We know you’re coming to university to study on your chosen subject, meet new people and broaden your horizons. However, we also help you to focus on life after you have graduated to ensure that your hard work pays off and you achieve your ambition.

Find out more about careers support

Student support

At the University of Huddersfield, you’ll find support networks and services to help you get ahead in your studies and social life. Whether you study at undergraduate or postgraduate level, you’ll soon discover that you’re never far away from our dedicated staff and resources to help you to navigate through your personal student journey.

See our support services

Teaching Excellence

Great teaching is engaging and inspiring — it helps you reach your full potential and prepares you for the future. We don’t just teach well — we excel — and we have the awards and recognition to prove it.

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Inspiring Academics

Our researchers carry out world-leading work that makes a real difference to people’s lives. Staff within the School of Education may teach you on this course.

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Research Excellence

You’ll be taught by staff who want to support your learning and share the latest knowledge and research.

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Accommodation

Looking for student accommodation? Huddersfield has you covered. HudLets has a variety of accommodation types to choose from, no matter what your preference. HudLets is the University’s approved accommodation service, run by Huddersfield Students’ Union.

Take a look at your options

Further Study

If you want to continue your learning beyond your undergraduate degree, there is a range of financial support available for postgraduate study, including discounts for Huddersfield graduates.

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Legal information

When you enrol as a student of the University, your study and time with us will be governed by our terms and conditions, Handbook of Regulations and associated policies. It is important that you familiarise yourself with these as you will be asked to agree to them when you join us as a student. You will find a guide to the key terms here, along with the Student Protection Plan.

Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons:

Changes to a course you have applied for but are not yet enrolled on

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. 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. Where this is the case we will notify you as soon as reasonably possible and if you are unhappy with the change we will discuss with you other suitable courses we can transfer your application to. If 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

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 an equivalent range of options to that advertised for the course. 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 non-optional modules on a course if it is necessary for us to do so and provided such changes are reasonable. A major change is a change that substantially changes 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), 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 or a commissioning or accrediting body. We may also make changes to improve the course in response to student, examiners’ or other course evaluators’ feedback or to ensure you are being taught current best practice. Major changes may also be necessary because of circumstances outside our reasonable control, such as a key member of staff being unable to teach due to illness, where they have a particular specialism that can’t be adequately covered by other members of staff; or due to pandemics, other disasters (such as fire, flood or war) or changes made by the government.

Major changes would usually be made with effect from the next academic year, but may happen sooner in an emergency. We will notify you as soon as possible should we need to make a major change and will consult with affected groups of students and any changes would only be made in accordance with our regulations. 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 let us know before the change takes effect you can cancel your registration and withdraw from the University without liability to the University for any additional tuition fees. We will provide reasonable support to assist you with transferring to another university if you wish to do so and you may be eligible for an exit award depending on how far through your course you are.

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 in accordance with the student protection plan.

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

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