About the course
Reasons to study
- This course offers a fast-track route (in two years) to completing a Primary Education degree, giving you the knowledge and skills required to then apply for a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or for other roles and careers within education.
- You will explore sociological issues around the relationship between inequality and social justice in education especially in terms of social class, neurodiversity, ‘race’ and ethnicity, and other forms of difference.
- Teacher Training is top in Yorkshire for the 2024 NSS for Assessment and Feedback, Academic Support, Organisation and Management. (All modes, all levels, taught, using Yorkshire £100m+, limited to rank = 1 and more than 3 institutions.)
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)
The BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies (Non-QTS Accelerated Degree) will support you in preparation for employment in the primary education sector, but the course content also reflects the skills and knowledge useful to those wishing to work in education-related roles in, for example:
- 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.
Course detail
Core modules:
Theories and Strategies for Learning
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.
Perspectives in Learning and Development
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.
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.
Curriculum Matters in Primary Education
This module will introduce you to social, theoretical and political influences on the construction of a curriculum for the primary phase of education. You will explore the historical context from which the current national curriculum has evolved, and learn about the aims and content of the current curriculum. Assessment is typically via a group poster presentation and a written report.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
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.
Culture and the Curriculum
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.
Core modules:
Working in Primary Education
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.
Philosophical Approaches to Education
This module explores the impact of different philosophical systems on the way that education is conceived and put into practice. You will have the opportunity to design an ideal educational system based on your own unique philosophy and representing your own values.
Planning Your Final Year Project
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.
Final Year 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.
Critical Approaches to Inclusive Education
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.
Option modules:
Choose one from a list which may include:
Health and Wellbeing
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.
Supporting Social, Emotional and Mental Health in Education
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.
Leadership and Management in Professional Contexts
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.
You’ll be taught through a series of lectures, seminars, tutorials and interactive workshops. On average, 14%* of the study time on the course is spent with your tutors (either face to face or online) in lectures, seminars, tutorials etc. You’ll also have a personal tutor who’ll be assigned to you throughout your degree to support your ongoing wellbeing and ensure that you have a positive learning experience.
*based on 2022/2023 timetables
Teaching takes place across all three terms of the academic year, so that you’ll complete the 360 credits required for a BA(Hons) degree in two years. To accommodate the teaching programme required for an accelerated degree, the course includes teaching through day schools over the summer months between years 1 and 2. The day schools involve intense teaching of module content over a short period of time – usually three days plus one day for assessment.
Some modules on the course will be taught alongside other courses within the School of Education and Professional Development, creating opportunities for students to share knowledge and experiences.
100% of assessment on the course is based upon coursework. Your module specification/course handbook will provide full details of the assessment criteria applying to your course.
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.
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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.
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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.
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We are joint first in the country for National Teaching Fellowships, which mark the UK’s best lecturers in Higher Education, winning a total of 23 since 2008 (2024 data).
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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).
Read more about academic staff at the University of Huddersfield
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.
Entry requirements
BBB-BBCat A Level or equivalent. |
120-112 UCAS tariff points from a combination of Level 3 qualifications. |
Merit at T Level |
DDM-DMM in BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma. |
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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.
Facilities
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. Find out more about all our support services.
Important information
Although we always try and ensure we deliver our courses as described, sometimes we may have to make changes for the following reasons
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 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 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, or pandemics.
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 carry out suitable consultation. 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.
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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