Early Years Education (QTS)
BA (Hons)
This programme develops highly committed, creative and reflective teachers who are capable of maximising children's learning in a range of Early Years and Key Stage 1 (KS1) contexts. Teacher trainees develop the skills, knowledge and understanding required by the Department for Education Teaching Agency (TA). On successful completion, students are awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Course level
Undergraduate
Modes of study
Full time
Attendance
Three years full-time.
Location
Park Campus
Entry requirements
In addition to standard entry requirements, applicants must have GCSE grade C (a higher grade is preferable) in English Language, Mathematics and Science on application. A typical offer would be between 280 - 320 UCAS tariff points; however applications are welcomed with non-standard qualifications and we are committed to widening participation and undertake positive action to support applicants from under-represented groups.
Applicants must have a minimum of five days prior experience in a UK maintained Early Years context. Successful applicants have to attend an interview. CRB checks and broader disclosures are required.
Important update for applicants
Professional Skills Tests
From September 2013, you will be required to have passed the DfE's professional skills tests in numeracy and literacy. You will be expected to pass both tests by 31 July of your year of entry.
ITT providers will use skills tests results to inform their
decisions so applicants are strongly advised to take the tests as soon as
possible after submitting an application.
If you are unfortunate to fail your tests and you have chosen us as your first choice, we are providing additional support to help you through your re-sits. If you have just failed, you will be eligible for an interview before you re-sit another test. Please contact study@northampton.ac.uk for advice.
UCAS details
UCAS code: X101
UCAS description: BA/EYEQTS
Length of study
Three years
School
Course video
Course content
The course supports teacher trainees in developing the skills, knowledge and understanding required to demonstrate the professional standards for teaching three-to-seven-year-olds required by Department for Education Teaching Agency (TA). On successful completion, trainees are recommended for and awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
The course is structured to promote academic rigour, skilled practice, independence and flexibility. The emphasis of the course reflects the Early Years approach to practice and the KS1 school-based curriculum. The balance of the taught programme is between promoting trainees' own professional subject knowledge and encouraging its application through teaching in Early Years settings and KS1 classrooms. All subject study is closely linked with practice-based work.
Stage one
Taught sessions and two school placements.
Stage two
Greater levels of responsibility during two placements.
Stage three
Early Years core studies, Professional Studies and Advanced Early Years Education are studied in greater depth. Trainees select either EYFS or KS1 for their qualifying school experience. There is also a focus upon preparing for transition to their first post.
Our Achievements
- 3 times received the highest award (Ofsted)
- Category A provide status awarded (TDA)
- Among the highest newly qualified teacher (NQT) employment ratings nationally
- Praised by the TDA and the National Strategies Team for our teaching of Phonics
- Double Green - rated outstanding, with teaching of English and mathematics
Special course features
- School placements are arranged for you
- Inclusion conference looking at a range of SEN
- Developing your skills of classroom observation
Typical modules
- Early Years Core Studies
- Early Years foundation subject
- Professional studies
Assessment
Coursework assumes a variety of forms and includes essays, group presentations, exhibitions, displays, writing lesson plans and a final year dissertation. Practical teaching, including planning and assessment, is also assessed. Partner schools share this responsibility for assessment during the placements.
Facilities available
The school has specialist facilities for Art, Science and Design and Technology and our trainees have access to a range of ICT equipment and a School Experience Area within the library which holds a collection of books, teaching aids and resources.
Work placement opportunities
The School Experience (Early Years) provides students with an opportunity to apply and reflect on the knowledge and skills for teaching. Teaching is a highly complex activity in which the required knowledge, understanding and skills are most appropriately acquired cumulatively.
The first year is critical for trainees to move from the status of an inexperienced apprentice to an autonomous practitioner assuming the responsibilities of the class teacher for much of the day. All trainees will be given the opportunity, as far as possible during a year one placement, to observe teaching and learning in a culturally and linguistically diverse context.
The structure of School Experience in stage one enables students to familiarise themselves quickly with the organisational routines, resources and curriculum delivery. At the start of all placements trainees will collect information about the context in which they are working through observation and enquiry. They will supervise groups of children who are working under the teacher's planning. As they progress through the course they will undertake directed tasks that will, particularly in the core areas, involve the planning and teaching of lessons.
A current for year one placements:
Autumn term two week block placement (ten days)
Summer term five week block placement (25 days)
Total school-based days: 35
Application notes
For general application information please see our how to apply page.
Interview arrangements
Our interviews usually take place on selected Wednesdays anytime from November to June. For those travelling by car, parking is available (although this can be busy at peak periods). You are welcome to bring a family member or friend to the campus. Campus tours are provided by our own students so you will have an opportunity to ask specific questions about student life and the course.
Everyone meets together for registration and a general talk from the Admissions team. We cover items such as student life, our links to schools and the course content.
After a brief introduction you will then be interviewed in groups. Individuals are asked to teach their chosen topic. You will bring an object or artefact to discuss how it can support young children learning. This is an opportunity to show some understanding of your Early Years subject knowledge, and link this with ideas on how this might apply to young children in schools or Early Years settings.
You will then have an individual interview. We are not looking for people who know everything about school life. At this stage we want to know that you have developed skills of communication and a basic appreciation of teaching.
The whole interview process takes a few hours. The admissions team enter the decision on the UCAS tracking system followed by an official notification by letter.
Fees quoted are for home and EU students commencing their course in the academic year 2013/14. Tuition fees are payable for each year of the course. The fees are subject to annual increases in subsequent academic years.
Full time fees
£8750
Funding information
Scholarships and bursaries
The following scholarships may be applicable:
Download our course factsheet [PDF]