Simon Chapman
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
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Primary Education 5-11 (QTS) BA (Hons)
Key Facts
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UCAS Code
X120
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Duration
3 years full time
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BBC at A Level
DMM at BTEC -
Full Time: £9,535
Updated 03/11/2025
Updated 03/11/2025
The University of Northampton has a long-standing reputation in training creative, dynamic and innovative teachers that transform lives and inspire change for children.
Our BA Primary Education Degree with QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) is for anyone who is interested in a career in teaching. The course focuses on the KS1 and KS2 National Curriculum and national priorities in education. You will learn how to teach, how to lead, and develop your subject knowledge to give you confidence and competence in the classroom.
By studying a primary teaching degree with QTS at undergraduate level, you will explore subjects in depth and gain considerable experience before you embark upon a teaching career. At the end of the course, you will have a BA (Hons) and will be awarded QTS.
Based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England*
For Satisfied with Teaching for Education**
For Teacher Training***
*Our Teacher Training subject area was ranked 20th based on overall student positivity out of all universities in England, according to the latest 2025 National Student Survey (NSS).
**The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Education League Table)
***Daily Mail Top Five Universities in 20 Popular Subjects 2025
Ofsted Good Provider
An Ofsted “good” provider is an educational or childcare service that meets all the necessary requirements and provides a high-quality education and care for learners.
This rating indicates that the organisation has a supportive and enriching environment, is committed to continuous improvement, and prepares students well for their next steps in life.
Highlights
- Achieve a primary education degree with QTS
- Super supportive learning environment
- Use of School Experience Collection within the 24/7 library and learning zone
- Placements in a variety of schools with trained mentors
- Learn how to meet the professional standards required for teaching at primary school level within the UK
- ITT provision rated Good by Ofsted (May 2022)
- HP Laptop and software included with this course for eligible students.* (*See eligibility criteria, terms and conditions apply)
A teacher packing away some wooden sticks and building items with a pupil.
An image of a classroom at Abbey Primary School.
A teacher practicing spellings with a pupil at Abbey Primary School.
A teacher hands out worksheets to pupils at Abbey Primary School.
A teacher supporting a pupil filling a plant pot during a lesson.
A teacher in a classroom with pupils during a lesson.
Students tipping water into measuring jugs during a lesson.
Children in the playground at Abbey Primary School on the climbing apparatus.
Entry Requirements
A normal offer for BA Primary Education with QTS would be:
- BBC at A Level or
- DMM at BTEC/Cambridge Technical or
- 45 level 3 credits at Merit for an Access Course or
- Merit at T Level
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC/Cambridge Technical qualifications.
All applicants for this degree must have:
- a minimum of five GCSE passes at grade C/4 or above prior to starting the course and these must include mathematics, English language or English Literature and science, or recognised equivalent*
- provide proof of these with original certificates
- GCSE Double Award in science, you must have a grade C/4 or above.
If you are required to undertake an equivalency test we will accept a grade 4 or better from the following:
- Equivalency Testing for English, mathematics or science (combined or Biology).
- A Star Equivalency for mathematics or science (combined or Biology) but NOT for English.
If you already have an equivalency exam from another provider then please contact University Admissions who will be able to advise you if it is acceptable.
It is considered that you will benefit from school experience before the course starts.
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- successful interview by the University*
- successful Occupational Health Screening*, and
- a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) report*
- evidence of original qualification certificates* (copies are not accepted)
*These checks are all required prior to enrolment onto the programme.
Intellectual and academic capabilities
Prior to the award of QTS, providers must assure trainees’ capabilities in English and mathematics. Any work to address shortfalls in English and mathematics must be undertaken by the trainee teacher in addition to other aspects of their training. It is the trainee’s responsibility to secure Fundamental English and mathematics, whereas responsibility for assurance lies with the provider.
For more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.
Appeals and complaints
If you wish to appeal our decision or have cause to complain, please contact the Admissions Office first to see if we can resolve the problem. If you feel you need to take your complaint or appeal further please refer to our University complaints and appeals process and complete the Applicant Complaint and Appeals Form.
What You'll Learn
This degree has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG4 Quality Education.
You will develop the skills, knowledge and understanding that you need to become a creative teacher who will be able to make a significant difference to the lives of children. In doing so you will demonstrate the professional standards for teaching the 5 to 11 age range as required by the Department for Education. We are committed to ensuring you achieve a high quality primary education degree with QTS.
Compulsory Modules
The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the role and responsibilities of a primary school teacher and develop knowledge of curriculum requirements of the primary schoolTo apply learning from Intensive Training and Practice.
The purpose of this module is to introduce the theory and practice of language and literacy learning and teaching, including national curriculum expectations for Key Stages 1 and 2Students explore strategies for teaching English and, through Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP), develop skills in pivotal aspects of systematic synthetic phonics (SSP) and early reading.
The purpose of this module is to introduce the theory and practice of using different representations to develop mathematical conceptual understandingStudents will develop an understanding of the primary mathematics curriculum expectations and strengthen their subject content pedagogy, knowledge and skills.
This module introduces the theory and practice of science and working scientically in primary teaching and learningIt includes the National Curriculum expectations for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2Students will develop an understanding of curriculum expectations and strengthen their subject content pedagogy, knowledge and skills.
The purpose of this module is to introduce the foundations of teaching the wider primary curriculumIt focuses on the fundamental concepts and principles of different subjects and how these are translated into the planning, teaching and assessment of the wider primary curriculum.
The purpose of this module is to develop students understanding of primary school organisation, curriculum structures and factors impacting children’s cognitive, social and emotional developmentAdditionally, it develops awareness of the professional skills, knowledge and attitudes required including teachers ethical and legal responsibilitiesStudents also explore behaviour management through Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP).
School Experience Primary 1b
10 Credits
Code: ITT1048P
10 Credits
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 25/26. The modules relating to the academic year 26/27 will be available from June 2026.
School-based placements are integral to this course where you will complete carefully sequenced school-based directed activities, incrementally increase your teaching and classroom responsibilities and develop an e-portfolio to record your progress.
You will have a variety of school-based placements across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 giving you a breadth of teaching experience. You will have a trained mentor in each school-based training placement as well as an allocated tutor at the University to support your professional development.
At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.
If you join this full time teaching course, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work, or studying at home.
Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd.
We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.
To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.
* UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)
How will I learn?
You will engage in face-to-face, online and offsite Learning Events which enable you to reflect and act on university and school-based learning. Throughout the QTS degree you will be supported in your independent and group learning by a range of expert tutors at the university and by trained mentors in school.
How often will I attend university/school?
Your course consists of university and school-based learning. You will be in school for at least 120 days over the course of your degree. University-based days are normally between 9am and 5pm. School-based days will vary according to the requirements of the school and specific placement expectations but general expectations are that you will be in school between 8.15am and 4.30pm.
What is my weekly commitment to the degree?
The commitment to the course is full time – you need to be available five days a week. However, not all of that time will be face-to-face teaching. Sessions in university vary according to the time of year but on average you may have 16 hours face to face teaching. At other times you may be undertaking reading and writing for assignments or completing pre tasks before coming to sessions.
Who arranges my school-based placements?
School-based placements are arranged by the University’s placement and work-based learning team.
Does my school placement have to be in Northampton?
We have a partnership of schools that we work with regularly. The majority of these schools are in the Northamptonshire area, but we do work with schools further afield in Milton Keynes, Warwickshire, Leicestershire and Cambridgeshire.
Your placements will be arranged by our Placements Team based on your term time address and your previous placements. We ensure a range of placements in terms of types and size of school and the year groups you work in. Your year 2 and year 3 placements will be in alternate key stages.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment is continuous. You will engage in assignments that will contribute towards your Undergraduate Level Modules. Your teaching, including planning and assessment, will be assessed during each school-based placement and you will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards at the end of your training. Partner schools share the responsibility for assessment during the practical teaching.
Is there a reading list?
The core text is Cremin, T. and Burnett, C. (eds) (2018) Learning to Teach in the Primary School. 4th Ed. Abingdon: Routledge (also available as an eBook).
Can I work part time alongside my studies?
You can work part time in the evenings and at weekends but you need to be available to come in to university Monday -Friday, 9am-5pm or 8:15am – 4:30pm when on placement. You will also find that you need to be more flexible with work hours when on placement in Year 2 and Year 3 to ensure you can fully meet the expectations and keep a good work-life balance.
What is the starting salary for a Teacher in England?
From 1 September 2024, the starting salary for a qualified teacher will be £31,650.
Can I work overseas with a Primary Education QTS degree?
Yes you can work overseas, dependent on the requirements of the country you are seeking to work in but it is recommended that you complete your ECT Induction in England before you go.
Fees and Funding
2025/26 Tuition Fees
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK Full Time: £9,535*
* The 2025/26 annual tuition fee for undergraduate courses has not yet been confirmed by the Department for Education but is expected to be £9,535 for year one. UON will adjust fees annually in line with government policy.
During your course, you may need to travel to placement locations, which could result in additional costs such as bus fares or petrol. In some cases, these expenses may be subsidised by the university. Further details, including eligibility and the process for claiming reimbursement, will be provided by your course team or placement coordinator.
There will also be additional costs for paper-based materials for recording and storage of evidence.
For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.
For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 24/25 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK – Full Time: £9,250
Staff
Andrew Debenham
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
Helen Tiplady
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT Science)
Lucy Westley
Senior Lecturer in Education (Maths & Professional Studies)
Sarah Cave
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
Claire Shelley
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT Mathematics)
Karen Woolley
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITE PE)
Laura-Jane Devanny
Senior Lecturer in Education (ITT)
Adam Chapman
Senior Lecturer in Education (ECYP)
Devon Rossetti
Senior Lecturer in Education
Alexia Achtypi
Senior Lecturer in Education
Careers and Employability
When you complete the Primary Education course, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status that is nationally recognised as the professional qualification for teachers.
You will be assessed in teaching the 5 to 11 age range, thus giving you access to a teaching career in Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2.
Master’s Opportunities
Our Master’s courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give yourself a CV that will catch the eye of employers.
