Primary Education 5-11 (QTS) BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This course 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 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.

  Work Experience

  Work experience is integral to this course through school-based training placements. You will have the opportunity to work in a variety of our Partnership schools giving you the best teaching foundation possible.

  You will have a variety of school-based training 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.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1
    • Professional Studies (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1028

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding of primary school organisation, current curriculum structures and the range of factors which impact on children's cognitive, social and emotional development. It will also develop students' awareness of the professional skills and attitudes that they will need to develop, including the ethical and legal responsibilities of professional teachers.
    • Practitioner Researcher (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1029

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the theory and practice of practitioner research.
    • The Developing Teacher of English (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1030

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the theory and practice of the fundamental aspects of language and literacy learning and teaching. Students will develop an understanding of curriculum expectations and strengthen their subject content pedagogy, knowledge and skills.
    • The Developing Teacher of Mathematics (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1031

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the theory and practice of the fundamental aspects of mathematics learning and teaching. Students will develop an understanding of curriculum expectations and strengthen their subject content pedagogy, knowledge and skills.
    • The Developing Teacher of Science and Design and Technology (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1032

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the theory and practice of the fundamental aspects of science and design and technology learning and teaching. Students will develop an understanding of curriculum expectations and strengthen their subject content pedagogy, knowledge and skills.
    • The Developing Teacher of the Wider Primary Curriculum (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1033

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to provide an introduction to the principles of the knowledge, skills and concepts relating to the wider curriculum. This will enable students to identify the place and value of the wider curriculum, underpinned by appropriate academic and pedagogical knowledge.
    • Developing Expertise as a Primary Teacher (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1034

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to introduce students to theories of education, government policy and key terminology to inform the development of expertise as a primary teacher including breadth and depth of subject knowledge.
    • School Experience Primary 1a (Alternative) (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1035

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding of the day to day running of a primary school and the role of a class teacher through observing, planning and evaluation of activities with small groups.
    • School Experience Primary 1a (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1035P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding of the day to day running of a primary school and the role of a class teacher through observing, planning and evaluation of activities with small groups.
    • School Experience Primary 1b (Alternative) (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1036

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding of the day to day running of a primary school and the role of a class teacher through planning, teaching and assessment of identified subjects for groups and whole classes.
    • School Experience Primary 1b (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT1036P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding of the day to day running of a primary school and the role of a class teacher through planning, teaching and assessment of identified subjects for groups and whole classes.
  • Stage 2
    • Professional Studies (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2040

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to understand the diversity of children's needs and prepare them for their increasing professional responsibilities in respect of inclusion, assessment, planning and child protection. It is underpinned by research.
    • Enriching the Teaching of English (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2041

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students' ability to select and explain approaches to learning about primary English, with reference to research. Students will learn how to support all children, so that progress and engagement with English can be evidenced and promoted.
    • Enriching the Teaching of Mathematics (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2042

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students? ability to select and explain approaches to learning to teach primary mathematics, with reference to research. Students will learn how to support all children so that progress and engagement with mathematics can be evidenced and promoted.
    • Enriching the Teaching of Science (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2043

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students' ability to select and explain approaches to learning to teach primary Science, with reference to research. Students will learn how to support all children, so that progress and engagement with science can be evidenced and promoted.
    • Enriching the Teaching of the Wider Primary Curriculum (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2044

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to consolidate and extend students' subject and pedagogical knowledge in each of the primary wider curriculum subjects and the links between them; to draw upon research and practice associated with interdisciplinary learning, including real world contexts and problem solving approaches, relevant to primary education.
    • Enriching the Expert Primary Teacher (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2045

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to further develop students' knowledge and understanding of enhancing whole school initiatives through using subject expertise.
    • School Experience Primary 2a (Alternative) (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2046

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding of the role of a subject leader in primary schools through collaborative planning, teaching and assessment of a cross-curricular project.
    • School Experience Primary 2a (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2046P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding of the role of a subject leader in primary schools through collaborative planning, teaching and assessment of a cross-curricular project.
    • School Experience Primary 2b (Alternative) (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2047

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding and ability to meet the needs of all pupils through planning, teaching and assessment for the whole class during a placement.
    • School Experience Primary 2b (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT2047P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to develop students' understanding and ability to meet the needs of all pupils through planning, teaching and assessment for the whole class during a placement.
  • Stage 3
    • Professional Studies (20 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3054

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enhance knowledge in effective professional practice through engaging with research, national priorities, curriculum expectations and professional development in preparation for employment as a primary school teacher.
    • School Experience Primary 3 (Alternative) (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3058

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students? understanding and ability to analyse features of effective teaching.
    • School Experience Primary 3 (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3058P

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enhance students? understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a teacher and ability to show appropriate competence.
    • Curriculum Changemakers and Innovators (10 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3060

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is enhance students? understanding of curriculum development within primary education, informed by the University?s `Changemaker? strategy and principles.
    • Enhancing the Expert Primary School Teacher (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITT3061

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to enhance their expertise as primary school teachers, and further devlelop their subject and pedagogical knowledge.
    • Principal module -- Research Project (30 Credits)
      Module code: ITT4005

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to support students in undertaking a small scale research project relevant to the role of a primary school teacher. An independent review of the literature for the identified area of enquiry will take place. Following ethical approval, data will then be gathered in school or other educational settings and then analysed. Implications for own and other professionals' practice will then be identified.

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• Entry Requirements

  You will need to 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 and science, or recognised equivalent.*  You will be required to provide proof of these with original certificates.

  If you have a GCSE Double Award in science, you must have a grade CC/44 or above.

  You will be interviewed, and you will need to undertake Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and Health checks.

  * If you are considering taking a GCSE equivalency test, please contact University Admissions for advice before doing so.

  A normal offer would be BCC at A Level or DMM at BTEC. An Access Course must include 45 level 3 credits at Merit.

  It is considered that you will benefit from school experience before the course starts.

  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.

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250

  Additional costs

  There will be additional costs for travel to placements, optional visits within modules, and paper based materials for recording and storage of evidence. We provide financial support for your placement travel costs according to the annually reviewed process.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Student Perks

  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 the BA (Hons) Primary Education Degree with QTS at Northampton 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.

  To check out the full list of perks visit our Student Perks page.

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• FAQs

  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 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 but general expectations are that you will be in school between 8.15am and 4.30pm.

  How many school placements do I have?

  School placements are organised over the three years of the course in order to build your confidence and competence in the classroom and to provide cohesion between your University-based training and school-based training. As a general guide, we have two school-based training placements in Year 1, two in Year 2 and one longer placement in Year 3.

  Who arranges my school placements?

  Usually school placements are arranged by the university’s Placements team. However, you are able to self-arrange longer placements in year 2 and 3, as you may wish to be nearer to home, subject to compliance checks to ensure this meets with the QTS degree requirements.

  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.

  How will I be assessed?

  Assessment is continuous. You will engage in assignments which will contribute towards your Undergraduate Level Modules. Your teaching, including planning and assessment, will be assessed during each 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).

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Careers and Employability

When you complete the BA (Hons) Primary Education Degree with QTS course, you will be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status which 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.

Postgraduate Opportunities

Our postgraduate 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.

• Education MA