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: £9,790
Updated 07/09/2026
The University of Northampton has a long-standing reputation training creative, dynamic and innovative teachers that transform lives and inspire change in 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, as well as national priorities in education. You will learn how to teach, lead and develop your subject knowledge, all while gaining the skills and confidence to succeed 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 embarking on your teaching career. At the end of the course, you will graduate with a BA (Hons) degree and be awarded qualified teacher status.
Overall student positivity – National Student Survey 2025
For Satisfied with Teaching in Education
For Student Satisfaction in the East Midlands
For Teacher Training – Daily Mail 20 Popular Subjects 2025
Based on Office for Students (OfS) data from the National Student Survey. Guardian data from the 2026 Education subject table. Complete University Guide 2027, Education Subject Area, For Student Satisfaction (East Midlands only) Daily Mail data for UON.
Ofsted “Good” Provider
An Ofsted rating of “good” indicates that an education or childcare provider meets all the necessary requirements and provides high-quality teaching, learning, and care.
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
- Graduate with a primary education degree with QTS
- Study in a supportive learning environment
- Have access to the School Experience Collection within our 24/7 library and learning zone
- Gain practical experience through placements in a variety of schools, supported by trained mentors
- Learn how to meet the professional standards required for teaching at primary school level within the UK
- Study with an ITT provider rated “Good” by Ofsted (May 2022)
- Eligible students will receive a HP Laptop and software.* (*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 in a BTEC or Cambridge Technical qualification or
- 45 Level 3 credits at Merit in an Access Course or
- Merit at T Level
We welcome applications from students with a mix of A levels and BTEC or 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. These must include Mathematics, English Language, English Literature, and Science, or a recognised equivalent*
- Provide proof of these qualifications with original certificates
- If presenting a GCSE Double Award in Science, have achieved grade C/4 or above.
Accepted Equivalency Qualifications
If you are required to undertake an equivalency test, we will accept a grade 4 or above 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 qualification from another provider, please contact University Admissions who will be able to advise you if it is acceptable. You are encouraged to gain school experience before the course begins, as it will help you prepare for the programme.
It is considered that you will benefit from school experience before the course starts.
Conditions of an Offer
All offers of a place on the programme are subject to:
- A successful interview with the university*
- A successful occupational health screening*
- 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 awarding QTS, initial teacher training 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 skills, 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 your complaint or appeal requires further consideration, please refer to the university’s complaints and appeals process and complete the applicant complaint and appeals form.
School Experience Library
We have an extensive School Experience Library which you will have access to. It is made up of resources specifically for trainee teachers, to support you in your placements. You will be able to borrow activities, planning materials, puppets, games and large books for story time, among many other things.
What You'll Learn
This Primary Education with QTS 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 can make a significant difference to the lives of children. Throughout the course, 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 school. To 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 2. Students 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 understanding. Students 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 learning. It includes the National Curriculum expectations for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. Students 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 curriculum. It 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 development. Additionally, it develops awareness of the professional skills, knowledge and attitudes required including teachers¿ ethical and legal responsibilities. Students also explore behaviour management through Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP).
The purpose of this module is to develop students¿ understanding of the role, and responsibilities, and behaviours of a primary teacher. Students will and develop knowledge of curriculum requirements within a primary school through planning, teaching and evaluating practice within the primary curriculum. Students will apply learning from Intensive Training and Practice focusing on SSP, early reading and behaviour.
Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 26/27. The modules relating to the academic year 27/28 will be available from June 2027.
School-based placements are integral to this course. You will complete carefully sequenced school-based directed activities, gradually increase your teaching and classroom responsibilities, and develop an e-portfolio to record your progress.
You will undertake a variety of school-based placements across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, giving you a breadth of teaching experience. During each placement, you will be supported by a trained mentor, as well as an allocated university tutor 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 primary education course, you will receive a laptop*. 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 in identifying the skills you’re learning during your course, finding your strengths and securing practical experience. This means you’ll feel confident and well prepared when applying for jobs or progressing to further study.
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 Employability Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards, you will be highly employable by the time you graduate. Thus, 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)
What is a Primary Education with QTS programme?
A degree in primary education equips you with the knowledge, practical skills, and professional experience needed to become a qualified primary school teacher. Through a combination of academic study and school-based training, you’ll graduate with a bachelor’s degree and QTS (Qualified Teacher Status), qualifying you to teach children aged 5 to 11 in England’s state schools.
How will I learn?You will engage in face-to-face, online and offsite learning events which enable you to reflect and act on your university and school-based learning. Throughout the QTS degree, you will be supported in your independent and group learning by a range of expert university tutors and school mentors.
How often will I attend university/school?This primary education 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 9.00 am and 5.00 pm. School-based days will vary according to the school’s requirements and the expectations of your placement. However, you should generally expect to be in school between 8.15 am and 4.30 pm.
What is my weekly commitment to the degree?This is a full-time course, so 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. Many 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 you gain experience across a range of school types, sizes, and year groups. Your Year 2 and Year 3 placements will take place in alternate key stages.
How will I be assessed?Assessment is continuous throughout the course. You will engage in assignments that contribute towards your undergraduate level modules. Your teaching, including planning and assessment, will be assessed during each school-based placement. At the end of your training, you will also be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards. Our partner schools share responsibility for assessing your practical teaching throughout your school placements.
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. However, you must be available to attend the University from Monday to Friday, between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, or be on school placement between 8.15 am and 4.30 pm.
During your Year 2 and Year 3 placements, you may need to be more flexible with your working hours to meet the expectations of your placement while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
What is the starting salary for a teacher in England?With Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you’ll earn a minimum starting salary of £32,916 as a primary or secondary school teacher in England, with higher pay available in London.
Can I work overseas with a Primary Education QTS degree?Yes. You can work overseas, subject to the teaching and qualification requirements of the country where you wish to work. However, we recommend that you complete your Early Career Teacher (ECT) induction in England before you go.
What degree do I need to be a primary school teacher in the UK?To become a primary school teacher in England, you’ll need an undergraduate degree that leads to QTS. Common routes include a Bachelor of Education (BEd), a Bachelor of Arts (BA) with QTS, or a Bachelor of Science (BSc) with QTS.
Student Finance Queries?
Get all the info you need ahead of time, before you can apply for funding in Spring on our fees and funding pages.
Fees and Funding
2026/27 Tuition Fees
- Full Time: £9,790
UON will adjust fees annually for UK (Home) Students up to the maximum allowable fee cap set by the Secretary of State for Education.
When assessing an applicant’s eligibility to pay home fees, we use the guidance provided by the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) which sets out the regulations that have been decided by the UK Government Department of Education.
Additional Information
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 25/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.
- UK Full Time: £9,535*
Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 2025/26 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years. UON will adjust UK fees annually in line with Government Policy.
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
Emma Langridge
Senior Lecturer in Education
Careers and Employability
When you complete the primary education course, you will be recommended for QTS, the nationally recognised professional qualification for teachers in England. You will be assessed to teach children aged 5 to 11, preparing you for a teaching career in either 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. As a UON graduate, you can also benefit from a 20% alumni discount on postgraduate tuition fees, helping you enhance your CV and stand out to employers.
