- UCAS Code: X12F
- Level: Foundation
- Starting: September 2021
- Study mode: Full Time (1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree)
- Location: City South
Studying with us in 2021/22
It is possible that the 2021/22 academic year may be affected by the ongoing disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Any arrangements put in place by the University for the 2021/22 academic year will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, pandemic-related/health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
If you have a passion for inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating, then this is the course for you. This exciting programme provides you with a variety of opportunities to explore your interests and develop core skills and experience in Primary and Early Years teaching with an extra foundation year.
Please note: entry requirements for degree course
Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the Department for Education, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment.
Tailor your Society, Childhood and Education Degree
When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto a range of Undergraduate courses at the Birmingham City School of Education and Social Work. These include:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Social Work
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Computing with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Science with Biology with QTS
- BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS
- BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families
Why choose a foundation year course?
By studying a foundation year in either Society, Childhood and Education, your first year will be spent learning a wide range of broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year – which would be the first year of a full degree programme.
You will study very broad subjects in your foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for a range of courses and not just one particular BSc or BA degree.
So although you are studying a BA or BSc in a specific course –BA Primary Education with QTS – the foundation year sets you up for a number of other possible degrees starting the following year. It may be that you don’t end up doing a degree in precisely the same subject as your foundation year.
This flexibility is one of the great things about the foundation year category - Society, Childhood and Education, allowing you to find out more about your interests and talents before focusing on a three year degree. The foundation year also helps us at BCU to make sure we help to match you to the degree that fits you best.
What's covered in the course?
Our course offers you the chance to gain the professional qualification of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as well as a degree, helping you walk into your dream job immediately after graduating.
This course allows you to specialise in age phases 3-7 or 5-11, qualifying you to teach in primary schools and early years settings and gives you the opportunity to work in a Special Educational Needs School.
As the top university in the West Midlands to provide education training, you will have access to local schools where you can carry out placements and develop your practical experience right from the start of the course. We believe that getting our students working in schools with experienced teachers and children is key to developing committed, creative and confident teachers who will have existing relationships to benefit from when seeking employment after graduation.
Our course is underpinned by a commitment to the well-being and achievement of all of our students in a supportive and nurturing environment. The learning is led by highly experienced tutors who facilitate a wide range of practical experience and taught sessions to engage you in reflective and critical evaluation of research, policy and practice. You will be well supported during the course in your journey to becoming an outstanding teacher.
Why Choose Us?
- We have many partnerships in the West Midlands, which means that you can benefit from training in local schools and early years settings
- High employability rate - 98% of our students are in work after six months of finishing this course (Unistats 2016*) and we provide excellent support in making sure you find the right teaching job for you
- Practical hands-on experience in schools right from the start of your programme
- Study at our brand new £41 million City South Campus where you will be from September 2018
- We have a number of international links (Spain, France and Germany) to enable you to experience primary education in another country, enhancing your employability skills
Similar Courses
This course is open to International students
Where our students go
Our students have gone on to work with companies such as:
- Boldmere Junior School
- Smith's Wood Primary Academy
- Annie Lennard Primary School
And in jobs such as:
- Primary School Teacher
- Classroom Teacher
- Foundation Stage Teacher
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level |
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Level 2 Qualifications | ||
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UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
GCSE |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) |
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Scottish Intermediate 2 |
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Scottish Credit Standard Grade |
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Scottish National 5 |
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IELTS |
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Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) Qualifications | ||
UK Qualification | Requirements 2021/22 | |
A level and Advanced VCE |
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Access to HE Diploma |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland) |
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NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce |
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International Baccalaureate Diploma |
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Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma |
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OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma |
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Scottish Advanced Higher |
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Scottish Higher |
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T-Levels |
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Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) |
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Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component |
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Other qualifications | ||
If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS. You may wish to gain some experience in Primary School before attending an interview The following CACHE qualification can be considered for entry to the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course:
Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website. |
Extra Information for EU/International students
EU/Non-EU (International) Qualifications | 2021/22 Requirements | |
IELTS | 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands | |
International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | 24 points overall Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. |
Please note: Upon completion of your foundation year, you will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme.
- UK students
- International students
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £9,250 per year
- Applications Closed
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2021
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
- £13,200 per year
- Applications Closed
The University reserves the right to increase fees in line with inflation based on the Retail Prices Index or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament up to a maximum of five per cent.
This course is now full for 2021/22. You can apply for 2022/23 via UCAS from September 2021.
If you'd still like to apply for September 2021, take a look at some of our other available courses.
Additional costs
We offer a wide range of professionally accredited and vocational courses that require the purchase of, among other things, uniforms, equipment, subscriptions, professional body memberships and DBS checks, and may require you to pay to attend conferences or participate in placements.
The link below provides our estimate of the possible costs associated with key activities on specific courses. Please bear in mind that these are only estimates of costs based on past student experience and feedback. The actual costs to you could vary considerably (either greater or lower than these estimates) depending on your choices as you progress through the course. We set out where we can, based on experience, where these indicative costs are for activities that are optional or compulsory.
All our students are provided with 100 free pages of printing each year to a maximum total value of £15.
Find additional costs for your course
Accommodation and living costs
The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.
Foundation Year
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
Year Three
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
You have the flexibility to transfer to any standard undergraduate programme from the School of Education and Social Work upon successfully completing your Foundation Year including:
- BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
- BA (Hons) Education Studies
- BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families
- BSc (Hons) Social Work
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Computing with QTS
- BSc (Hons) Secondary Science with Biology with QTS
- BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS Course Information
The content of the programme is research led, innovative and responsive to change and we employ a variety of learning and teaching approaches that focus on modelling good practice which, as a trainee teacher, you shall be encouraged to use in the classroom.
The programme comprises five strands that combine to enable you to develop your skills and knowledge to become committed, creative and confident primary school teachers.
The strands are as follows: Core (English, Mathematics and Science and/or the prime and specific areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum), Professional Studies, Foundation (all other National curriculum subjects and/or the prime and specific areas of learning from the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum), Subject Study and School Based Training. These strands are repeated in each year of study to enable you to build up your knowledge, understanding and skills in each key area.
The School Based and University Based aspects of the training course are interlinked and interdependent.
Overseas Opportunities
The programme hosts students on the Erasmus and Study Abroad programmes from a number of partner Universities from around the world who will study alongside you and facilitate debate about different approaches to learning and teaching. You also have the opportunity of a transnational teaching experience in a number of European countries through the partnerships the School of Education has established with The Sorbonne in Paris, The University of Cordoba in Spain and Schwabisch Gmund University in Germany.
Enhancing your employability skills
On the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme you will experience a wide variety of learning and teaching approaches that are designed to develop your confidence, knowledge and skills as you progress through the course.
We will support you in the transition to university through a careful induction process, confidence building activities, group work and a carefully planned programme with a range of formative and summative assessments.
Your programme will be interactive, practical, engaging, thought provoking and challenging and is designed to promote independence so that you become a confident, committed and creative teacher ready to join the teaching profession.
On the programme you will experience a variety of learning and teaching approaches that focus on modelling good practice and these will include: workshops, conferences, lectures, seminars, a range of guest speakers, visits to schools/settings and other sites as well as a range of practical teaching experiences.
The content of the programme is research led, innovative and responsive to the educational climate to enable you to develop your subject and pedagogical knowledge and apply it in the classroom.
The BA Primary Education with QTS programme is a three year undergraduate course that leads to the award of a degree and qualified teacher status.
The newly designed programme offers you an honours degree and a recommendation for the award of QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) on successful completion of all elements over three years full-time study.
Placements
We have developed a shared vision for educational excellence with the schools in our partnership. You will benefit from working with and learning from outstanding classroom teachers in schools and at University. Working in schools with teachers and children is key to you becoming a committed, creative and confident teacher.
The new concept for the school based elements of the programme provide greater opportunities to spend time in school. In your first and second year you will spend one day per week in school (during one term) to allow you to make links with your observations in school and the taught programme in university. There are also a number of block placements in school where you will begin to lead the learning for a class. The NCTL Professional Standards for Teachers which lead to recommendation for the award of QTS will be assessed through the school based training modules.
OpportUNIty

OpportUNIty: Student Jobs on Campus ensures that our students are given a first opportunity to fill many part-time temporary positions within the University. This allows you to work while you study with us, fitting the job around your course commitments. By taking part in the scheme, you will gain valuable experiences and employability skills, enhancing your prospects in the job market.
It will also allow you to become more involved in University life by delivering, leading and supporting many aspects of the learning experience, from administration to research and mentoring roles.
Graduate jobs
Employment prospects are outstanding compared to national averages - we expect all students to obtain teaching posts on graduation. League tables show that our primary graduates are consistently successful in gaining responsible teaching posts.
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Explore some of the good reasons why you should study here.
- Find out how to improve your language skills before starting your studies.
- Find all the information relevant to applicants from your country.
- Learn where to find financial support for your studies.
Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC)
International students who have a serious interest in studying with us but who perhaps cannot meet the direct entry requirements, academic or English, or who have been out of education for some time, can enter Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC) and begin their degree studies.

BCUIC is part of the global Navitas Group, an internationally recognised education provider, and the partnership allows students to access the University’s facilities and services and move seamlessly through to achieving a Bachelor’s degree from Birmingham City University.
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and are currently in the process of spending £260 million on new learning facilities.
As part of these plans, the University's Education provision will join the rest of the Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences at our City South Campus in Edgbaston during 2018.
This is the third phase of the University's project to move all teaching and learning to two campuses, City Centre and City South. By moving our Education provision, we are creating a hub for the provision of public service contracts and professional development at City South Campus and improving the student experience with a stronger sense of community and more consistent support services and facilities.

Campus
In addition to classrooms, a lecture theatre, social learning spaces, an open access IT suite and cafe facilities, the new £41 million extension to our City South Campus offers a range of specialist teaching and learning facilities for specific subjects including science, design and technology, drama and physical education.

Departments
All our departmental facilities replicate the school learning environment.
- Art and Design
- Design and Technology
- History
- English
- Mathematics
- Religious Education
- Music
- Drama
Not only are we investing £41 million in a new building to house the laboratories and teaching spaces needed, but we also plan to open up these facilities to benefit all students and the wider community. This will complement our existing sports facilities, which already provide a base for students to compete in activities ranging from rugby to.
Mary Seacole Library
The Seacole library, based at City South Campus, is one of the UK's largest specialist health education libraries. The facility offers an extensive range of range of information and reference materials set out in a relaxing environment, conducive to studying. There are comfortable seating areas, group study areas, a silent study area and private study rooms.
Computer Facilities
The Seacole building houses a large open access IT Suite which comprises of 96 PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:
- Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
- Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
- Microsoft Office software
- Research and statistical software
- Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home
Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.
The IT Suite offers extended opening hours and is supported by a specialist Open Access Assistant during term time. In addition to the open access PCs within the IT Suite, there are 12 networked student PCs available within Seacole library.

Mark Hetherington
Course Leader HELS Foundation Year / Professional Navigator / Senior Lecturer
Mark joined the Professional Development Department (PDD) in 2018 as a Professional Navigator and as a Academic Skills tutor. During this time he has been involved in the development and running of the Faculty of Health Education and Life Sciences Foundation Year as both a course leader and module leader. At current there are two iterations of the Foundation Year catering for intakes in September and January. The Foundation Year allows students to progress onto a variety of HELS undergraduate courses.