- UCAS Code: X120
- Level: Undergraduate
- Starting: September 2020
- Study mode: Full Time (3 years)
- Location: City South
Do you have a passion for inspiring and educating young learners, and want the best possible career opportunities after graduating? This exciting degree provides you with a variety of opportunities to explore your interests and develop core skills and experience in Primary and Early Years teaching.
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 as a primary school teacher immediately after graduating from university.
This course allows you to specialise in age phases 3-7 or 5-11, qualifying you to deliver primary education in schools and early years settings and gives you the opportunity to work in a Special Educational Needs school.
Your placements in local schools in the wider Birmingham area give you practical experience right from the start of this training course. We believe working in schools with experienced teachers and children is key to developing you into a committed, creative and confident teacher with existing relationships to benefit from when seeking employment after graduation.
Our course is underpinned by a commitment to your well-being and achievement in a supportive and nurturing environment. Your learning will be 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.
Where will I study?
Our Education courses are taught at our recently extended £71 million City South Campus in Edgbaston, which includes brand new state-of-the-art facilities. Our facilities are specifically designed to develop your knowledge and skills in primary teaching.
See what our students say...
“My favourite thing about this course is the support you receive from the tutors, they really make an effort to get to know you and provide around the clock support to help you at all times. Also, placements are so rewarding - you really come to love the children and they truly see you as a teacher.” Georgia Midgley
Why Choose Us?
- We have partnerships across the West Midlands, which means that you can benefit from training in a range of schools and early years settings
- High employability rate - 100 per cent of our students are in work or study six months after finishing this course (DLHE 2016/17) 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 recently extended state-of-the-art £71 million City South Campus, which includes specialist facilities such as the Primary Innovation Room and a Primary Science Lab
- We have a number of international links (Spain, France and Germany) to enable you to experience primary education in another country
Open Days
Our next Open Day for this course will take place on Saturday 28 September 2019. Register your interest and we'll send an email update nearer the time. Visit us to see our facilities and speak to our staff and students.
Book your place
This course is open to International students
Entry Requirements
We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.
Essential Requirements
| Essential | ||
|---|---|---|
|
A minimum of 5 GCSEs, at grade 4 or above (previously Grade C), at the point of enrolment. These must include English Language, Mathematics and Science or equivalent. For GCSE Science an equivalent in BTEC level 2 Applied Science with a minimum pass grade will also be accepted. Please note that the remaining additional two subjects need to be actual GCSEs. Scottish Standards equivalent to 5 GCSEs Grade 4 or above are:
Irish Standards and Highers equivalent to 5 GCSEs Grade 4 or above are:
|
||
|
112 UCAS tariff points from A Level with a minimum of 2 A Levels |
||
| Typical Offers | ||
| UK Qualification | 2020/21 Requirements | |
| GCE A Level | Grade BBC at A-level or 112 UCAS Tariff points. General Studies is not considered. AS Levels are not considered. | |
| Access to Higher Education Diploma | 60 credits including 45 at Level 3, of which 40 Level 3 credits are at merit / distinction. If you do not hold GCSE English, Maths and Science at grade C or above, then credits must also include English, Maths and Science at Level 2. | |
| BTEC National Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma | Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 112 UCAS points. | |
| BTEC Extended Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma | DMM | |
| BTEC Subsidiary Diploma / Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate | Combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 112 UCAS points. | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma | 28 points overall | |
| Irish Leaving Certificate | 112 UCAS points including 4 higher level grades at C2 or above from a maximum of 5 subjects. | |
| Scottish Higher/ Advanced Higher | Minimum of 3 subjects to a total of 112 UCAS points. | |
| Welsh Baccalaureate (core plus options) | 120 tariff points combined with other level 3 qualifications to achieve a minimum total of 112 UCAS points | |
| 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 | 2020/21 Requirements | |
| IELTS | 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands | |
| International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). | 28 points overall Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications. |
|
International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).
In addition successful candidates will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty.
Don’t meet our entry requirements?
You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:
UK or EU students
| Award | Start | Mode | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | Sep 2020 | FT | 3 years | £9,250 per year | Apply via UCAS |
International Students
| Award | Start | Mode | Duration | Fees | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) | Sep 2020 | FT | 3 years | £12,800 per year |
If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead. 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.
Guidance for UK/EU students
UK and EU students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
Login to UCAS
Complete your details
Select your course
Write a personal statement
Get a reference
Pay your application fee
Send UCAS your application
Non-EU (International) students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Interview Guidance
If you are interested in a career in primary education it is desirable (but not essential) that you gain some first-hand experience in the classroom (at least two weeks) and talk to teachers about their role. Get involved with the children and talk to them about their learning. All of this will be essential for you to make a good impression at your interview. Make sure you are aware of any current issues/areas of interest within Primary Education as these will be useful to talk about in your interview.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
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.
Worried about personal statements?
If you've got no idea where to start or just want to check you're on the right track, we’ve got expert advice and real examples from our students to help you nail your personal statement. You can even download our ultimate personal statement guide for free.
What's included in your course fees
Included in your course fees are a range of specialist/visiting speakers and all mandatory field trips.
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). |
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.
Further study
The school offers a programme of continuing professional development for newly qualified teachers and serving teachers. Graduates may also consider pursuing their studies further on the MA Education or MTL programmes.
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.
BCU Graduate+
Through our courses we give you the skills and experience needed to get a head start when applying for jobs. But we offer something extra too – Graduate+.
Our unique programme gives you the chance to develop valuable skills outside of the more formal classroom learning. We award points for Graduate+ activities (including firewalking!) and these can be put towards a final Graduate+ award.
More about Graduate+
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.
98%...of students are in graduate level employment or full time study six months after graduating2016/17 DLHE Response
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.
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations
The UK remains one of the world's leading study destinations for international students.
The first-class experience offered by universities are reflected in the world’s largest survey of international students. International students are more likely to recommend the UK than any other leading English-language study destination.
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.
Kate Glanville
Senior Lecturer in Primary Geography and Professional Studies
I gained my BA (Hons) degree in Geography from the University of Wales, Aberystwyth and returned there to complete my PGCE in Upper Primary Education in 2001/2.
My first teaching role was at a primary school in Walsall where I was appointed Geography Coordinator. Following this, I moved to a secondary school in Sandwell to pursue my interest in special educational needs. Whilst there I also gained my Master's degree in Autism.
My final teaching role before joining Birmingham City University was as a SENCO at a primary school in Walsall.
Emma Bloor
Senior Lecturer in Primary Languages
With 19 years of teaching experience in Birmingham primary schools and working in an International School in Chile, Emma started working at BCU in 2010. She teaches Primary Foreign Language pedagogy and modules in English Primary teaching.