Primary Education with QTS - BA (Hons)
Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry. Switch to 2026/27 Entry
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.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2025
- Fees View course fees
- Subject
- Location City Centre
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
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 this 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.
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, preparing you for work a wide variety of schools.
- Practical hands-on experience in schools right from the first year of your programme.
- Study in our specialist facilities such as the Primary Innovation Room, art room and Primary Science Lab.
- We have international links in countries such as Spain, France and Germany to enable you to experience primary education in another country if you wish.
- We meet the Department for Education's (DfE) Criteria for Initial Teacher Training and successful candidates on our Initial Teacher Training courses will be recommended to the DfE for Qualified Teacher Status.
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation. Booking isn't open for this event yet, register your interest and we'll let you know when booking goes live.
Next Open Day: 4 October 2025
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
- Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
- Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
Applicants will also need to complete an interview for this course; see interview arrangements below.
If your level 3 qualifications do not meet the UCAS Tariff for this course, you may be offered a place on our Foundation Year instead. You do not need to submit a separate application but will automatically be considered for this if your predicted grades fall below the UCAS Tariff.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Successful candidates must meet Department for Education requirements for Initial Teacher Training prior to enrolling on this course. This includes obtaining a satisfactory occupational health check and an enhanced DBS check, as well as prohibition and children’s barred list checks in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance.
You will receive details of what is required if you are offered a place on the course. If you have any queries please refer to DBS Frequently Asked Questions or contact admissions@bcu.ac.uk.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,535 in 2025/26
- Apply via UCAS
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2025
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £17,690 in 2025/26
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
Guidance for 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.
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.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module provides opportunities for trainee teachers to explore the nature of the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) and prime and specific areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in the context of learning and teaching in the primary school and early years settings.
The module provides substantial support for trainees’ professional practice in such settings, assessed through the School-Based Training (SBT) modules. This module provides a strong philosophical underpinning to the importance of trainees’ subject knowledge in the primary school and EYFS curriculum. By studying this module, trainees will begin shaping their own rationale for their approach to the teaching of the above subjects and to meet the needs of all learners.
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in primary and/or early years settings by responding to the developments in theory and practice relating to child development. It focuses on child development, planning and assessing so that all children can meet their potential. It will develop the link between theory and practice as part of the module will be delivered through first hand observation of school practices and the students own experiences during their school based training.
The role of this module is to encourage you to consider in-depth your first experiences in your placement school. It will enable you to understand the complexity of the teacher’s role and the importance of adopting a professional stance at all times. You will understand the importance of an effective learning environment where all children feel safe and can develop to their full potential. It will provide you with practical strategies to support you in managing children’s behaviour.
This module is an introduction to all other subjects of the curriculum taught in primary schools besides the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. You will be introduced to key areas of learning for each of the subjects and supported to understand some of the frameworks and resources used by schools to deliver these subjects. You will understand the relevance of each subject and how they support one another, where appropriate.
This module provides opportunities for trainee teachers to explore a chosen subject in greater depth. It will address the relevant curricular content and learning and teaching strategies appropriate to the subject in the context of learning and teaching in the primary school and early years settings.
There will be a consideration of inclusive practice, assessment and an examination of the latest research developments. The module provides substantial support for your professional practice in such settings, assessed through the School-Based Training (SBT) modules. This module is closely aligned to the importance of your subject knowledge in the primary school and EYFS curriculum. By studying this module you will begin to shape your own rationale for teaching and learning in your chosen subject area to meet the needs of all learners.
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, SBT 1, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to meet the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment. You will be able to implement theory and evidence-based understanding on an on-going and development basis into your teaching into the classroom.
Year Two
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
This module builds on the skills and knowledge introduced in the Year 1 core module and links to the Y3 core module. It includes the study of English, Maths and Science in Key Stages 1 and 2 and the relevant Prime and Specific areas in the EYFS and links to the teaching of the core areas on School Experience modules.
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course by responding to new initiatives in primary education. The focus will be upon developing your knowledge and understanding of the ways in which assessment and reporting are fundamental to learning and teaching in the primary school and EYFS settings. Through our commitment to inclusive values you will be empowered to address issues of equality, diversity and justice to optimise the life chances for all children you teach.
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the Teachers’ Standards by responding to the changes and developments in legislation, policy and practice relating to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). It explores the diverse needs of pupils in Early Years and Primary settings with a specific emphasis upon SEND. It explores the challenges for inclusive teachers within changing educational environments whilst providing opportunities for developing knowledge and practical skills relating to working with and supporting pupils with a range of individual needs.
This module supports the programme philosophy and aims as it will engage you with a diverse and dynamic range of strategies to motivate and inspire children in their learning of the foundation subjects. You will be given opportunities to develop an understanding of outstanding practice in teaching the foundation subjects in primary and early years settings, through University sessions. You will be able to take risks within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice to develop your teaching skills.
This module will provide opportunities for you to develop your understanding and expertise in a specific subject area. You will develop professional skills and attributes through collaborative group work. You will:
- Plan collaboratively for a specific age group of children in the chosen subject with consideration of pupils’ individual needs to differentiate and personalise the learning
- Develop inclusive practice
- Assess and monitor progress of children
- Consider intervention strategies to support progression
- Evaluate your own teaching
- Develop skills to be creative problem solvers of the opportunities within your subject, school and class
- Understand the role of the subject leader
This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice in order to help you to become a confident, creative and committed teacher and enable you to demonstrate a working understanding of and progress towards, the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in a primary or early years settings. You will be assessed against the current professional competences for teaching through a learning, teaching and assessment strategy that describes the stages of development as emerging, establishing, embedding, and enhancing.
Year Three
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).
The module will develop students’ understanding of both formative and summative assessment. Students will consider their own experiences, evaluate recent policy and research and complete practical tasks to embed and extend their understanding. The role, purpose and potential for effective assessment will be considered. Additionally, students will consider how to utilise new technologies to support and enhance learning and assessment. The potential of new technologies in supporting a range of learners and their families will be explored and evaluated. Throughout the module, students will be encouraged to reflect on their own practice.
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme by being responsive to new initiatives and developments in primary education to enable you to become a highly effective and reflective teacher. The module will complement and build upon your knowledge and understanding developed through school experiences. A strong commitment to inclusive values will be reinforced and will empower you to address issues of equality, diversity and justice to optimise the life chances for all children you teach.
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary & Early Years Education with QTS course by focusing upon opportunities to develop, support and enhance thinking and learning skills in the Early Years and Primary settings. This will be considered through statutory and non-statutory curriculum guidance, and theoretical perspectives. During your school based training this module will support you in developing creativity and cross-curricular opportunities, and evaluating and justifying resources, enabling you to become a highly confident, committed and creative teacher ready to join the teaching profession.
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the Teachers’ Standards by responding to the changes and developments in primary education. It will enable you to become a highly reflective teacher.
It will also support you in becoming an innovative and resilient leader of learning with a personal commitment to shaping the future of the teaching profession. In this module, you will be supervised by an experienced tutor who will guide and support you so that you can conduct research relevant to your subject study in a supportive and nurturing environment. It will actively encourage you to develop your research skills and to pursue your learning journey at Masters level and beyond.
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, School Based Training (SBT) 3, enables you to build on and demonstrate your mastery and achievement of the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical, school-based experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment. You will be able to implement theory and evidence-based understanding into your teaching into the classroom and within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice become a confident, creative and committed teacher demonstrating a working understanding of and progress towards, the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in a primary or early years settings.
You will be assessed against the current professional competences for teaching through a learning, teaching and assessment strategy that describes the stages of development as emerging, establishing, embedding, and enhancing.
Download course specification
Download nowThe 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.
Placement locations
Our students are asked to complete some forms for placements around whether they will be living, access to private transport etc., however, you must be prepared to travel around 90 minutes. Where you have one placement that is around this 90-minute mark, we will always try to make your other placement much closer for you, depending on availability.
For our undergraduate Primary course, we have nearly 200 placement providers across 15 local authorities including:
- Birmingham
- City of Wolverhampton
- Coventry
- Derby City
- Derbyshire
- Dudley
- Leicester City
- Leicestershire
- Sandwell
- Solihull
- Staffordshire
- Telford and Wrekin
- Walsall
- Warwickshire
- Worcestershire
Additional support
If you have a specific learning difficulty (such as dyslexia or ADHD), a disability, a long-term health condition or mental health difficulties, our support teams provide advice, information and practical support (such as reasonable adjustments). Engaging with our support teams early on in the application process means that the University is more likely to be able to implement support before your arrival at University. If you require reasonable adjustments in your placement setting, early disclosure will assist the University in securing suitable placements wherever it reasonably can.
Employability
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. Over the three years, you will spend some days in your allocated school to allow you to get to know the school and pupils before starting your block placement. On your block placements you will start working with individuals and small groups building to more and more whole class teaching and responsibility over time. This will enable you to develop reflective practice, confidence, knowledge and skills drawing closely from the curriculum sessions in university.
Facilities & Staff
Our facilities
This course is primarily based at our City Centre Campus, in the Benjamin Zephaniah Building (formerly University House), however, for some practical activities, such as sport, cookery or science lab sessions, you may be based at our City South Campus in Edgbaston, or the Alexander Stadium and Doug Ellis Sports Centre in Perry Barr.
About Benjamin Zephaniah Building
This freshly renovated building provides a dedicated teaching and learning space for our Education and Communities students and staff.
Spaces in the building include:
- Primary and secondary science labs
- Innovation and Lego teaching room
- Flexible space for Design and Technology
- Art room
As well as general teaching rooms.
Our staff
Dr Kate Glanville
College Academic Lead - Apprenticeships
Kate is College Academic Lead for Apprenticeships and teaches Geography on Undergraduate and Postgraduate Early Years and Primary Education QTS courses. Kate completed her doctorate, focusing on Outdoor Learning for Children with SEND in 2023.
More about KateDavid Grist
Lecturer in education with specialism in primary music
A Birmingham primary teacher since 1991, including 7 years in primary headship, David brings his classroom and leadership experience to BCU. He specialises in Primary Music which he lectures in across PGCE and all BAQTS year groups. He also teaches on professional studies modules, and subject specialism modules. He has links with local musicians...
More about DavidGary Pykitt BA (Hons) QTS, PGCE, PGDip
Senior Lecturer in Primary Education/College Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Gary's association with BCU started in November 1997 when he was interviewed for the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course which commenced in September 1998, graduating with First Class Honours in 2002. Gary’s teaching career commenced at a large primary school in Burton upon Trent, undertaking a variety of responsibilities including...
More about GaryDr Imran Mogra
Senior Lecturer in Professional Studies and Religious Education
Imran is a Senior Lecturer at Birmingham City University. He teaches on the BA (QTS) and PGCE Primary & Early Years courses. He is also a professional development tutor, research supervisor and lead mentor for school based placements. Imran is the Subject Leader for Religious Education and the Departmental Research Co-ordinator for the Centre...
More about ImranLiz Lawrence
Senior Lecturer in Primary Art and Design
Liz Lawrence is a senior lecturer in primary Art and Design education. She joined BCU in January 2017, having taught in primary schools across Birmingham prior to this. During her teaching career she was an Arts subject leader, English lead, curriculum development leader and deputy head teacher. She co-established an arts partnership network across...
More about LizMark Stares
Senior Lecturer in Primary English
Mark taught in a number of inner city Birmingham schools for 22 years before joining BCU. His roles as Assistant Head and Deputy Head Teacher were varied but included leading on English; leading Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 and 2; mentoring and supporting staff and teaching students; leading on assessment and undertaking the role of SENDCo.
More about Mark