Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Three Primary Education & Teaching Studies students sitting in discussion

The BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies course aims to supply knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and skilled individuals to local and national school-centred teacher training institutions.

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years sandwich
3 year - Degree
2 year - HND
1 year - HNC

Course code

X320
X322
X321

Start date

September 2023
November 2023
January 2024
March 2024
April 2024
June 2024

How to apply
Open days
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Contact us

Available through Clearing

Clearing applications for September 2023 are now closed to international students due to visa and immigration requirements. Check out our January 2024 entry courses.

There may be HNC or HND versions of this course available with lower entry requirements. Contact us to discuss your options.

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Course overview

The programme provides theoretical and practical learning modules that underpin knowledge and understanding of concepts of education and teaching, which are relevant to both the current practice in schools and the changing context of education.

  • As well as international opportunities, you may be able to conduct critical research alongside our highly experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and take part in an invaluable placement year (subject to availability).

Why you should study this course

Your experience with us is designed to provide you with relevant academic and graduate skills so that you are a strong candidate for your chosen career path. This course aims to provide the necessary knowledge and experience of primary education for you to then apply for the next step.

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What you'll study

This comprehensive degree will equip you to engage, motivate and inspire young learners in a wide range of schooling environments.

From child development theories to consideration of varied perspectives of primary education, you will learn responsive and innovative techniques to support effective curriculum delivery, drawing on advanced knowledge of child development and theoretical perspectives.

During the year, there are a number of practical elements to help cement your knowledge of primary education and teaching. You may have the opportunity to take part in visits to special schools within the local area, and opportunities for work experience alongside your academic commitments for a more rounded learning experience.

The first year is designed to explore the core fundamentals of primary education. You will be introduced to teaching principles and the role of education in child development. Throughout the year, the programme aims to develop basic skills in primary school teaching and to understand key development theories, providing you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three. Students who successfully complete the first year are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

  • You will develop an awareness of how child development relates to children's learning aged 0-8. You'll learn how to relate knowledge and understanding of child development to practice, enhancing your abilities to cater effectively for an individual child's needs.

    Compulsory

  • In this reflective module, you will engage with critical issues raised at each stage in the history of education in this country. You will learn about wide-ranging concepts and events that have shaped education.

    Compulsory

  • Here, you will focus on the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin effective teaching practice in a primary school. You’ll learn about lesson planning and teaching techniques and how to monitor children’s learning. You will also explore the theory of behaviour management, which continues to be a key priority in schools.

    Compulsory

  • This module draws on a range of children’s literature, incorporating picture books, comics, poetry, short stories and novels, across different cultures and historical eras to achieve an insight into the idea of children’s literature. You’ll also be encouraged to critique familiar stories to delve into the simplicities and complexities of childhood favourites.

    Compulsory

  • You will engage in 80 hours of work experience in a local school so that you can witness how professionals implement the ‘teaching standards’ on a day-to-day basis and so that you can begin to develop your own identity as an educationalist.

    Compulsory

During the year, students are encouraged to compare practices and discuss varying social, physical and emotional perspectives. During this period, you will refine key analytical skills and develop pedagogical knowledge, while examining the ways in which various perspectives impact on child development and learning. You will also be equipped with comprehensive research skills, ready for progression into year three. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

  • From Piaget to Vygotsky, theorists over time have developed different perceptions of child development. In this module, you will explore the evolution of teaching and learning methods in line with postmodern theorists and modern-day practices. Exploring collaborative teaching and play-based learning, you can critically reflect on how these methods impact educational development in a primary school setting.

    Compulsory

  • With a strong focus on legislation and policy, you will explore the sociological perspectives of education and the impact on practices within primary schools. This module also considers inequalities in education and the social determinants that can affect a child’s ability to learn.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on the core curriculums taught within the UK and aims to improve your confidence, knowledge and understanding of English, mathematics and science at the primary level. It also aims to help you develop the pedagogical knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for the successful teaching of the subjects.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to introduce you to a range of research methods in educational research. You’ll critically analyse the relationship between theory and practice and learn about the social issues surrounding research, including positionality and researching practice in a school setting. You will demonstrate your skills by preparing an independent literature review.

    Compulsory

  • You will engage in 80 hours of work experience in a local school so that you can witness how professionals implement the ‘teaching standards’ on a day-to-day basis and so that you can begin to develop your own identity as an educationalist.

    Compulsory

An optional placement or sandwich year gives you the chance to gain further insight into the industry or career you are seeking to follow, enabling you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the workplace2. You can also choose to take an optional year abroad between years two and three. If you decide to take advantage of a placement year, this version of the degree can help you acquire valuable work experience and gain an understanding of what employers seek in graduates. It is your responsibility to find a placement with an employer within your chosen sector. The careers and employability department, alongside the course team, will support you throughout your placement year.

Modules

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved placement undertaken during your programme. A placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits and should help achieve learning outcomes.

    Optional

  • This module2 provides you with an opportunity to reflect upon and gain experience for an approved international study/work placement undertaken during your programme. A work/study placement should usually be at least 26 weeks or equivalent; however, each placement will be considered on its own merits having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

    Optional

As you are preparing for the next step in industry or further education, you will explore complex subjects such as the processes of designing a curriculum. You will demonstrate your knowledge by undertaking an independent research project, where you'll collate your knowledge of skills, behaviours and techniques in effective teaching to produce work on an educational topic of your choice. By the end of this year, you’ll be equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful leader, with the ability to identify the core processes and mechanisms that underpin innovation. Students who successfully complete the final year are awarded a BA (Hons) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

  • In line with the current legislation, you will investigate how different models of disability and inclusion can have an impact on the choices which we make in the classroom. By considering children with specific needs, you will begin to reflect on how you might apply your understanding of theory and practice to meet the needs of those children.

    Compulsory

  • You will be taught to recognise and engage with broad and rich curricula and the opportunities provided for children to have a range of learning experiences. You'll become familiar with critically evaluating curricula, understanding distinctive differences between each. You will also be encouraged to develop your own philosophy of curriculum.

    Compulsory

  • This module focuses on reinforcing your knowledge of key science and foundation subjects such as art, music and history. You will explore how to effectively plan for cross-curricular teaching and gauge how this teaching approach can engage young learners.

    Compulsory

  • In this final module, you’ll collate theoretical and practical knowledge gained throughout the programme to present a project based on self-conducted research. Working autonomously, you’ll demonstrate your critical thinking skills by analysing an educational topic of your choice and conducting a critical appraisal of previously published research.

    Compulsory

We regularly review our course content to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.

How you'll learn

This course is available as a full-time three year or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering several teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students. In addition to lectures, we utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through coursework and phase tests, which is more reflective of our learning model.

Teaching contact hours

You can expect up to 20 hours of learning activities per week, made up of face-to-face teaching, individual and group tutorials, online classes and independent learning.

Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 30 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/24 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with government and public health guidance. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary and include practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

The Coventry University Group’s assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2023)

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Additional requirements may apply

Haven't met the entry requirements or don’t have the right qualifications? You may still be able to progress onto a degree you’d love by studying a foundation course.

View our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page. 

Explore our foundation courses

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 per year Not available
EU £7,950 per year with EU support bursary**
£18,300 per year without EU support bursary**		 Not available
International £18,300 per year Not available

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home students), if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Undergraduate Finance page and see the University’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

Tuition fees3 cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees3:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU support bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in-line with that of UK students. Students studying a Degree with a Foundation Year with us are not eligible for the bursary.

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment.

You will have access to our Library & Learning Services, fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites4.

Careers and opportunities

On successful completion of this course, you will be able to apply for a postgraduate certificate in education to become a teacher in early years, primary or secondary education. Some graduates decide to work as teaching assistants in mainstream or special schools.

You may decide that you want to work with the 'early help' service instead, working with children in the community. Perhaps if you have specific skills, such as sports or music, you may instead become a children's coach or peripatetic music teacher.

This degree provides a range of career opportunities for our graduates with most going on to pursue a vocational career in the primary education sector - one of the most rewarding professions available.

The skills taught are transferable, which allows our graduates to pursue an alternative career path if they wish. These include, but are not limited to, Family Support Worker, Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Widening Participation, SENCO, Attendance Officer and Teaching Assistant roles.

How to apply

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For Home Students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. A copy of the 2023/24 contract can be found here. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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