Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons) with foundation year

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Three Primary Education & Teaching Studies students sitting in discussion

Play a key role in educating young minds, nurturing talents and supporting future generations. Gain essential knowledge, hands-on classroom experience and become ready to teach primary education.

Course option

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2025-26 2026-27

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

4 years full-time

UCAS codes

X325

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

How to apply

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The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Available through Clearing

Don't meet the entry requirements? This course is available with a foundation year with lower entry requirements.

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Course overview

Foundation year

Our degree with foundation year could be the stepping stone you need to achieve your goals. The foundation year aims to prepare you for degree-level study and is a great way to build the confidence, skills and knowledge needed to succeed on your degree course.

Working with children can be challenging, unpredictable, and one of the most rewarding professions available. The primary education sector is responsible for educating young minds, nurturing talent and contributing directly to the development and growth of future generations.

The foundation year aims to prepare you for the more traditional route onto a degree course in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.
If you successfully complete your foundation year, you can then progress onto the BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies (subject to meeting progression requirements).

Degree

Build the skills and knowledge you need to start your journey in an exciting and rewarding career, ensuring you’re equipped with everything you need to teach modern primary education.

You’ll explore both theory and hands-on learning that links directly to how schools work today and how education is changing. You’ll cover subjects like music, art, geography and history while developing your confidence in the classroom.
Whether you’ve been out of school for a while, or come from an international background, this course aims to prepare you fully to have the theoretical and practical skills you need to effectively teach at a primary school age.
This course is designed to prepare you for the next step – gaining QTS – so you’re ready to become a fully qualified and confident primary school teacher.

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Supports you to gain the academic skills required for degree-level study. Provides a grounding in key areas of Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Degree

Designed to get you ready for the real-life demands of today’s primary classroom.
Focuses on building subject knowledge through practical, hands-on learning.
Uses the latest research and evidence to support your studies.
Assesses your progress through tasks you’re likely to face in the workplace.
Encourages regular reflection to support your personal, academic and professional growth.

Before starting my course, I was concerned about balancing my studies with being a parent. However, CU was incredibly accommodating and understanding of my needs. Thanks to their support, I’m now ready to take the next step in my journey to become a full-time teacher. None of this would have been possible without the help of CU London.
Taame Smith, Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons) graduate, quoted October 2024 (seen left in picture)

Two smiling new graduates, Taame is on the left

What you'll study

The foundation year aims to provide the skills and knowledge relevant for progression onto a degree in health, social work, or social care in the statutory, voluntary, or private sectors. It sets a foundation for your journey to employment, with the aim of creating great opportunities in health promotion and health development sectors through addressing health inequalities and tackling the damaging effects of smoking, alcohol, drugs, and poor nutrition, in line with contemporary government initiatives.

This course focuses on improving your subject knowledge, particularly in core and foundation subjects outlined in the National Curriculum.

Learn different teaching methods and become familiar with the policies that guide teachers' decisions.

The course addresses important issues in education, such as social mobility, language learning, cultural diversity, adaptive teaching methods, creativity and well-being.

Throughout your first year you will encounter the key knowledge and skills which are needed by anyone working in education. For example, you will learn key child development and educational theory. You will encounter the most widely used teaching techniques through the study of specific curriculum subjects and you will consider how teaching has changed over time. By the end of the first year, you should be able to use what you have learned to teach a phonics lesson, model a specific skill from the art curriculum and take part in modern foreign language role play. By successfully completing year one, you’ll be eligible to receive a Higher National Diploma (HNC) in Primary Education and Teaching studies.

Modules

Foundations of Learning – 30 credits

Build a strong understanding of child development, with a focus on how children grow in language, literacy, problem solving and understanding the world around them. Explore how phonics and numeracy are taught in early years settings and apply this knowledge through fun, hands-on learning. Look into key theories of play and discover popular teaching approaches used in early years education.

Compulsory

Creativity and the Arts – 30 credits

Explore what it really means to be creative by reflecting on your own biases and looking at key research. Build your knowledge and confidence to teach the National Curriculum for foundation subjects like art and music. Learn how to assess and support children’s progress in these areas. Discover how to show clear intent, implementation and impact in your teaching, while developing effective techniques to bring these subjects to life in the classroom.

Compulsory

Language and Communication – 30 credits

Children today grow up surrounded by sound, images, videos, symbols and icons—more than ever before. As a teacher, you’ll need to understand how this digital world shapes the way children learn to communicate. Explore how children make sense of their surroundings using a variety of communication methods. Learn how to teach modern foreign languages in line with the National Curriculum and seek to gain confidence in modelling basic conversations to support children’s future learning and aspirations.

Compulsory

Evidence Informed Teaching Practices – 30 credits

Understanding how and why children learn has been discussed for centuries, and today’s teaching methods are often shaped by the latest research and cognitive science. Explore key expectations, initiatives and evidence-based strategies used in schools today. Look at traditional theories like constructivism and compare them with modern approaches. By applying these ideas to real classroom scenarios, learn how thinking around teaching has changed—and discover which methods are most effective for helping children learn.

Compulsory

Placement Module - 0 credits

Gain valuable work experience in a real primary or early years setting, tailored to the local area and the needs of the children. With support from the University Placement Officer, you'll find a suitable placement and look to complete 80 hours of work in a childcare environment. This hands-on experience is essential to pass the module and prepare for a future in education. Please note, you’ll need an enhanced criminal record check before starting your placement.

Compulsory

During this year, you'll explore and compare different teaching practices, looking at how social, physical and emotional factors influence the way children grow and learn. Sharpen your analytical thinking, strengthen your understanding of how children are taught and build valuable research skills to support your studies in your final year. If you successfully complete year two, you’ll also be eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

Teaching the Core Curriculum in Key Stage One – 30 credits

English, Maths and Science are core subjects in the National Curriculum. In this module, you'll focus on Key Stage 1 and build your understanding of what children are expected to learn, both through statutory requirements and broader guidance. Explore key teaching methods and practical strategies, while strengthening your own subject knowledge in each area; this module aims to help you support children's learning by combining theory with real classroom practice.

Compulsory

Well-being in School – 30 credits

Develop the knowledge and skills you need to look after your own well-being using the latest health research, while also thinking about how this benefits the children you care for. Learn how changing the physical and social environment at school can encourage positive habits and improve well-being. When teaching P.E., understand the key skills that children need and learn how to plan and lead simple competitive games. You’ll also take part in circle time and explore other practical ways to deliver effective P.S.H.E lessons.

Compulsory

Time, People and Places One – 30 credits

Teaching humanities helps children explore who they are, where they come from and where they’re going, making sense of their human experience. Build your knowledge and skills in history and geography to teach these subjects effectively. Take part in an in-depth study of a chosen theme that combines all three humanities subjects using a ‘multidisciplinary’ approach—teaching each subject separately but within the same context and discuss the pros and cons of this approach. Explore the unique concepts and methods that set humanities apart while bringing the subjects together to reflect past and present societies.

Compulsory

Research Design - 30 credits

As a teacher, you’ll use ‘action research’ every day to make informed decisions about the best approach for each situation. Build confidence in both quantitative and qualitative research methods through practical tasks. Learn how to access and use data effectively and by the end, design and propose a real research project that’s perfect for an early career teacher.

Compulsory

Explore complex topics like curriculum design and demonstrate your understanding through an independent research project on a teaching-related subject of your choice. Develop the skills to become a confident leader who can drive innovation in education. Successfully complete your final year to earn your BA (Hons) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies and you should beready to work in a primary school in England or Wales.

Modules

Mastering English and Maths in Key Stage Two – 30 credits

Build your confidence and understanding of English and Mathematics by exploring how children develop reading, writing, and problem-solving skills in key stage 2. Compare teaching methods and, through analysis of national performance data, PISA ranking (OECD) and other measurements of success, evaluate their effectiveness. Explain key concepts you need to understand while teaching, such as spelling, grammar, punctuation and maths techniques. Learn how to help children create well-structured writing and master the maths skills they need to succeed.

Compulsory

Adaptive teaching Practices – 30 credits

Learn how to support children with additional needs by adapting teaching methods to help them access the curriculum. Explore the history, politics, and psychology behind inclusive education and understand how factors like deprivation and poverty can increase vulnerability and affect learning. Study current research on effective classroom adaptations and develop the skills to choose the best approach for diverse challenges.

Compulsory

Creating and Authentic Curriculum – 30 credits

Experience hands-on, creative learning through science and foundation subjects combined in this module. Explore inquiry-based learning, problem solving and storytelling, while reflecting on how an integrated curriculum works. Discover the role of digital tools and AI in education and learn how engagement and motivation drive successful learning both inside and outside the classroom.

Compulsory

Research for the Classroom - 30 credits

Build on what you learned in the ‘Research Design’ module by diving deeper into your chosen topic. Design and carry out a small-scale study using public data, case studies, or peer interviews. Refresh your literature review, collect and analyse data, and reflect on future research directions. Enjoy celebrating the success of your completed study by inviting guests to come and take part in a mini conference where you explain how your research could support the learning of children in the classroom.

Compulsory

Focusing on health and social care, your foundation year is a common first year. You will study alongside students doing similar courses to you which would widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You may also have the potential opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

This course shares a common foundation year with Applied Psychology BA (Hons) with foundation year, Health and Social Care BA (Hons) with foundation year and Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) with foundation year.

Modules

Academic Skills for Health and Social Care - 30 credits

This module is aimed at creating a culture of careful learning and self-reflection. It will encourage you to recognise your strengths and weaknesses and take ownership of your development. You will also learn a range of skills that will aid you throughout the programme and further study, such as time management, cultural awareness, resource management and interpersonal skills.

You will also look to gain highly regarded employment skills such as digital proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), team management, communication, planning skills and more, alongside lectures on ethics, health and safety and technical skills, so that you receive thorough, full-circle training.

Compulsory

Working in the Health and Social Care Sector - 30 credits

This introduction begins with the exploration of health and social care services, roles and responsibilities of people working in this sector. You will understand the key influences that affect the provision and delivery of these services in the UK.

This module also explores the role of multi-agency/disciplinary working, using real life situations to highlight the strengths and limitations of partnership working. A key part of working in health and social care is being able to assess the holistic needs of a service user and plan for their care using the care planning cycle. Concepts such as personalisation, empowerment, the Care Value Base, effective communication, equality and diversity, legislation, safeguarding and ethics will also be covered.

Compulsory

Life Processes for Healthcare - 30 credits

This module provides you with knowledge of the life processes in the body. In this exciting module, you will have the opportunity to undertake practical activities which require you to take measurements of the cardio-vascular system, the respiratory system, and body temperature using non-invasive techniques.

You will even investigate normal responses to routine variations in body functioning. Knowledge and understanding of the needs of service users, types of illness and disease are developed by exploring some of the more common disorders, their causes, symptoms, and effects. Factors influencing changes in patterns of health and disease in a community are investigated and how the prevention of ill-health can reduce the occurrence of disease. Approaches and models used to achieve positive health in individuals are explored.

Compulsory

Social Care Perspectives - 30 credits

This module focuses on developing your critical awareness of the impact social factors have on the life chances of individuals and groups in society. You will analyse demographic changes, behaviour patterns and lifestyle highlights of social groups. The inequalities in life chances across social groups have been a major focus of governmental, national, and local initiatives following the release of the Black Report in 1980. You will begin to understand how social care complements and supports the wider healthcare agenda. You will study the concepts of relative and absolute poverty and its impact of this within society. There will also be an opportunity to investigate domestic violence and deprivation.

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

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary each semester, year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

phase tests
essays
group work
reports
projects
individual assignments.

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.

Teaching and learning methods may include:

lectures
seminars
tutorials
presentations
group projects
workshops.

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.

Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include:

practical class and project performance
written reports
micro-teach sessions
portfolios
reflective journals
recorded podcast interviews
tutorial tasks
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 assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

Entry requirements

Apply now

You could receive a provisional offer for your chosen course.

Choose your course of interest, fill in a short form and we will send you an offer to your inbox if you are eligible.

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Typical entry requirements:

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

Degree

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	£9,535 per year	Not available
International/EU	Not currently available***	Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement² or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee³ to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

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 permits 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.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above 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.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees 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. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only:

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

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).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*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.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathway courses for additional options.

How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?

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 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.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.

Careers and opportunities

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.
On successful completion of this course, you may decide to progress onto the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) if you wish to become a teacher in early years, primary or secondary education.
Some graduates decide to work as teaching assistants in mainstream or special schools - which doesn't require a PGCE.
You might choose to work in ‘early help’ services instead, supporting children and families in the community. Or, if you have skills in areas like sport or music, you could become a children’s coach or travelling music teacher working for local authorities.
The skills taught are transferable, which following graduation, allows you to pursue an alternative career path if you wish. These include, but are not limited to, Family Support Worker, Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Widening Participation, SENCO, and Attendance Officer roles.

Upon successful completion, you may be able to:

Progress onto a postgraduate certificate of education (PGCE)
Work as an unqualified teacher
Work as a teaching assistant
Become a mental health worker
Become a community support worker

The graduate destinations listed above illustrate potential career paths. You may need to gain additional qualifications or practical experience, pass professional examinations, complete training, cover associated costs and meet specific visa or immigration requirements to secure employment in these fields.

We know that many teachers struggle when they enter the classroom because they have gaps in their subject knowledge and wanted to do something about this, to improve teacher retention. Covering everything from art and music, to P.E, science and maths, this course provides the opportunity for students to encounter the knowledge which they need to become strong candidates for the workforce.
Amy Matthews (Associate Head of School)

Group of students sat at a table looking ahead

How to apply

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

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This course with foundation year is not available to international students.

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU London directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

Apply via UCAS

If you'd like further support or more information about your course get in touch with us today.

(+44) 02477 652222

CULondon@coventry.ac.uk

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Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, 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 unpaid and/or 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, public authority guidance, decisions or orders and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand any 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 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.

⁴Facilities

⁵Placements

Satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure is also required. As part of the health clearance checks, you will be required to provide information about your immunity and vaccination status. The information you provide will be used to determine your eligibility to go on placement(s). Placements are provided at the placement provider’s discretion. The University is, therefore, unable to guarantee the provision of placements or the location and type of placement offered.

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 current 2025/2026 contract is available on the website. 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.

Your next steps

Student life

Accommodation

Fees and funding

Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons) with foundation year

Available through Clearing

Don't meet the entry requirements? This course is available with a foundation year with lower entry requirements.

Call now

Eligibility checker

Course overview

Foundation year

Degree

Why you should study this course

Foundation year

Degree

What you'll study

Modules

Modules

Modules

Modules

How you'll learn

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Teaching contact hours

Teaching hours:

Guided and independent study:

Online learning:

Assessment

Entry requirements

Apply now

You could receive a provisional offer for your chosen course.

Fees and funding

Foundation year

Degree

Foundation year funding

*Irish student fees

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathway courses for additional options.

Facilities

Careers and opportunities

How to apply

Your next steps

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