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

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.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

X325

Start date

April 2024
June 2024

How to apply
Open days
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Course overview

The BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies with foundation year course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in education and teaching.

Foundation year

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 students for the more traditional route onto a degree course in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.
  • Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies (subject to criteria).
  • The degree part of this course aims to supply knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and skilled individuals to local and national school-centred teacher training institutions. It provides learners with theoretical and practical learning modules that underpin the core concepts of effective education and teaching which are relevant to both current practice in schools and the changing context of education in this country.
  • Throughout the course, you will be provided with opportunities to undertake practical learning through a number of professional placements2,5 in early learning settings.

Degree

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.

Apart from international opportunities, you may be able to conduct critical research alongside our highly experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and the opportunity 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

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, 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.

The comprehensive BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies degree part of the course aims to 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.

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 several visits to special schools within the local area, and opportunities for placements2,5 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

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements2 usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

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

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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

Your initial foundation year is focused on applied learning geared to high intensity teaching and study throughout the course. The course content is a blend of lectures, tutorials and online mediums.

After your foundation year, you will have the option to do either a three-year full-time or a four-year sandwich course, where you undertake a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, 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

The number of full-time contact hours may vary from semester to semester; however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week each year (excluding placement year). Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, 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.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.

Assessment

During your foundation year and your degree, assessment methods vary and include, written reports, presentations, portfolios, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

During your degree, 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.

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.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. 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

Typical offer for 2023/24 entry.

40 UCAS tariff points. All foundation courses require 5 GCSEs at A-C including Maths and English, and at least one A2 level or a BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t fulfil the entry criteria your application may be considered on an individual basis, considering any work experience, other qualifications and/or any training you have completed. Speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £7,950 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

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.

If you choose to do a work placement2, you should consider travel and living costs to cover this. There is also a tuition fee3 of £1,250 that will cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits.
  • 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.

**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 Pathways Programme for additional options.

  • 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

    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.

    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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