Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons)

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Primary Education students working in a study group in the Scarborough library

Working with children can be challenging, unpredictable and one of the most rewarding professions available.

Year of entry

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time

Duration

3 year - Degree
1 year - HNC

Course code

X320 / X321

Start date

May 2023
July 2023

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
Contact us

Course overview

The primary education sector is responsible for educating young minds, nurturing talents and contributing directly to the development and growth of future generations.

This Primary Education & Teaching Studies BA (Hons) degree 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 placements in early learning settings.

Why CU Scarborough

We offer a style of education which is flexible and designed to fit around your life, allowing you to benefit from a modern, forward-thinking higher education institution, reinforced by the quality and reputation of Coventry University. We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with placement opportunities to help prepare you for the world of work. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone, so we keep our fees low and most of our courses cover one module at a time, allowing you to become a specialist in each topic before moving onto the next.

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What you'll study

This comprehensive degree programme 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 will have the opportunity to take part in several visits to special schools within the local area, and opportunities for placements alongside your academic commitments for a more rounded learning experience. 

This first year is designed to explore the core fundamentals of primary education. You will be introduced to educational practices throughout history and the impact previous perspectives had on child development. Further, you'll have the opportunity to reflect critically on how radical changes have shaped how education is taught today, while analysing methods of effective engagement with young children ages 0-8. Throughout the year, the programme aids personal, professional, vocational and academic development, providing you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three. Students who complete year one are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Primary Education & 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’ll be challenged to grapple with the concepts of ‘improvement’ and ‘radicalism’ and explore various events that have affected educational change, from the Second World War to present day practices.

    Compulsory

  • Here, you will focus on the knowledge, understanding and skills that underpin effective teaching practice in a primary school. You’ll get an introduction to lesson planning, teaching techniques and monitoring 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

Building on the foundational blocks in year one, the second year of study explores the core curriculums taught within the UK. Perspectives of education is the main theme this year, as you will compare current educational practices and discuss the differences of social, physical and emotional perspectives. Students who complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Primary Education & 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 have the opportunity to 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

  • Focused around core curriculums taught within the UK, this module aims to improve your confidence, knowledge and understanding of English, mathematics and science at primary level. You will also develop the pedagogical knowledge, skills and understanding necessary for the successful teaching of the subjects.

    Compulsory

  • In this module, you’ll be introduced to a range of research methods used in educational research. You’ll critically analyse the relationship between theory and practice and be introduced to 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

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 workplace. 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 will 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.
As you are preparing for the next step into industry or further education, you will explore complex subjects such as the processes of creating the 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 complete the final year are awarded a BA (Hons) in Primary Education & Teaching Studies.

Modules

  • You will learn about a range of diverse needs and conditions, including autism, dyslexia, development delay and physical disabilities. Working closely with staff who have expertise in working within the special needs provision, you'll investigate effective strategies used to ensure inclusion of additional needs within education.

    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 unit is focused on reinforcing your knowledge of key science and foundation subjects such as art, music and history. You will explore how to effectively plan for a cross-curricular teaching and investigate how this approach to teaching 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

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 field.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering a number of teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our 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.

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.

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.

Assessment

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.

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.

Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2022/23 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Foundation Year

This degree programme has an integral stage 0 attached to it, so if you do not meet the entry requirements you may enter at the foundation level. Successful completion of a relevant Foundation Year will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Access to HE Course

Access to HE courses aim to bring your academic skills and topical knowledge up to optimal standard for higher education study. If you undertake an Access to HE course and then successfully complete a degree programme, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Successful completion of our Health & Human Sciences Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Are you eligible for the CU Support Scheme?

We believe every student should have the opportunity to dream big, reach their potential and succeed, regardless of their background.

CU Support Scheme

If you are an international student and are interested in applying for a Foundation Year, HNC, HND or Degree course you can do so by completing our online application form.

Typical offer for 2022 entry.

Entry level What we're looking for
HNC 64 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.
Degree 104 UCAS tariff points. Minimum 5 GCSEs graded 9-4 / A* - C including Maths and English. Minimum two A2 levels or BTEC equivalent qualification.

If you don’t meet the entry requirements for this course, we offer a number of programmes to help you secure a place. Successful completion of one of the below programmes guarantees you a place on a degree course with us, subject to meeting specified criteria.

Foundation Year

 This degree programme has an integral stage 0 attached to it, so if you do not meet the entry requirements you may enter at the foundation level. Successful completion of our Early Childhood Learning & Development Foundation Year will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Access to HE Course 

Access to HE courses aim to bring your academic skills and topical knowledge up to optimal standard for higher education study. If you undertake an Access to HE course and then successfully complete a degree programme, the remaining balance of your Advanced Learner Loan will be written off. Successful completion of our Health & Human Sciences Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

Biological & Chemical Sciences also requires a science based A level or equivalent.

Once your application form has been processed you will receive the outcome of your application via your given email address.

Please be aware you will need the following information in order to make your application:

  • All academic transcripts
  • Copies of degree/diploma certificates or work reference if employed
  • One academic reference
  • Be trained to English language proficiency level IELTS 6.0 (HNC - year 1/HND - year 2) or IELTS 6.5 (Degree/Top Up - year 3)
  • Your personal statement
  • Copy of your current passport

Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £8,050 per year Not available
International £16,650 per year Not available

  • 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

We’ve spent £14 million on a brand new campus building. It’s a purpose-built, state of-the-art development that is one of the most modern facilities in the UK.

It includes a library, IT suites, mock law court, engineering and science labs, cafe and lots of individual and group study spaces. Next to us is Scarborough’s new leisure village. The complex includes an Olympic legacy swimming pool, sports hall, fitness suite, all weather pitches and the new Scarborough Athletic football ground.

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.

The skills taught in this degree 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

  • Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the CU Group. A copy of the 2022/23 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 CU Group will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at CU Scarborough.

    Tuition fees

    The tuition fee for the course that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For UK and EU students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, we 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. Following the UK’s exit from the European Union, EU students should be aware that there may be a change to UK laws following the UK’s exit, this may change their student status, their eligibility to study part time, and/or their eligibility for student finance. We will act in accordance with the UK’s laws in force in relation to student tuition fees and finance from time to time.

    For International students the tuition fee that is stated on the course webpage and in the prospectus for the first year of study will apply. We will review our tuition fees each year. For international students, we may increase fees for each subsequent year of study but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation.

    Accreditations

    Many 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 CU Group maintaining the same high standards of course delivery. 

    Facilities

    Facilities mentioned on this page may not be relevant for every course. Due to the ongoing restrictions relating 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.

    Placements and study abroad opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any placement or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (e.g. travel, visas and accommodation etc.), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the requirements in this regard, please contact the International Office for further details if you are an EU or International student.

    Additional costs

    This course may incur additional costs associated with any field trips, placements or work experience, study abroad opportunities or any other opportunity (whether required or optional), which could include (but is not limited to), equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas.

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