Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons)

Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses

Primary Education students working in a study group in the Scarborough library

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

Degree with foundation year

Year of entry

2024-25 2025-26

Location

CU Scarborough (Scarborough)

Study mode

Full-time
Sandwich

Duration

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

UCAS codes

X320, X322, X321

Start date

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

How to apply

Book an Open Day

Download a prospectus

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 BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies course provides you with theoretical and practical learning modules that underpin the core concepts of effective education and teaching, which are relevant to both the current practice in schools and the changing context of education.
Throughout the course, you will be provided with support and opportunities to undertake work experience in local settings to better understand how theory is put into practice^2,5.

Why you should study this course

We offer a style of education that provides the structure you need to balance your study, work, and life commitments. By providing a fixed timetable, you can plan a study routine that can be implemented alongside other commitments.

We aim to provide career-focused courses, wherever possible, coupled with work experience opportunities² to help prepare you for your future career. We are dedicated to making higher education accessible and enjoyable to everyone. We cover one module at a time, allowing you to understand each topic before moving onto the next.

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.

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 offered⁵.

What you'll study

This comprehensive degree programme is designed 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.

During the course 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, alongside your academic commitments for a more rounded learning experience².

This year is designed to help you explore the core fundamentals of primary education. You will learn about educational practices throughout history and the impact previous perspectives had on child development. Further, you will 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 successfully complete the first year are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

Child Development - 30 credits

You will develop an awareness of how child development relates to children's learning aged 0-8. You'll have the opportunity to 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

Education Past and Present - 30 credits

Teaching and Learning in the Primary School - 30 credits

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

Children’s Literature - 30 credits

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

Placement Module - 0 credits

You will engage in 80 hours of work experience in a local setting 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 educator. We will also provide you with the necessary support to find placements^2,5.

Compulsory

During the second year, you will be encouraged to compare practices and discuss the differences of social, physical and emotional perspectives. In this year, you have the opportunity to learn how to 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. After successfully completing year two, you are eligible for an HND in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

Theoretical Perspectives of Learning - 30 credits

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

Introduction to the Sociological Perspective of Education - 30 credits

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

Teaching the Core Curriculum - 30 credits

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

Research Methods - 30 credits

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

Placement Module - 0 credits

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 placements^2,5 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

UK Work Placement – 0 credits

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, having regard to the ability to achieve the learning outcomes.

Optional

International Study/Work Placement – 0 credits

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

Inclusion in Special Education Settings - 30 credits

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

Creating the Curriculum - 30 credits

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

Science and the Wider Curriculum - 30 credits

Research Project - 30 credits

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.

Teaching contact hours

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 learnt 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:

Course breakdown:

phase tests
essays
group work
reports
projects
individual assignments.

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.

Teaching in primary schools requires a specific skill set and recent developments in policy require even higher standards from teachers than ever before. This course differs from other routes into teaching as it allows you to practise and refine your academic and graduate skills, making you a strong candidate for PGCE applications. You will learn how to reflect, how to put theory into practice and importantly for working in schools, how to collaborate effectively with colleagues. We are proud of the calibre of students who leave CU Scarborough and go on to teacher training or to other chosen paths. While this course focuses on primary education, students may go on to work in early years, secondary schools or even further education.
Amy Matthews, Course Leader in Education, 2023

teacher helping a pupil looking at laptop

Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements:

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.
HND	80 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.

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section⁵.

Access to HE Course

Successful completion of our Health and Human Sciences Access to HE course will guarantee you progression onto this degree programme.

If you undertake an Access to HE course, you may qualify for an Advanced Learner Loan. If you are eligible and awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, and successfully complete an eligible Higher Education course, the outstanding balance from your Access course could be written off. For full information and to check your eligibility visit www.gov.uk/student-finance/who-qualifies.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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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

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.
HND	80 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.

We recognise a breath of qualifications so if you do not meet the direct entry requirements please contact us⁵. Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on how to apply and travelling to and living in the UK.

Satisfactory safeguarding and health checks, enhanced DBS checks, and criminal records disclosure are required⁵.

If you are an international student and are interested in applying, you can do so by completing our online application form.

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
IELTS score
Your personal statement
Copy of your current passport

We recognise a breadth of qualifications, speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

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English language requirements

Applicants must possess a minimum IELTS of 6.0 overall (with no component part lower than 5.5)

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

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Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees-£7,950 per year	Not available
EU	2025/26 fees TBC 2024/25 fees - as UK per year with EU Support Bursary** 2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year without EU Support Bursary**	Not available
International	2025/26 fees TBC* 2024/25 fees -£18,300 per year	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 of £1,250 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year.

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.

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.

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).

*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.

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

Our purpose-built campus building is arranged around an open central atrium and includes:

indoor social spaces, including a café
a library that includes loan laptops and a silent study area
open-access computers, free wi-fi
student support and careers advice teams.

The campus itself is located next to Scarborough’s Sports Village, a complex that includes an Olympic Legacy swimming pool, a sports hall, a fitness suite, all-weather pitches, and the Scarborough Athletic Football Club ground.

The campus is a 10-minute walk from the East Yorkshire seafront. North Bay is Scarborough’s Blue Flag beach, meaning it is one of the best in Europe for cleanliness both on the sand and in the water, facilities, and safety.

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

On successful completion of this course, you may decide to progress onto the PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) if you wish to become a teacher in early years, primary or secondary education. Please note that further study opportunities are subject to application, availability, entry requirements, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees.

Some graduates decide to work as teaching assistants in mainstream or special schools - which doesn't require a PGCE.

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

BA (Hons) with foundation year

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Full-time UK undergraduate students apply through UCAS. Otherwise, you will need to apply to CU Scarborough 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

ukadmissions.cu@coventry.ac.uk

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International students

International codes:
CUSCU054

International students should apply to CU Scarborough directly. Read our application pages to find out your next steps to apply.

How to apply

For further support for international applicants applying for an undergraduate degree view our International pages or Coventry University Group's International hub.

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

(+44) 02477 652222

cus@coventry.ac.uk

Chat with our admissions team

Complete our contact form

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

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 2024/2025 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2025/2026 intake. 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.