Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS

Undergraduate

Secondary school students studying in class with tablets propped up on the tables in front of them

Our Secondary Education BA (Hons) with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) course combines online learning with in-school initial teacher training, offering access to university-led education grounded in classroom experience.

Location

In schools

Study mode

Work-based learning with online study

Duration

3 years full-time

Course code

See how to apply

Start date

January
April
September

Age phases

Secondary

How to apply

Course overview

This tuition-fee-funded degree supports you to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) while on placements² in secondary schools in England, learning alongside experienced school-based mentors.

Train to teach 'on the job', learning with the support of expert practitioners in schools.
Study academic learning online, guided by university-led support.
Available with subject specialisms in English, maths, PE and MFL Spanish.

This course offers an online, school-based alternative to traditional university-based teacher training, ideal if you want to learn while making a real impact in the classroom.

Accreditation and professional recognition

Department for Education

The National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) is accredited by the Department for Education (DfE)¹.

Course details

This course is designed to help you build a strong foundation in key teaching areas, such as pedagogy, behaviour management, assessment, subject and curriculum knowledge, professional skills and inclusive education, including special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). You’ll have the opportunity to develop your knowledge, practical skills and confidence needed to become an effective and inspiring secondary subject teacher.

The course comprises 12 academic modules of 30 credits each, studied full-time over three years. Alongside these, you will complete three zero-credit practical placement modules each year.

Alongside your Introductory Placement practical modules, you will complete four 30-credit learning modules.

Modules

An Introduction to Professional Behaviours – 30 credits

Designed to teach you the foundations of professional behaviours behind teaching and learning. Learn about professionalism in educational settings, covering safeguarding, effective communication, wellbeing, developing professional relationships with colleagues and other stakeholders, and reflective practice.

By the end of this module, you should be able to:

understand and demonstrate the key professional behaviours required as a classroom practitioner
know the ethical and legal responsibilities within your own educational context
highlight and discuss the importance of continuous professional development
understand where your own professional developmental needs are, and take actions to address them.

Compulsory

An Introduction to SEND and Behaviour – 30 credits

Understand the main principles of behaviour management and the creation of positive, inclusive learning environments in schools. Explore key behaviour management theories, strategies, principles, approaches and real-world case studies, learn how to establish and maintain a classroom environment that promotes respect, engagement and effective learning. The module also focuses on understanding the diverse needs of learners and the role of proactive and preventive classroom management.

Compulsory

An Introduction to Subject Knowledge in English/Maths/PE/MFL Spanish – 30 credits

Learn the importance of subject knowledge within your chosen secondary subject discipline. Through critical reflection and structured learning activities, you will explore the key concepts, knowledge structures and ways of thinking that underpin a subject. Evaluate your current subject knowledge, identifying strengths and areas for development in relation to the demands of secondary teaching. Develop a personalised subject knowledge action plan to support your ongoing development as subject specialists throughout the course, and into your teaching practice.

Compulsory

An Introduction to Teaching and Learning – 30 credits

Understand the fundamental concepts of pedagogy and classroom practice. Study current neuroscientific research to gain insights into current thinking about pedagogical practice, as well as studying debunked theories of learning. Begin to apply theory in practice by planning well-structured learning activities and using assessment to adapt lessons, meet individual needs and help all pupils progress.

Compulsory

Introductory Placement 1, 2 and 3 – 0 credits

The practical placement modules will assess your teaching performance within your school placement and are used to formatively assess your progress against the Initial teacher training and early career framework and provide evidence towards recommendation for QTS. Placement modules are assessed via Professional Placement Discussions (PPDs) and online portfolios.

Compulsory

Alongside your Developing Placement practical modules, you will complete four 30-credit learning modules.

Modules

Developing your subject knowledge in English/Maths/PE/MFL Spanish – 30 credits

Understand the knowledge structures and disciplinary thinking that underpin your specialist subject. Explore key curriculum domains within your subject, examining the concepts, knowledge and practices that define these areas of study. Through critical reflection and subject-focused enquiry, deepen your understanding of core curriculum content, identify common misconceptions and consider how knowledge develops across the secondary curriculum. Aim to strengthen your subject expertise in preparation for teaching your specialist subject.

Compulsory

Becoming a Research Informed Practitioner – 30 credits

Learn about professional behaviours with a focus on engaging with research and becoming a research-informed practitioner. Get introduced to educational research design by investigating approaches to educational research in preparation for your level 6 dissertation. Engage in a small-scale research project to apply research design principles in practice. Focus your educational research on the broader role of the teacher and wider school issues, such as fundamental British values, cultural capital, social justice, multiculturalism and inclusive education.

Compulsory

Developing Teaching and Learning in English/Maths/PE/MFL Spanish – 30 credits

Build on the core principles of effective teaching and learning introduced in Year 1 by developing your understanding of subject pedagogical knowledge. Focus on how pedagogical approaches are applied within specific subject disciplines and phases in secondary education. Explore how knowledge is structured within subjects, including key concepts and how disciplinary thinking shapes teaching approaches. Examine strategies for explanation, modelling, questioning, and assessment within your specialist subject area. The module also considers the role of subject-specific literacy, curriculum sequencing and adaptive teaching in supporting pupils to access complex subject content. Deepen your understanding of effective subject teaching and evaluate and refine your own classroom practice.

Compulsory

Developing your Understanding of SEND and Behaviour – 30 credits

Revisit key aspects of how pupils learn to establish an emerging philosophy of teaching and learning. Develop and challenge an understanding of seminal theories of learning, and revisit and challenge newer theories such as Rosenshine's Principles of Instruction and Cognitive Load Theory. Critically examine how these research-based theories support pupil learning and critically reflect on your ability to implement them within your own classroom practice. Through critical self-analysis, challenge your own perspectives and consider the impact of educational research, pedagogical theories and classroom experiences on your professional growth and evolving professional philosophy.

Compulsory

Developing Placement 1, 2 and 3 – 0 credits

Compulsory

Alongside your Extending Placement practical modules, you will complete four 30-credit learning modules.

Modules

Debates in Education – 30 credits

Explore current issues and debates in education, considering and critiquing current influences, principles and practices globally and nationally. Consider how these shape curriculum and pedagogy at a local level in schools and the impact these debates have on your developing personal philosophy.

Compulsory

Enhancing Teaching and Learning in English/Maths/PE/MFL Spanish – 30 credits

Understand both subject pedagogy and pedagogical approaches with a focus on creative, inclusive environments. Engage in subject and age-specific strategies and approaches to adapt teaching to meet the needs of a diverse class across different stages. Key topics and areas include the use of different assessment types, adaptive teaching methods, strategies for responding to diverse learning needs, including SEND and EAL. Revisit pedagogy within a subject context and learn how to adapt instructions and other approaches to reduce learning barriers.

Compulsory

Becoming a Teacher – 30 credits

Explore the broad, multifaceted responsibilities of teachers beyond teaching and learning to gain a deeper understanding of your role as a leader, advocate and mentor within the school community. Focusing on professional responsibilities, examine how teachers contribute to the social, emotional and academic development of pupils, as well as their involvement in creating a positive, inclusive school culture. Key areas of focus in this module include analysing your teacher identity, supporting both your own and your pupils' mental health and wellbeing, engaging in the wider life of the school and looking forward to future careers.

Compulsory

Enhancing Subject Knowledge in English/Maths/PE/MFL Spanish: Research Project – 30 credits

Critically evaluate and develop your practice as a subject specialist in secondary education and engage in a research-based capstone project. Look at current research, curriculum developments and debates within your subject discipline. Through critical reflection on your teaching experiences, explore how subject knowledge, pedagogy and assessment interact to support pupil learning. Conduct a focused professional enquiry related to teaching and learning within your subject area, and consider the support for pupils with SEND within the subject discipline.

Compulsory

Extending Placement 1, 2 and 3 – 0 credits

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.

Entry requirements

GCSE Grade C/4 or equivalent in maths and English
An A Level or equivalent Level 3 qualification in the chosen subject specialism
A minimum of 104 UCAS points from eligible Level 3 qualifications e.g. A Levels or T Levels. The UCAS point calculator can be accessed here.

If English is not your first language, you will need to hold an academic IELTS less than three years old, with a score of at least 7 overall with no component less than 6.5, or TOEFL 600. If your qualifications were gained outside the UK, an official comparability statement for non-UK qualifications assessed by UK ENIC must be provided.

If you do not hold GCSE or equivalent qualifications for English, maths or science, we also accept third-party equivalency tests in place of GCSEs. The current approved providers are:

In addition, you must have secured the support of a school willing to support you throughout the course, either as an employee or as a volunteer. Your host school will be required to sign a Partnership Agreement between them as a hosting school and the University.²

Students will be subject to satisfactory health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure⁵. Please refer to the full requirements in the disclaimer section.

For more information about this course, entry requirements or your educational setting suitability, speak to our team.

Fees and funding

Student	Full-time	Part-time
UK	£9,000 per year	Not available
EU	Not available	Not available

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

How to apply

Applications for this course should be made through UCAS.

XA03

Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS – English

Apply via UCAS

XA04

Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS – Maths

Apply via UCAS

XA05

Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS – MFL

Apply via UCAS

XA06

Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS – PE

Apply via UCAS

C85

Institution code

View our courses on UCAS

Visit UCAS

UK students

Frequently asked questions

Why should I study this course?

School-based (England)
You will be based in schools for the entirety of the course. Teacher training is most effective ‘on the job’ in schools so the knowledge you gain can be instantly applied in real lessons.

Online
The course is delivered to you online through live seminars and tutorials alongside asynchronous online learning tasks. Our platforms are interactive and engaging, enabling both independent and peer learning. All course content and materials are available online, enabling you to study and revisit them as required.

Be based anywhere in England
As the course is delivered online, you can be on placement or employed in a school anywhere in England, subject to the school meeting the required selection criteria to ensure it can offer you the right support².

Support
Described by Ofsted as “excellent”, Coventry University’s online tutorial approach provides you with teaching and support, both 1-1 with your university tutor and in a tutor group. Seminars deepen your understanding of topics, prompting you to think about what works best for you in your teaching. You will also be guided on a day-to-day basis by your in-school mentor, who will be an experienced teacher in your school.

Multiple start dates
You can choose to start the course in September, January or April, according to your preferences.

Employability
On successful completion, you will gain a degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which could enhance your employability.

How will I learn?

This course is designed to develop your classroom skills while you train in schools under the guidance of expert school-based mentors and experienced university tutors.

As a university course, it provides a high-quality, evidence-informed curriculum grounded in educational theory and designed to complement your day-to-day teaching or placement role. This course is delivered through an engaging blend of live seminars and tutorials alongside asynchronous online learning tasks. All materials are accessible online, allowing you to revisit content at your own pace and promote both independent and peer learning.

The course comprises 12 30-credit academic modules studied full-time over three years. Alongside this, you will complete three Practical Placement Modules each year.

You will spend 2.5–4 days per week in school, where you will work through the Practical Placement Modules while supported by an experienced school-based mentor. At the beginning of the course, you can expect to take on a support role in the classroom as directed by the class teacher and learning activities will include observations of experienced staff, teaching small groups or parts of lessons and team-teaching dependent on experience. By your final year, you’ll take responsibility for up to 80% of a qualified teacher’s timetable, in line with QTS requirements. This course is designed to help you prepare for your first years as a qualified teacher.

To broaden your experience, a minimum six-week placement in a contrasting school is completed during your second year. This placement must differ from your main school in a meaningful way (e.g. size, faith, gender intake or school type) and is a Department for Education (DfE) requirement for QTS.

All applicants must find their own schools willing to support them for the full duration of the course during the application process. NITE do not source placement schools for any undergraduate courses.

One day per week is protected for university study. Each year, you’ll complete four online learning modules, each requiring 50–60 hours made up of approximately 60% live teaching through seminars and tutorials and 40% self-study. You’ll be supported throughout by a dedicated team of university mentors and subject and phase specialist tutors, receiving personalised feedback and live tutorial support. You will require access to a suitable device, a laptop or PC, throughout the course, and will also be expected to be sufficiently competent with IT to learn and use our online platforms.

This combined approach to training will provide you with teaching from our highly experienced staff while enabling vital peer support and a valuable collaborative learning environment. You will be supported to learn from each other, share experiences and reflect, away from the school environment.

How will I be assessed?

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods may include:

written assignments
presentations
oral presentations
observations.

The practical modules will be assessed on the evidence you collect, collate and upload to an electronic portfolio.

You will be visited by a Visiting Assessor (VA) at least four times. They will observe you teaching and meet with you and your school-based mentor to discuss and oversee the assessment of your overall progress. At the end of the course, a final assessment is made on whether you meet the Teachers’ Standards.

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

What career opportunities could I have after completing the course?

This course is a formal Initial Teacher Training qualification for trainee teachers in England. On completion, you will be recommended for QTS and able to apply for your first teaching role.

To achieve the full QTS award, you will be required to complete the two-year induction as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) in your first post. Once awarded, QTS is valid for life. The qualification accredits the teacher to teach in state-maintained schools in England. Many independent schools now also prefer their teachers to hold this award.

Teaching: Secondary teaching in your subject, including special educational needs (SEN) teaching.
School management: year leader, subject leader, Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO), deputy headteacher and headteacher.
Education Outreach Coordinator: Working with communities to promote and support educational initiatives.
Curriculum Development: Creating and improving educational materials and programmes.
Educational Consultant: Providing expertise and guidance to schools, teachers, or parents on various educational matters.

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.

Will you find me employment so I can complete this course?

No. Applicants for the Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS course must have secured the support of a school willing to host them on placement as a student teacher for the duration of the course. If you are already working in a school, your first step is to speak to them about your ambition to study this course.

Can I check my qualifications for the Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS course before I apply?

Unfortunately, we don’t have the capacity to check all qualifications in advance of applications due to the high number of people who have been getting in touch. They will be checked as part of the application process. If, for any reason, your qualifications aren’t equivalent to 104 UCAS points, there may still be options for you.

Are there opportunities for further study?

Disclaimers

Coventry University together with Coventry University London, Coventry University Wrocław, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough, National Institute of Teaching and Education (NITE) 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.

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.

⁵Health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure

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 2026/2027 contract is available on the website for information purposes however the 2025/2026 contract will apply for the 2026/2027 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.

Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS

Location

Study mode

Duration

Course code

Start date

Age phases

Course overview

Accreditation and professional recognition

Department for Education

Course details

Modules

Modules

Modules

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

¹Accreditations

²UK and international opportunities

³Tuition fees

⁴Facilities

⁵Health clearance and enhanced criminal record disclosure

Student Contract

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Secondary Education BA (Hons) with QTS

Course features

Location

Study mode

Duration

Course code

Start date

Age phases

Course overview

Accreditation and professional recognition

Department for Education

Course details

Modules

Modules

Modules

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How to apply

Frequently asked questions

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Teacher Degree Apprenticeship: Primary Education

Specialist Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship with Foundation Degree in Professional Practice

Foundation Degree in Professional Practice for Teaching Assistants