Primary Education (With QTS) - BA (Hons)

Our education courses rank in the UK top 5 overall in their subject field (The Guardian University Guide, 2026). This course is designed to help you become a creative, innovative and reflective teacher of primary-school children aged 5-11. It equips you with the knowledge, skills and understanding you need to take on this important role and help young children make sense of the world. You will learn through taught sessions and supported teaching practice where you apply the theory you have learnt in educational settings, developing your knowledge and skills to teach the national curriculum across Key Stages 1 and 2.  Course accreditation This course is accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) and meets the requirements for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Facilities and specialist equipment Mock classrooms with specialist technology so you can watch and assess your lesson. Forest School where you can deepen your understanding of the long-term educational benefits of outdoor learning opportunities. Specialist Early Years and Sensory Centre to support your understanding of how teachers teach and children learn, within early years and SEND contexts. Multimedia space for webinars and podcasting. Sports facilities including a sports arena, multi-use games areas, sports pitches and playing fields. 80-seat black-box theatre and 260-seat professional theatre for drama-based activities. Career-powered links As one of the largest providers of teacher education in the eastern region, we have well-established partnerships with more than 500 schools and other associated organisations, including lead training partnership agreements for closer collaborations. You also benefit from our regular, on-going collaboration with the local education authorities for Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, and the National Association of Primary Educators (NAPE). This network puts us ahead when it comes to national priorities, issues and developments in educational practice. Our lead training partners have regular, on-going involvement with our students including contributing to placement, course delivery, and on-campus visits, talks and masterclasses. We also work closely with Martin Bacon Academy, a special education school in Northstowe; Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust (BILTT); and Trauma-Informed Schools UK, who provide training in creating settings where people feel safe, understood and are able to thrive. Your student experience Learn from an experienced teaching team that includes previous early years and primary teachers as well as middle and senior leaders within schools and early years settings. Learn through taught sessions, supported teaching practice and independent learning, applying theory to your teaching practice.  At the University, you benefit from the support of your own personal tutor as well as a unit and course coordinator. On placement, mentors and University partnership liaison tutors support you in teaching individuals, small groups and classes. Gain hands-on experience of teaching through four ‘Broadening Experience’ placements (one per year) in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS); Key Stage 3 (KS3); a enrichment placement related to your chosen elective; and a final personalised placement. Benefit from conference days with guest speakers talking on subjects ranging from employability to SEND provision, wellbeing to lesson planning. Take learning outside the classroom with our on-site Forest School. Extend your learning through relevant field trips to places you would be likely to take your pupils, such as theatres, museums and art galleries.