Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status BA (Hons)

UCAS code X112

Duration

3 Years

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

The BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS provides a route into primary teaching alongside gaining an education degree, which means you'll be able to go straight into your first job as a primary school teacher when you graduate.

Our course puts learning at the heart of what we do. This means that your learning is at the centre of the course just as, when you are teaching, the learning of your school students must be at the centre of your work.

The course is distinctive because it involves a mix of university input and school experience, close attention to your individual needs and a genuine sense of partnership with the schools that we work with. You'll undertake valuable and varied placements at each stage of the course in a range of settings.

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: BA (Hons) Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status

Work placements

A significant element of your professional development as a primary teacher is the time you will spend across the three years of the course within a range of schools. During this time, you will work with a variety of mentors, who will support and guide you as you build upon the practice and theory introduced during your work at the university. As you move into your various placements, you will be fully supported by your academic mentor and the wider tutor team.

At Level 4, your first year, you will spend a minimum of 40 days in school initially working with individual children, then groups and by the end of the year taking the whole class for 10-20% of the time.

Level 5 builds on the experience gained during the first year, as you move into a different school and age group, working with a new mentor. During this year, you start to plan in more detail, ultimately delivering 50-60% of the whole-class lessons during the minimum of 45 days placement.

As you progress into your final year of training, you will lead the class for the majority of the time (80%). This will involve you continuing to work closely with your school-based mentor to plan and deliver effective learning opportunities for your class. You will be able to draw from the insight you have gained from your university-based sessions to ensure that you are confident in meeting the needs of all children, whilst fully engaging them in their learning. At Level 6 you will complete a minimum of 48 days in placement and by the end of your course, you will have completed a minimum of 133 days on placement.

Working within various schools will enable you to gain an understanding of the complexities of teaching. Whilst this is a challenging element of the course, it is also highly rewarding, where you see your impact, as a teacher, really start to show and your professional practice and confidence develop, in preparation for your first full-time post.

Course content

Our full-time BA (hons) Primary Education provides intensive training leading to Qualified Teacher Status ('QTS') in primary education for the 5-11 age range. The course will include theoretical foundations in: child development; learning strategies; primary curriculum and comparative education. Alongside this, throughout the award students will undertake placements in schools to develop their teaching and create links between theory and practice.

Academic year

The course operates on a modular basis. These modules will result in the awarding of either 20 or 40 credits. Full-time QTS students take modules worth 60 credits per semester. All students take a total of 120 credits per Level, ultimately gaining 360 credits for the award of an honours degree. On the QTS course, the overall grade for your course and degree classification is based on the marks obtained for the modules taken at Levels 5 and 6. However, you must pass all Level 4 modules and school-based placements prior to progressing to Level 5. The BA Primary Education (QTS) course starts in late September with a welcome week where you will meet the tutor team and be introduced to the timetable for the forthcoming academic year.

University climbs up the League Tables

News

Staffordshire University has welcomed its improvement in two major League Tables – one of which recognises its commitment to social diversity.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline.  Currently, the Department for Education (DfE) is introducing new accreditation requirements for initial teacher training providers, which will start from September 2024. This will mean that the modules and further course information is likely to change. For further updates please check the module element of this course page periodically. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Entry requirements

112-120 UCAS Tariff points

  • GCE A Levels - grades BBC or equivalent
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • Access to HE Diploma - Pass Access with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points. Applicants to Staffs who are taking the Access to HE Diploma receive a reduced tariff point offer as part of our access and participation plan activity
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma - grade of Merit overall
  • OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - grade DMM
  • T Levels - Eligible T Level applications will be asked to achieve a minimum overall grade of P (A*-C) or Higher Pass as a condition of offer

In addition to the required UCAS points, applicants need GCSEs in English, maths and science at 4/C or above. Where applicants are taking or have taken double or triple award science, all grades must be 4-3.

You will be required to attend an interview for this course. Details about the interview process can be found at BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS - Staffordshire University (staffs.ac.uk)

We understand that you might have experienced a challenging run up to higher education and may have not met the entry requirements as listed. If this is the case don’t worry, contact us and our team of expert advisors can guide you through the next stages of application, or help you find the perfect course for your needs.

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

School Settings

You will be placed within a range of different schools, working across the primary age range. You will have the opportunity to work within diverse contexts, within a variety of classrooms with experienced school-based mentors and university tutors.

Careers

After graduating with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), you could find yourself working in a range of educational roles and settings. During the first two years after qualifying, you will be supported within the Early Career Framework. This is a package of structured training and support for early career teachers linked to the best available research evidence. During the course, you will have sessions directly linked to preparing you for your first teaching post incorporating detailed preparation for the application process and support with interview preparation.

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Student teachers learn in different ways. To help everyone get the most out of their studies, we teach students through a combination of lectures, practical sessions, workshops and school-based placements. Seminars enable you to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups. In addition, you will have timetabled meetings with your academic mentor, who will work with you throughout your course and training.

You will also receive guest lectures, which will focus on the key elements connected to becoming an effective and inspirational primary teacher.

 

Assessment

The course will provide opportunities to informally test your understanding of the modules before you complete the formal assessments which count towards your final mark. Each module normally includes practice or ‘formative’ assessments, for which you will receive feedback from the university tutor. Practice assessments are developmental and any grades awarded do not count towards your final module mark.

There is a formal or ‘summative’ assessment at the end of each module. This includes a range of coursework assessments, such as written assignments, reports, teaching portfolios, presentations and, in the final year, an independent research project (dissertation) based upon the collection and analysis of primary data.

The grades from formal assessments count towards your module mark. The marks achieved during the Year 2 (Level 5) count towards 30% of your final degree classification. Those achieved during Year 3 (Level 6) counting towards the remaining 70%. To achieved QTS student teachers must pass both their degree and meet the Teachers’ Standards (DfE 2013).

Learning support

In addition to the excellent support, you will receive from your course teaching team, our central Academic Skills team provides group and one-to-one help to support your learning in a number of areas. These include study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills); written English (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy); academic writing (including how to reference); research skills; critical thinking and understanding arguments; and revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management).

Additional support

Our Student Inclusion Services support students with additional needs such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Feedback

You will normally receive feedback on coursework assessments within 20 working days following the date of submission. Examination feedback may take a variety of formats. However, as a minimum, generic feedback will be made available to all students who take written examinations.

Your study time will consist of class contact hours, self-directed learning, assessment and placements where appropriate. Your actual contact hours will depend on the subject area, on the option modules you select and professional body requirements.

Year 1

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 2

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Year 3

24% of time in lectures, seminars or similar
76% of time in independent study
0% of time in work based learning

Independent learning

When not attending lectures, seminars, school-based placement or other timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue to learn independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve utilising a range of digital resources including our virtual learning environment; reading journals, articles and books; working on individual and group projects; undertaking research in the library; preparing coursework assignments and presentations. Your independent learning will be supported by a range of excellent facilities. These include the library, open access computer facilities, informal learning zones, a range of performance and studio spaces.

Year 1

13% practical assessments
87% coursework
0% written exams

Year 2

15% practical assessments
85% coursework
0% written exams

Year 3

40% practical assessments
60% coursework
0% written exams

Staff

You will be taught by an expert teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. The team includes senior academics and professional practitioners with industry experience. Postgraduate research students who have undertaken teaching training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader.

Dr Michael Burnitt

Senior Lecturer

I am the joint lead of this course and take great pride in working with my experienced colleagues and our partnership schools to create the next generation of exciting and innovative primary teachers who will help to shape their pupils’ futures.

Michael's profile

Cathy Rutherford

Senior Lecturer

I am a Joint Leader in the Primary Education Team and I’m passionate about children receiving a well-rounded education which develops a love of learning. I enjoy sharing my love of teaching maths with our students so that they can love it too!

Cathy's profile

Sarah Misra

Senior Lecturer

Sarah is passionate about social justice and inclusion and ensuring that all children are offered a rich and varied curriculum at primary level. Her Masters in Special Educational Needs looked at improving access to support for parents.

Sarah's profile

Mark Barlow

Senior Lecturer

Mark’s most recent work enables him to share his significant experience in developing teachers of the future, focusing on professional development, safeguarding in schools, and simulated learning for trainee teachers.

Mark's profile

Emma Clayson

Senior Lecturer

I am a senior lecturer within the primary education team. As a qualified teacher, I am passionate about education and in particular, inclusion and support our students to develop their skills in adaptive teaching.

Emma's profile

Sarah Gardiner

Senior Lecturer

Sarah spent the majority of her teaching career in primary schools in central London. Additional to her class teacher responsibilities she also had the role of subject leader for English and has specialised in this area of the curriculum for ove…

Sarah's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Tuition fees for BA (Hons)-Full-time
Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,535 per year of study £16,750 per year of study

UK and Channel Island students: This tuition fee is agreed subject to UK government policy and parliamentary regulation. If the UK government passes appropriate legislation, the fee for subsequent years of study may increase in each academic year. But this increase will not exceed the rate of inflation as measured by RPIX**. Any change in fees will apply to both new and continuing students. The University will notify students of any change as early as possible. Further information about fee changes would be posted on the University’s website once this becomes available.

**RPIX is a measure of inflation equivalent to all the items in the Retail Price Index (RPI) excluding mortgage interest payments.

Included in tuition fees
Included in the fees:
  • DBS checks where required for assessed modules 
  • Loan of subject related requirement where required for modules
Not included in tuition fees
Not included in the fees:
  • The estimated cost of textbooks over three years. Textbooks are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies
  • Printing
  • Travel costs to and from placements. We will have available placements within travel distance from the campus, or within proximity of your address
  • Clothing suitable for placements
  • Any optional field trips
Accommodation and living costs
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

Sources of financial support

If you receive funding from Student Finance you may be eligible to apply for additional benefits. Details can be obtained by reading our additional funding web pages, or visiting www.gov.uk.

Scholarships and additional funding

You could be eligible for a bursary when you choose to study one of our Teacher Training courses. Visit our Fees and Bursaries page to find out more: https://www.staffs.ac.uk/courses/postgraduate/fees-and-funding/bursaries-scholarships

Our students

This year I had the opportunity to go on an adventure of a lifetime in Prague with my fellow students. To go and see direct comparisons in other countries in how they teach, and their strategies isn’t something you can’t find on the internet. The trip to Prague has changed the way I see being a teacher. Their holistic approach is one I will take away with me into my future career as an educator.

On a personal level, the trip to Prague was an amazing experience. You don’t often get this opportunity. As a result of the trip, I spoke to more people and made new friends. This improved my confidence, and the trip allowed me to bring out other aspects of myself that I didn’t realise were there. I felt like I took on the leader role but in a caring way, looking after my peers. It made me believe that I could be a teacher more than ever and perhaps a leader in Education one day.

Gio Wincup

BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

I have really enjoyed the course so far and feel well supported by the course tutors and University of  Staffordshire as a whole. The University holds student well-being, as well as academic success in high regard and there is a real sense of working in partnership to achieve.

Being placed at the same school for the academic year enables students to really become part of the school community and it is very rewarding to see the children grow and share their progress and achievements throughout the year. Over several weeks, the block placements provide a realistic school life experience and the weekly sessions in school bring the university pedagogical theory sessions to life.

Anita Smith

BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

The teaching on the QTS course takes a student-centred approach as the lectures ensure that all the content is relevant and supports our time in placement. The lectures ensure that if there are specific areas we are unsure about (whether that be a curriculum area or a reflective theorist), we are directed to further readings and information is provided on Teams to support our development. I feel that the teaching in this course is well prepared and strongly supports our learning. 

Bethan Longshaw

BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

Teaching isn't easy, but it is rewarding more than you could ever believe, and you get to learn how to do it with support from people who understand your struggles and push you to do better.

Becki Hassall

BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

All of the lecturers are very approachable and supportive; they are always available to talk if you need further support or advice. 

Ammie Bradbury

BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date Apply Link
Stoke-on-Trent campus BA (Hons) Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations.

Information from discover uni

Have you considered?

Early Childhood Studies BA (Hons)

Optional pathways in Mental Health and Wellbeing, Education for Our Sustainable World, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Study options
Full-time

Education Studies BA (Hons)

Optional pathways in Mental Health and Wellbeing, Education for Our Sustainable World, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Study options
Full-time
in the UK for Quality Education

Sustainable Development Goal 4, Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021