Primary Education (QTS)

Primary education is a fundamental part of any child’s academic and personal development. Primary teachers play a crucial role in developing a child’s essential knowledge and skills. They inspire our young people's love for learning and help to develop well-rounded children – laying the foundations for their future.

At NTU, you’ll not just learn how to be a teacher, you’ll become one. Studying this four-year course means you’ll have the time to really get to grips with the curriculum and understand how to meet the diverse needs of learners. You’ll be taught by former primary school teachers in specially designed teaching rooms. Plus, you’ll spend plenty of time in the classroom, putting what you’ve learned into practice. All the while, you’ll be building your resilience, critical thinking and creativity.

You’ll graduate ready to start your career as a confident and innovative teacher with the skills and experience demanded by schools. You’ll be committed to shaping the minds, lives and futures of all our young people – making a positive difference in our diverse society.

Why study Primary Education at NTU?

• You’ll be recommended for accreditation for Qualified Teacher Status with the Department for Education, allowing you to take a post as an Early Career Teacher upon course completion.

• You’ll specialise in either the 3-7 or 5-11 age ranges, in the context of developing your general expertise as a primary teacher.

• Placement opportunities exist in a variety of educational settings, including international and community-based.

• You’ll gain 60 credits towards a full Masters degree by studying the final year leadership module at Masters level.

Course accreditation

We are accredited by the UK Government's Department for Education as a provider of initial teacher-training courses. Successful completion of the course leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to commence a career in teaching as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) and then to complete your induction period.

The course is structured to equip you as a new teacher with a holistic view of the curriculum. You’ll gain a range of skills, knowledge and understanding enabling you to meet the individual and diverse needs of learners. Your understanding of children, their learning and development will be at the centre of your teaching practice. You’ll develop a critical understanding of inclusive practices in education and take responsibility for your own professional development.

Year One
-Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies One (60 credit points)
-Develop and Evaluate Practice One (60 credit points)

Year Two
-Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies Two (60 credit points)
-Develop and Evaluate Professional Practice Two (60 credit points)

Year Three
Core
-Develop and Evaluate Professional Practice Three (60 credit points)
-Wider Perspectives (20 credit points)

Optional
You’ll choose one of the following optional modules:
-Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies Three (3 – 7 strand) (40 credit points)
-Curriculum and Pedagogical Studies Three (5 – 11 strand) (40 credit points)

Year Four
Core
-Develop and Evaluate Professional Practice Four (20 credit points)
-Principles in Practice Four (40 credit points)

Optional
You’ll choose one of the following optional modules:
-Leading Primary Practice (60 credit points)
-Leading Early Years Practice (60 credit points)

The Primary Education course has been designed to provide a broad, varied, and consistent range of assessments to ensure a fair and balanced representation of the skills and knowledge you gain throughout. Assessments methods include written assignments, portfolio assessments, group and individual presentations and professional dialogue with tutors.

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Primary