Course contact details
Student Recruitment Team
Email:general-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone:0300 303 5303
Open University
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
Are you thinking about pursuing a career in education or becoming a primary school teacher? This certificate of higher education will give you a sound foundation for further study relevant to a range of roles within education. You’ll be introduced to a variety of themes relating to the education of children aged between 3 and 12, and you’ll gain the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively and equitably in a range of settings. An interdisciplinary approach will also broaden your understanding of childhood and children’s lives and development.
Key features of the course
Offers a practice-focused qualification suitable for people working, volunteering or seeking to work in schools or in the wider education sector
Covers the key themes relating to primary education and the curriculum areas of English, mathematics and science
Explores the emotional, physical, social and cultural development of children
Lays sound foundations for further study relevant to careers in teaching and other roles within education
This qualification has one stage, comprising 120 credits. You'll study two modules that will provide you with a broad introduction to primary education, childhood studies and child psychology.
To apply for this course you will be taken to the provider's website, where you can find out more information and make an application.
The following entry points are available for this course:
There are no qualification requirements for this course.
You do not need to be employed in a primary school in order to study this qualification. However if you're not working in a school on a regular basis you are advised to negotiate opportunities to spend some time in a formal educational setting for children aged 3-12 (this can be in a voluntary capacity) to observe teaching and learning, and gain exposure to a practice context. We suggest that you spend 10 days in school when studying for this certificate. It is your responsibility – not the OU’s – to ensure that you obtain the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent for the setting and country in which you’re working. You should contact the relevant agency in your country for more information if you are in any doubt about your eligibility or to find out more.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
This course may have Historical entry grades data available, please select a course option to view.
Course optionsNo fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
2026/2027 academic year fees are not yet available.
Email:general-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone:0300 303 5303
Student Recruitment Team
PO Box 197
Milton Keynes
MK7 6BJ
At Open University