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Primary Education (QTS) BA Honours

Encouraging children to build confidence and pride in their achievements is rewarding like nothing else. Start your teaching journey today
Code
X120
Start
September 2024
Duration
3 years full-time
Attendance
Full-time
Fees
£9,250 (UK)*
£16,600 (INT)*
Course leader
Dr Maria Karamanidou

Teaching in a primary school is one of the most rewarding careers you can have. This course will give you the experience and support you need to succeed in your studies and achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Why choose Primary Education (QTS) BA Honours at Middlesex?

This is a highly competitive course with a curriculum that has fully embedded the Core Content Framework for Initial Teacher Training.

You will benefit from the guidance of expert tutors who bring a wealth of professional experience to their teaching, and who are widely published across disciplines such as multilingualism, diversity and child development.

You will combine studying on campus and online, with practical classroom experience at one of our partnered primary schools in London and the surrounding areas.

Our primary education courses have been highly rated by Ofsted (the official body for inspecting schools and education), so you know that you will be getting the best quality of training.

What you will gain

You will gain the knowledge and skills required to meet fully the highest teaching standards by the end of your course.

All of our students are dedicated individuals with a passion for developing the experience and skills needed to become excellent teachers.

Work experience is an important part of this course. And many graduates gain their first teaching post at the schools where they had a placement.

We have over 145 years of experience delivering professional, creative and technical education that prepares students – like you – for success in global careers, so find out more today.

Accreditation

Successful completion of this course leads to Qualified Teacher Status, allowing you to work in any state school in England.

What you will learn

You will be working with a team of teachers and other adults to support children (aged 5 to 11) to succeed inside and outside the classroom.

The course is taught using a mixed learning and teaching approach. It combines practical workshops and seminars, by expert tutors with extensive experience working in educational settings, ensuring you are well supported to achieve the best results. Even on placement, you will stay in contact with your tutors, allowing continual mentoring and the exchange of knowledge and ideas.

Through a mix of theory and practice, you'll develop the ability and confidence to teach all subjects in the National Curriculum to children in Reception, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

A vital part of this course focuses on what you learn away from university, your real-world learning is extended by:

  • An ITT Curriculum that embeds learning outside the classroom and makes use of the cultural wealth and diversity of London
  • A broad range of teaching placements to help you understand, critically evaluate and respond to the needs of children in multicultural, multilingual and multi-faith settings and schools
  • An opportunity to undertake an enrichment placement in a SEND school.

3 great reasons to pick this course

  • Positive feedback for academic support
    93% of students were positive about the level of support from teaching staff – National Student Survey (NSS) 2023
  • Strong links with schools
    Our Teacher Training Partnership includes primary schools that contribute to our courses, provide placements, and often employ our graduates as Early Career Teachers
  • Course teaching satisfaction
    92% of students were positive about the quality of teaching on their course – National Student Survey (NSS) 2023


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As a Primary school teacher, you will be expected to demonstrate a sound knowledge of the subjects in the curriculum and how they inter-relate.

You will study the core subjects of English, Mathematics and Science throughout the degree as well as Art, RE, Humanities, Music, Design and Technology, and Computing. These subjects will be taught separately and through interdisciplinary approaches.

Modules

  • Year 1 - Compulsory

    • The Core Curriculum: Subject Knowledge Development (20 credits)

      Throughout this module, you will develop a growing understanding of teacher identity and empowering pedagogies through a study of the core curriculum.

      You will begin to consider aspects of inclusion, and cultural responsibility, encouraging thinking of what teacher identity means to the students as a trainee teacher.

      You'll also study the subject knowledge and skills within the core curriculum of English, Maths, and Science.

    • Primary Professional Practice One (20 credits)

      The aim of this module is:

      • To develop a growing understanding of teacher identity and of empowering pedagogies.
      • Begin to consider aspects of inclusion, and cultural responsivity and encourage thinking for learning beyond the classroom.
      • You will attend schools in a variety of localities including intercultural, multilingual, and multi-faith school settings across the primary phase.
      • To enable you to develop and demonstrate your progress in the understanding and skills necessary to operate as an effective teacher, and
      • As such, to support you in demonstrating you are meeting current professional requirements described by the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, 2012) at the level expected for the first Professional Development.
    • Physical Education (0 credits)

      The aim of this module is:

      • To develop a growing understanding of teacher identity and of empowering pedagogies.
      • Begin to consider aspects of inclusion and cultural responsivity, and encourage thinking for learning beyond the classroom.
      • To develop student teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the role of Physical Education and Health and Well-being Education for all children, and
      • To meet the subject knowledge and pedagogical requirements to plan, teach and assess Physical Education from FS to KS2 according to current Teachers’ Standards.
    • Computing in the Primary Curriculum (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • To develop a growing understanding of teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in the learning and teaching of computing.
      • To begin to consider aspects of inclusion and cultural responsivity in the learning and teaching of computing and to encourage thinking for learning beyond the classroom.
      • To meet the subject knowledge and pedagogical requirements to plan, teach and assess computing in the primary curriculum.
    • Science and Design Technology in the Primary Curriculum (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop a growing understanding of teacher identity and empowering pedagogies
      • Begin to consider aspects of inclusion, and cultural responsivity and encourage thinking for learning beyond the classroom, and
      • Meet the subject knowledge and pedagogic requirements to plan, teach and assess science and Design Technology at reception and Key Stage 1.
    • Mathematics in the Primary Curriculum (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Grow an understanding of teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in the learning and teaching of mathematics.
      • Develop knowledge, skills, and understanding in the learning and teaching of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as storytelling, and systematic synthetic phonics.
      • Begin to consider aspects of inclusion, and cultural responsivity in the learning and teaching of English and encourage thinking of the importance of story.
    • English in the Primary Curriculum (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Grow an understanding of teacher identity and empowering pedagogies.
      • Developing knowledge, skills, and understanding in the learning and teaching of reading, writing, speaking, and listening, as well as storytelling, and systematic synthetic phonics.
      • Begin to consider aspects of inclusion, and cultural responsivity in the learning and teaching of English and encourage thinking of the importance of story.
    • Creativity and the Arts (20 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop a growing understanding of teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in relation to creativity and to learning and teaching in Art & Design, and Music
      • To begin to consider aspects of inclusion and cultural responsivity in the learning and teaching of Art & Design, and Music and to encourage thinking for learning beyond the classroom, and
      • To meet the subject knowledge and pedagogical requirements to plan, teach and assess Art & Design, and Music in the Key Stage 1 and KS2 classroom.
    • Discovering the Humanities (20 credits)

      This module involves developing a growing understanding of teacher identity and empowering pedagogies.

      You will begin to consider aspects of inclusion, and cultural responsivity and encourage thinking for learning beyond the classroom.

      You will meet the subject knowledge and pedagogic requirements to plan, teach and assess the Humanities subjects (History, Geography, and Citizenship).

  • Year 2 - Compulsory

    • English: Creative Literacy (15 credits)

      The aim of this module is:

      • To develop a growing understanding of teacher identity and of empowering pedagogies in practice.
      • To consider aspects of inclusive practices in the classroom, encouraging reflection on cultural responsivity, and developing links with learning beyond the classroom.
      • To extend your knowledge, skills, and understanding of English learning and teaching, and
      • To provide a focus on the pleasure of listening, speaking, reading, and writing in an inclusive classroom.
    • Cross Curricular Learning and Teaching (20 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop reflective perspectives on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in practice.
      • Consider aspects of inclusive practices in the classroom, encouraging reflection on cultural responsivity and developing links with learning beyond the classroom.
      • Develop a critical understanding of a cross-curricular approach to teaching and learning, by reflections on self as learner and teacher, and in the collaborative planning and participation of a masque.
    • Inclusive Practices for Children with SEND (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop reflective perspectives on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in practice.
      • Consider aspects of inclusive practices in the classroom, encouraging reflection on cultural responsivity and developing links with learning beyond the classroom.
      • Develop your subject knowledge and understanding of pedagogic requirements for inclusive teaching of children with Special Educational Needs or Disabilities in the Early Years, Key Stage1 and Key Stage 2 and the Teachers Standards, 2012.
      • Use your critical reflections of learning and teaching to inform your understanding of best practice.
    • Religious Education (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop reflective perspectives on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in practice.
      • Consider aspects of inclusive practices in the classroom, encouraging reflection on cultural responsivity and developing links with learning beyond the classroom.
      • You will attend schools in a variety of localities including intercultural, multilingual, and multi-faith school settings across the primary phase.
      • Further, develop and demonstrate your progress in the understanding and skills necessary to operate as an effective teacher.
      • Demonstrate you are meeting current professional requirements as described by the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, 2012).
    • Primary Professional Practice Two (30 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop reflective perspectives on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in practice.
      • Consider aspects of inclusive practices in the classroom, encouraging reflection on cultural responsivity and developing links with learning beyond the classroom.
      • You will attend schools in a variety of localities including intercultural, multilingual, and multi-faith school settings across the primary phase.
      • Further, develop and demonstrate your progress in the understanding and skills necessary to operate as an effective teacher.
      • Supports you in demonstrating you are meeting current professional requirements as described by the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, 2012).
    • Physical Education, Health and Wellbeing (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop reflective perspectives on teacher identity and consider aspects of cultural responsivity when teaching physical education and well-being in the school setting.
      • To develop your teachers’ knowledge and understanding of the role of Physical Education and Wellbeing education for all children.
      • To meet the subject knowledge and pedagogical requirements to plan, teach and assess Physical Education from FS to KS2 according to current Teachers’ Standards.
      • To develop your ability to analyse the performance of self and others and suggest improvements and interact effectively within a team to achieve personal and group outcomes.
    • Investigating Science (10 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop reflective perspectives on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies in practice.
      • Consider aspects of inclusive practices in the classroom, encouraging reflection on cultural responsivity and developing links with learning beyond the classroom.
      • Use your critical reflections on teaching science at reception to help you meet the subject knowledge and pedagogic requirements for the teaching of science at Key Stages 1 and 2.

      If you're following a subject specialism in science, you will also develop additional depth of practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding, with an extended focus upon subject concepts and skills, curriculum content, pedagogy and subject leadership and management.

    • Mathematics: Mathematical Literacy (15 credits)

      The aim of this module is:

      • To understand the development of the primary curriculum key mathematical concepts through the medium of children’s literature.
      • To develop an awareness of children’s common errors and misconceptions and develop strategies for dealing with them.
      • To understand the mathematical operations concerning the appropriate age-related strategies.
      • To develop reflective perspectives on teacher identities and to empower pedagogies in practice.
      • To consider aspects of inclusive practice in the classroom, encourage reflection on cultural responsivity, and develop links with learning beyond the classroom.

      If you follow a subject specialism in mathematics, you will develop additional depth of practical and theoretical knowledge and understanding, with an extended focus upon subject concepts and skills, curriculum content, pedagogy, and subject leadership and management.

  • Year 3 - Compulsory

    • Primary Professional Practice Three (60 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop well-informed thinking on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies.
      • Critically engage with inclusion within and beyond the classroom.
      • Critically reflect on cultural responsivity and the power of learning beyond the classroom.
      • Consider how all these aspects contribute to being an effective, influential teacher and learner.
      • Attend schools in a variety of localities including intercultural, multilingual, and multi-faith school settings across the primary phase.
      • Develop and demonstrate your progress in the understanding and skills necessary to operate as an effective teacher.
      • Demonstrate you are meeting current professional requirements as described by the Teachers’ Standards (DfE, 2012) in full.
    • Interdisciplinary Learning and Teaching Across the Curriculum (20 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop well-informed thinking on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies.
      • Critically engage with inclusion within and beyond the classroom.
      • Critically reflect on cultural responsivity and the power of learning beyond the classroom.
      • Consider how all of these aspects contribute to being an effective, influential teacher and learner.
      • Gain opportunities to develop within communication and numeracy, problem-solving, teamwork, digital literacy, ethical and cultural awareness, and creativity.
      • Critically examine curriculum discourse about interdisciplinarity to advance pupils’ cognitive and social learning.
      • Critically develop your knowledge, understanding, and organisation of the primary curriculum and demonstrate the ability to research and plan creatively.
      • Critically employ a range of pedagogies to develop a creative outlook and an inspirational, enquiring and adaptable approach to children’s learning.
    • Inclusive Practices Beyond the Classroom (20 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop critical thinking on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies.
      • Critically engage with inclusion within and beyond the classroom.
      • Critically reflect on cultural responsivity and the power of learning beyond the classroom and consider how all these aspects contribute to being a practical and influential teacher and learner.
      • Develop an understanding of the principles of inclusion and the recognition of the underlying integrity of inclusive practice.
    • Core Curriculum Two (20 credits)

      The aim of this module is to:

      • Develop well informed thinking on teacher identity and empowering pedagogies and consider how they contribute to being an effective, influential teacher and learner.
      • Develop knowledge and understanding of the subjects of the Early Years and Primary School core curricula and how the subjects interrelate.
      • Demonstrate a critical understanding of current research in the area of core subjects, especially in more specialised knowledge and understanding of the needs of all children and their learning.
      • Critically evaluate new concepts and evidence from a range of sources and transfer and apply diagnostic and creative skills in a range of situations.
      • Equip you with the cultural competence to teach and learn with openness, empathy, and respect in intercultural, multilingual, multi-faith settings and schools.

To find out more about this course, please download the Primary Education (QTS) BA specification (PDF).

We review our courses regularly to improve your experience and graduate prospects so modules may be subject to change.

  1. Teaching and independent learning
  2. Assessment and feedback

We have a large collection of resources covering Primary Education specialisms as well as useful online resources. There is also a dedicated Education classroom where most of our creative subjects are taught such as Art, Design and Technology, Music and Science with areas for students to display their work. This room is only for use for Education students and is predominantly for Primary Education.

The Sheppard Library

Our library is open 24 hours a day during the term and includes:

  • A library room for Education students with resources that mimic a classroom such as an interactive whiteboard
  • Over 1,000 study areas with rooms for group study and over 600 computer spaces
  • 350,000 books and e-books and more than 24,000 online journals
  • Free laptop loans, Wi-Fi and printing.

Student support

We offer lots of support to help you while you're studying including financial advice, wellbeing, mental health and disability support.

Additional needs

We'll support you if you have additional needs such as sensory impairment or dyslexia. And if you want to find out whether Middlesex is the right place for you before you apply, get in touch with our Disability and Dyslexia team.

Wellness

Our specialist teams will support your mental health. We have free individual counselling sessions, workshops, support groups and useful guides.

Work while you study

Our Middlesex Unitemps branch will help you find work that fits around uni and your other commitments. We have hundreds of student jobs on campus that pay the London Living Wage and above. Visit the Middlesex Unitemps page.

Financial support

You can apply for scholarships and bursaries and our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

We have also reduced the costs of studying with free laptop loans, free learning resources and discounts to save money on everyday things. Check out our guide to student life on a budget.

How can the Primary Education (QTS) BA Honours support your career?

Our course qualifies you as a primary school teacher which is a profession with excellent progression and benefits.

Our graduates have an excellent reputation within the profession, and our employment rates are extremely high. Many graduates gain their first teaching role in the school where they carry out their final School Experience, and many also continue to work with the university as members of staff in partnership schools.

MDXworks

Our employability service, MDXworks will launch you into the world of work from the beginning of your course, with placements, projects and networking opportunities through our 1000+ links with industry and big-name employers in London and globally.

Our dedicated lifetime career support, like our business start-up support programme and funding for entrepreneurs, has been recognised with the following awards:

The top 20 UK universities for business leaders and entrepreneurs – Business Money, 2023

A top 10 university for producing CEOs – Novuana, 2023.

Global network

You’ll study with students from 122 countries who’ll hopefully become part of your global network. And after you graduate, we'll still support you through our alumni network to help you progress in your chosen career.

School placements

School placements greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and those who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

  • The diverse teaching placements enable you to understand, critically evaluate and respond to the needs of children in multicultural, multilingual and multi-faith settings and schools in an international, urban environment
  • Many of our graduates have their first teaching post at the schools where they had a placement
  • You may be able to undertake an enrichment placement in a SEND school.

You will be prepared for your School Based Training (SBT) placement through a combination of seminars, tutorials and day link visits to your school. Throughout your SBT, you will be guided and supported by a school-based mentor and a university tutor.

"I was attracted to the amount of time spent on placement as other courses were more theory based. I was also impressed with the number of graduates who had been employed by the end of their course - the percentage was high."

Katherine Kelly, Primary Education BA graduate, now a KS2 class teacher

  1. UK entry
  2. International
  3. How to apply

The fees below are for the 2024/25 academic year:

UK students1

Full-time: £9,250

Part-time: £77 per taught credit

International students2

Full-time students: £16,600

Part-time students: £138 per taught credit

Additional costs

The following study tools are included in your fees:

  • Free access to resources, learning materials and software you need to succeed on your course
  • Free laptop loans for up to 24 hours
  • Free specialist software for your course
  • Free printing for academic paperwork
  • Free online training with LinkedIn Learning.

Scholarships and bursaries

To help make uni affordable, we do everything we can to support you including our:

  • MDX Excellence Scholarship offers grants of up to £2,000 per year for UK students
  • Regional or International Merit Awards which reward International students with up to £2,000 towards course fees
  • Our MDX Student Starter Kit to help with up to £1,000 of goods, including a new laptop or iPad.

Find out more about undergraduate funding and all of our scholarships and bursaries.

Fees disclaimers

1. UK fees: The university reserves the right to increase undergraduate tuition fees in line with changes to legislation, regulation and any government guidance or decisions. The tuition fees for part-time UK study are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

2. International fees: Tuition fees are subject to annual review and we reserve the right to increase the fees each academic year by no more than the level of inflation.

Any annual increase in tuition fees as provided for above will be notified to students at the earliest opportunity in advance of the academic year to which any applicable inflationary rise may apply.

  • Katherine Kelly

    Katherine Kelly

    Primary Education BA graduate

    Katherine is now a KS2 class teacher

    I chose to study Primary Education at Middlesex University as I had worked alongside trainee teachers from Middlesex and I had been exceptionally impressed with the calibre of trainee teacher. I was really impressed with the structure of the course and the amount of contact time.

    I was attracted to the amount of time spent on placement as other courses were more theory based. I was also impressed with the number of graduates who had been employed by the end of their course - the percentage was high.

    I really enjoyed the relationships we had with our lecturers and I personally credit the interest that the lecturers took in ensuring that we graduated as successful teachers as a contributing factor to the success of the cohort.

  • Alex Pepe, BA Primary Education

    Alex Pepe

    Primary Education BA graduate

    Alex now works as a teacher at Coleridge Primary School, Crouch End

    There were a number of reasons why I chose [to study at] Middlesex, but probably top of the list were the great reputation it has – a lot of my primary teachers had trained there - and the location as it was close to home so meant I could keep my job.

    I really enjoyed interacting with my tutors who were all incredibly helpful and approachable. They really took the time to get to know us as individuals. I also really enjoyed meeting new people who were on the course and working on tasks with them. A lot of our activity was very practical and directly applicable to a primary school setting.

    It [studying at Middlesex] really prepared me well as many of the things I learnt could be applied straight away. Additionally, the support available outside of standard tutorial hours, such as help with my CV, interview preparation and general guidance from tutors, played a major part in helping me get to where I am professionally.


We’ll carefully manage any future changes to courses, or the support and other services available to you, if these are necessary because of things like changes to government health and safety advice, or any changes to the law.

Any decisions will be taken in line with both external advice and the University’s Regulations which include information on this.

Our priority will always be to maintain academic standards and quality so that your learning outcomes are not affected by any adjustments that we may have to make.

At all times we’ll aim to keep you well informed of how we may need to respond to changing circumstances, and about support that we’ll provide to you.

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