About the course

Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Become the inspiring, creative teacher that young children will always remember. On our part-time Primary Education degree, you will develop as a professional with all the qualities needed for a rewarding and challenging role nurturing young minds aged 5-11. This part-time initial teacher training programme is suitable for those who have experience of working in a school, such as higher level teaching assistants (HLTAs) or learning mentors. 

You will gain practical experience and develop your own individual teaching personality and personal principles, along with the essential professional skills, knowledge and understanding required for a career in primary teaching. You will study in a dynamic teaching and learning environment where expert university and school-based colleagues work side by side to ensure that you have the best possible initial teacher training experience. Successful completion of the programme leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status.

To apply click on the link here: Primary Education with QTS (School-Based) BA (Hons) | Edge Hill

Start Date/s

08/09/2025

Entry Requirements

Typical offer 112-120 UCAS Tariff points, for which no specific subjects are required, plus GCSE English Language or English Literature, GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science at Grade C or Grade 4 or above (or equivalent).

You are expected to have a commitment to, and understanding of, primary education, demonstrating the personal attributes, values and motivation required to train as a teacher.

You should also be able to demonstrate a commitment to ongoing part-time experience in the role of the teaching assistant or learning mentor (voluntary or paid), equivalent to a minimum of one day a week for the school year for the duration of the programme with the approval of the Head Teacher (and their commitment to support your progress). You will need to provide evidence from the setting that you are employed or volunteering in the school.

Please note, for the purposes of initial teacher training, level 2 literacy and numeracy qualifications are not considered as equivalent to GCSE Grade C or Grade 4 in English Language or English Literature and Mathematics.

An interview forms part of the selection process. The admissions panel will prioritise for interview those with the greatest strengths in relation to:

• Experience of working with children in a primary school setting
• Knowledge of the Primary National Curriculum
• Personal and presentational qualities as well as the use of spoken and written English
• Intellectual and academic ability, supported by a recent academic reference.

If you accept a formal offer from Edge Hill University you will be required to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Enhanced Disclosure indicating that you meet the mandatory criteria of ‘Clearance to Work with Children and/or Vulnerable Adults’. Further information will be sent to you after you have firmly accepted an offer.

Example Offers: 

A Level: BBC-BBB 

BTEC Extended Diploma (or combination of BTEC QCF qualifications): Distinction, Merit, Merit (DMM)

T Level: Overall grade of Merit 

International Baccalaureate (IB): We are happy to accept IB qualifications which achieve the required number of UCAS Tariff points 

Access to Higher Education Diploma: 45 credits at Level 3, for example 15 credits at Distinction and 30 credits at Merit or 24 credits at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit. The required total can be attained from various credit combinations. 

Please note, the above examples may differ from actual offers made. A combination of A Level and BTEC awards may also be accepted.

If you have a minimum of two A Levels (or equivalent), there is no maximum number of qualifications that we will accept UCAS points from. This includes additional qualifications such as Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), AS Levels that haven't been continued to A Level, and General Studies AS or A Level awards.

English language Requirements:

International students require IELTS 6.0, with a score no lower than 5.5 in each individual component, or an equivalent English language qualification.

If your current level of English is half a band, one band, or one-and-a-half bands lower, either overall or in one or two elements, you may want to consider our Pre-Sessional English course.

Modules

There are three core pillars which are central to all our Initial Teacher Education (ITE) provision:
1. Personal and professional attitudes, values and beliefs.
2. Subject and curriculum knowledge.
3. The craft of teaching and pedagogy.

In accordance with these, this programme seeks to develop:
1. Resilient and ethical teachers with a self-reflexive understanding of educational values and purposes that will sustain them throughout their professional career.
2. Subject experts with a firm understanding of the specifics of teaching and curriculum design in their specialist subject(s) and age phase
3. Expert professionals with the research literacy and intellectual confidence to engage critically and responsibly with the latest developments in educational research and policy.

Year 1: 

Introductory Curriculum (Primary Education) will guide you through an ITE curriculum detailing the key knowledge and skills required for the award of qualified teacher status. This module will develop your understanding of the principles of effective teaching and you will have an opportunity to participate in some classroom teaching, which might be through team teaching or working with smaller groups. You will be introduced to essential elements of safeguarding and will explore the underlying theories and basic concepts about how students learn before beginning your school experience. You will be introduced to the principles of inclusive education and undertake practical training in how to manage behaviour and plan and teach well-structured lessons.

Module code: PED1100

Credits: 60

Introduction to Core and Foundation Subjects will introduce you to primary core and foundation subjects (computing, geography, history, languages education, religious education (RE), Music, PSHE, PE, Art and Design Technology). You will begin to develop the professional subject knowledge required to ensure that children make appropriate progress in their learning and development across all subjects. You will develop sound knowledge of the current national curriculum in England for key stages 1 and 2 (DfE, 2013). You also will enhance your knowledge of progression in learning.

Module code: PED1026

Credits: 30

Year 2:

Developmental ITE Curriculum (Primary School Based) Part One will guide you through an ITE curriculum detailing the key knowledge and skills required for the award of qualified teacher status. The developmental phase focuses on taking responsibility for classes or groups of learners over an extended period of time and applying the principles of effective teaching. You will become more critical in your evaluation of research evidence and in making judgements about how to relate evidence and guidance to your own practice. You will develop your capacity to analyse and deconstruct examples of teaching and explain what makes a particular approach more or less effective.

Module code: PED2035

Credits: 30

Developing an understanding of the core and foundation subjects will enhance your subject knowledge across all primary foundation and core (mathematics, science and English) curriculum areas. This module builds on PED1026 and will develop your critical understanding of creative curriculum design and implementation approaches. You will apply a critical understanding to curriculum approaches which facilitate teaching, learning and progression across a broad and balanced curriculum in the core and foundation subjects. This module will develop your understanding of the value of a rich curriculum that supports children's learning and development.

Module code: PED2034

Credits: 30

Supporting all learners - SEND, Mental Health and Wellbeing will cover supporting all learners in schools with a particular focus on SEND. You will develop your understanding of your role as an educator in providing inclusive education and attempting to establish greater equality and equity for all groups of pupils. You will reflect on how you can create an inclusive learning environment which supports the education of all pupils. This module will provide you with the knowledge, skills, understanding and confidence to promote inclusive practice and celebrate diversity. The module will enable you to understand your statutory duties as a practitioner, including maintaining an up-to-date knowledge of policy changes and developments relating to SEND and inclusion.

Module code: PED1027

Credits: 30

Year 3:

Curriculum design for the core and foundation subjects builds from the level 5 module PED2034 - "developing an understanding of the core and foundation subjects”, this module consolidates subject knowledge across the foundation and core subjects through taking a critical stance on curriculum design to ensure progression for all learners. You will use your subject knowledge to engage critically with curriculum design decisions. This module will support you to secure your subject, pedagogical and curriculum knowledge by addressing aspects of the National Curriculum which have not previously been met, or in more depth such as current issues / concerns in teaching and learning and new approaches to teaching and learning and subject content in primary schools.

Module code: PED3027

Credits: 30

Developmental ITE Curriculum (Primary School Based) Part Two will guide you through an ITE curriculum detailing the key knowledge and skills required for the award of qualified teacher status. The developmental phase focuses on taking responsibility for classes or groups of learners over an extended period of time and applying the principles of effective teaching. You will become more critical in your evaluation of research evidence and in making judgements about how to relate evidence and guidance to your own practice. You will develop your capacity to analyse and deconstruct examples of teaching and explain what makes a particular approach more or less effective.

Module code: PED2036

Credits: 30

Leading in research informed practice will increase your employability and enhance your skills by developing your understanding of leading innovative practice. This module will develop your understanding of the roles and responsibilities of a school leader, looking at creative and innovative approaches to teaching and learning. You will be able to choose an area of interest from a subject or field (e.g. SEND, behaviour or curriculum subject). You will have the opportunity to work with partnership schools and settings to support innovative practice. You will play a key part in school development and leading innovative practice when you commence your role of a leader in your teaching.

Module code: PED2037

Credits: 30

Year 4:

Consolidation curriculum (primary education) offers a consolidation school experience as well as integrated university-based teaching sessions covering the underpinning knowledge and understanding necessary for progress. The consolidation phase leads to a final summative viva which determines the recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status. You will be encouraged to take responsibility for developing your pedagogical content knowledge and will be encouraged to critique recent and seminal research evidence from the point of view of differing methodologies of educational enquiry. You will develop your capacity to synthesise and apply guidance from a range of sources to teach effectively and make a positive difference to the lives of learners.

Module code: PED3100

Credits: 60

The research project: 'empowerment for change' develops your understanding of leadership at different scales in the primary school. There will be a particular focus on either the role of the curriculum or field leader. You will be introduced to key research concepts and develop knowledge of wider reading and critical reading skills. You will have the opportunity to continue work with partnership schools and settings to understand what it means to lead in one of the given fields. You will be completing a research project aligned with the your area of interest.

Module code: PED3029

Credits: 30

Assessment

Assessment strategies will include submitting portfolios of school-based work, written assignments, poster presentations, and group and individual oral presentations.

During professional practice your school-based mentor will assess your development through reflective conversations, reviewing and discussing your planning and assessment records, observing your teaching, and gathering the perspectives of other adults and of the children who work with you.

In all cases, you will be given clear assessment guidance. The assessment criteria will be shared with you and you will be given constructive feedback to help you to set targets and identify actions to help you make further progress. You will compile an electronic portfolio throughout your degree that builds to become a portfolio of evidence to demonstrate your professional development and your ability to meet the Teachers’ Standards.

There are no formal written examinations as part of the current assessment methods on this programme.

Careers & Progression

This degree is accredited by the Department for Education. Successful completion of the programme will enable you to gain recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Our graduates obtain work in schools across the UK and abroad and we offer excellent support to help you gain your first post as an Early Career Teacher. The programme will prepare you to teach in key stages 1 and 2 in primary schools and support you in developing strong subject knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of primary education.

Before the end of your degree, you will need to complete a Career Entry and Development Profile (CEDP) which acts as a useful bridge between your initial teacher training programme and your two-year induction as an early career teacher.

Information About Fees

£6,935 per year, part time.