Influence the next generation.

Northumbria University is a centre of excellence for initial teacher education. This BA (Hons) Primary Education course gives you the opportunity to work with the whole primary age range of 3–11, with the opportunity to specialise in either the 3-7 or 7-11 age range. The degree is underpinned by a philosophy that has at its heart the right of every child to have the opportunity to the best education possible.

As a teacher you will be in the position of influencing the learning and development of the next generation. These children will need to be able to meet the changing environment of this century and become creative, innovative and flexible life-long learners.

We believe that to enable children to thrive, you, as a teacher in charge of the learning environment, must be creative, motivated, flexible, sensitive to and eager to learn from and with the children in your care.

Your Learning Experience

On this fast-paced degree course, school-based placements form a significant part of your learning. From day one, we will equip you with the skills to inspire and educate young children, combining theory with professional practice that will enhance your critical and reflective abilities.

Your time at Northumbria will enable you to develop your own thinking, learning and creativity, and in just three years you will achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as accredited by the Department for Education.

Why study BA (Hons) Primary Education at Northumbria?

• Top University - Education at Northumbria is ranked Top 20 in the UK by the Complete University Guide for 2024.
• A Research Powerhouse - Social Policy is ranked 3rd in the UK for research power in the UK out of 76 submissions (REF, 2021). This represents a rise of 15 places compared to 2014.
• Student Rated - Over 90% of students studying Primary Education at Northumbria believed their course challenged them to achieve their best work and the library resources supported their learning (NSS, 2023).

How will I learn on this Primary Education BA course?

With a broad consideration of the Primary National Curriculum, you will learn through a combination of university-based and primary school classroom experience that aim to underpin professional learning with academic knowledge and critical understanding.

Learning through lectures, seminars, workshops and school placements, you will gain a wealth of practical, hands-on experience in real classroom environments teaching primary school children.

The assessment processes are both formative and summative and are designed to motivate you and stimulate your interests. They will challenge you to develop your skills, and enable you to reflect on feedback on your progress.

You will be assessed through methods which have been carefully selected to suit your needs as a student on this course and as a developing teacher. These include written assignments, presentations, reflective professional portfolios and school-based expectations related to professional conduct, as well as the planning and teaching of lessons.

Who will teach me during my degree?

Our Education courses have been consistently rated highly by OFSTED for the quality of teaching and have helped develop many similarly outstanding teachers over the years.

You will learn from inspirational academic staff with a genuine passion for their subject, specialising in areas such as Initial Teacher Education, English in Education and Primary Science and Mathematics. Our staff have a wealth of research and knowledge which enhances your learning experience at the University.

You will be supported by a team of specialist tutors that have extensive experience in schools and academic areas of expertise and who work collaboratively with other students who share your passion for learning and teaching.

Where will I study during my time at Northumbria?

This course is based at our Coach Lane campus, which houses our Clinical Skills Centre– a purpose-built facility that will allow you to develop practical skills and gain valuable experience of occupational therapy within a simulated scenario’s.

Our facilities are some of the most advanced in the country and allow us to ensure your learning evolves in-line with the latest developments in the profession.

You will have access to our University library – which has been recognised as third best in the UK – and well equipped working space, The Hub, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Technology is embedded throughout all aspects of your degree and you will receive ongoing support through our innovative e-learning platform, Blackboard, where you can access module handbooks, assessment information, lecture presentation slides and reading lists.

Through this, you will develop a clear understanding of how technology and innovation has the potential to enhance learning; not only from the perspective of your own learning but also your teaching and children’s learning.

How is research applied to the teaching on this course?

The Department of Education and Lifelong Learning has a range of research experience and interests. Its academic staff have extensive experience of leading, conducting and managing research in all areas of education, from early years and schools to post-compulsory and higher education.

The academic staff teaching on this course boast extensive research strengths within educational settings including school-to-school networking and collaboration, educational leadership, curriculum innovation, and the impact of educational initiatives on marginalised and vulnerable groups

How does this BA Primary Education course prepare me for my future career?

This course is nationally recognised by Ofsted as part of the Initial Teacher Training (ITT) provision at Northumbria and will give you confidence as you engage with a course designed to challenge your thinking and develop your effectiveness as a teacher.

As a graduate of this course, you will be inspired and prepared to meet the demands of being a Newly Qualified Teacher (NQT), making a significant contribution to a rapidly changing complex work and social environment. You will be ready to influence the learning and development of the next generation, encouraging children to become creative, innovative and flexible life-long learners.

School-based placements make up a core part of the course and will allow you to develop and evolve your theoretical and practical teaching skills. Successful completion of these placements and the university-based academic learning will enable you to be recommended for Qualified Teaching Status (QTS) upon completion.

We place a real emphasis on developing the transferable skills that will be directly relatable to a career in teaching. These include communication, analytical and problem solving skills and research skills, all of which boost employability and your ability to play a pivotal role in the learning of the next generation.