BA (Hons) Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS: English-medium

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of South Wales

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS at the University of South Wales is a three-year degree that blends academic learning with extensive school-based training to prepare future primary teachers. It suits enthusiastic, creative individuals who want to inspire young learners through evidence-informed, curriculum-aligned teaching.

Curriculum Structure

Year One

In the first year, students build a strong foundation through Core Studies, exploring how children learn, the wider purpose of education, and key principles of the Curriculum for Wales. They also undertake Professional and Pedagogical Studies, developing essential teaching skills such as lesson planning, classroom organisation, and managing behaviour. Subject Studies A introduces methods for teaching literacy, numeracy, and digital competence in engaging and age-appropriate ways.

Year Two

The second year deepens understanding through Core Studies 2, focusing on equity, child development, additional learning needs, and the social realities of primary education. Professional and Pedagogical Studies 2 connects theory with practice through school placements, allowing students to apply research-based strategies in real classrooms. In Subject Studies 2A and 2B, learners develop integrated curriculum planning skills and design meaningful learning experiences across the Areas of Learning and Experience.

Year Three

The final year centres on Core Studies 3, where students undertake inquiry projects and engage critically with innovative teaching approaches. Professional and Pedagogical Studies 3 prepares them to take on more responsibility during placements, leading whole-class teaching and demonstrating professional autonomy. Subject Studies 3A and 3B support students in refining subject specialisms, assessment skills, and their ability to design full units of work aligned with the Curriculum for Wales.

Focus Areas

Classroom-based teacher training, curriculum design, literacy and numeracy pedagogy, research-informed practice, digital competence, professional reflection, school placements

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will be able to plan and deliver effective lessons, assess learners’ progress, manage classrooms confidently, and apply research to teaching. They will emerge as reflective, adaptable educators ready to lead learning in primary settings.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The degree confers Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling graduates to teach in primary schools across Wales, England, and many international settings.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of South Wales is recognised for strong teaching quality and high graduate employability within education. Student feedback and national education rankings consistently highlight the programme's strong practical training and preparation for real-world teaching.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start of the degree, students are immersed in practical, school-based training that mirrors the real work of primary teachers. The University of South Wales integrates classroom theory with hands-on experience, so students spend a significant amount of time in partner primary schools, gradually building confidence and competence. Teaching takes place through workshops, seminars, practical tasks, and experience in simulated learning environments, including realistic classroom simulations and specialist education facilities. Students develop their teaching style through regular mentor feedback, reflective practice, and exposure to real classroom challenges. The programme also uses blended learning, combining digital learning tools with face-to-face sessions.

These practical experiences come together through the following opportunities:

Extended and structured school placements in partner primary schools across Wales, where students move from guided small-group work to independently leading full lessons.
Simulated classroom environments that allow students to rehearse teaching strategies, behaviour management and lesson delivery in a safe, practice-based setting.
Access to the Hydra-Minerva simulation suite, used to recreate real-world school scenarios such as parent-teacher meetings, safeguarding situations, and classroom management challenges.
Regular support from school-based mentors and university tutors, who observe teaching, provide feedback, and help students develop reflective practices.
Blended learning through digital and onsite teaching, including interactive workshops and practice-focused seminars.
Assessment through practical and professional tasks such as presentations, projects, simulated activities, and coursework—no traditional written exams.
Opportunities to explore research-informed teaching, using academic evidence to improve lesson design and pedagogy.
Dedicated professional development modules, focusing on personal growth, wellbeing, resilience, and professional identity as a teacher.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS (English-medium) at the University of South Wales step into the profession already prepared for classroom practice. They finish the degree with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), strong practical experience, and the skills needed to secure roles across the primary education sector. Many move directly into full-time teaching, while others progress into leadership, educational outreach, or specialist roles.

Typical graduate roles include:

Primary School Teacher
Learning Support or Inclusion Specialist
Education Officer in museums, libraries, or community programmes
Early-stage leadership roles within primary schools

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University Services That Support Employability
- Students are supported by the University’s careers and employability service, which offers personalised guidance on applications, interviews, and progression routes into teaching roles.
- Every trainee is paired with school-based mentors and university tutors throughout placements, ensuring consistent professional development.
- Teaching practice is developed through specialised facilities such as simulated primary classrooms and technology-enhanced teaching environments, allowing students to rehearse real-world scenarios.
Employment Stats & Salary Figures
- Graduates typically move quickly into employment due to the integrated QTS and strong school-partnership network.
- Early-career primary teachers often earn around the national starting teacher salary, with opportunities for progression into leadership positions within a few years.
University–Industry (School) Partnerships
- The programme is delivered in collaboration with a wide network of partner primary schools across Wales, giving students varied teaching experiences each year.
- Partner schools actively contribute to the training model, ensuring that students learn approaches aligned with the Curriculum for Wales and current educational priorities.
Long-Term Accreditation Value
- The degree awards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the essential professional qualification for teaching in state primary schools in Wales and England.
- Students are trained according to the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership, giving the qualification long-term credibility in the sector.
Graduate Outcomes
- Most graduates secure teaching roles soon after completing the degree.
- Others use their educational training in broader fields such as community education, children’s services, private training organisations, and cultural institutions.
- The programme’s emphasis on reflective practice and inquiry-based learning equips graduates for long-term progression into leadership, specialisms, or school improvement roles.

Further Academic Progression:

Graduates may choose to extend their expertise through postgraduate study such as a Master’s in Education (MEd), Educational Leadership, or specialist areas like Additional Learning Needs or Curriculum Innovation. Some progress into school-based leadership qualifications later in their careers, preparing them for roles such as senior teacher, curriculum lead, or headteacher. They may also undertake further professional learning through accredited short courses or postgraduate certificates related to teaching and learning.