BA (Hons) Primary Education (QTS)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Canterbury Christ Church University

Program Overview

This degree combines academic study of primary-level teaching with practical school-based placements, enabling students to graduate with both a bachelor’s degree and recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). It’s perfect for someone passionate about working with children aged 3–11 and who wants to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence to teach in primary school settings.

Curriculum structure
Year 1 (Level 4)
In the first year the student begins to explore the foundations of teaching and learning, the role of the teacher and how children develop and learn. For example, they will engage with modules such as Exploring Curricula and Pedagogy and Introduction to Teaching, Learning and Assessment, gaining insight into classroom practice and beginning the first school placement with support. These early experiences allow them to link theory with real children’s learning across the primary age-range.

Year 2 (Level 5)
In the second year the student builds on this by deepening knowledge of how subjects are taught in primary schools, exploring issues such as inclusion, diversity and behaviour management. For instance, modules such as Beyond Curriculum and Policy and Adaptive Teaching in English, Mathematics and Science help the student see how curriculum, pedagogy and assessment operate in diverse contexts. Placement experience becomes more substantial and the student begins to take greater responsibility for planning and delivering learning in schools.

Year 3 (Level 6)
In the final year the student focuses on becoming an effective, reflective and autonomous teacher ready for recommendation for QTS. They might study modules such as Adaptive Teaching and Leading Learning and Professional Practice in School Contexts, completing a major school placement and demonstrating mastery of the Teachers’ Standards. This year is about synthesising subject knowledge, pedagogy and real-world classroom practice so the student can confidently begin their teaching career.

Focus areas: “Curriculum & pedagogy across the primary phase (3-11); inclusive teaching and behaviour management; subject teaching in English, mathematics and science; professional practice and placement experience”
Learning outcomes: “Graduates will be able to plan, teach and assess in primary-aged settings; apply research-informed educational theory to classroom practice; adapt teaching to meet diverse learner needs; manage behaviour and learning environments; reflect on and develop as teachers”
Professional alignment (accreditation): This undergraduate programme includes recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on successful completion.
Reputation (employability rankings): According to The Uni Guide, 97% of graduates on the Primary Education (Upper Primary) route and 93% of those on the Lower Primary route from CCCU were in jobs or further study 15 months after finishing.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) BA (Hons) Primary Education (QTS) programme gain real-world skills, using excellent facilities and immersive opportunities.

On this degree, students train not just in theory but in real classroom contexts across the primary age phases (3–11 years). They engage in university-based sessions including pedagogy, curriculum, behaviour management, assessment, and inclusive education – and each year undertake placements in partner schools to apply teaching practice with mentor-support.

Here are some of the key experiential learning elements you’ll encounter:

Multiple school placements across different age-phases (e.g., 3–7, 5–11) and in diverse settings (including special schools).
Mentor-led teaching experience in partner schools, giving first-hand classroom management, lesson planning and assessment responsibilities.
A strong emphasis on inclusive education, social justice and diversity, meaning you’ll practice working with children from a wide variety of backgrounds, including additional needs.
Access to the university’s central campus facilities: dedicated library (such as Augustine House), specialist education-teaching spaces, and resources supporting both academic study and practical teaching preparation.
A research-informed approach: you’ll engage with current educational research, reflect on your placement practice, and apply theory to real teaching situations.
Opportunities for overseas study trips (e.g., Spain, Ghana, Thailand) to broaden understanding of global education contexts.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this programme are well‑positioned to step into roles such as Primary School Teacher (ages 3‑11), Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO) in primary settings, Curriculum Development Officer for primary phase, or Learning Support Lead in primary schools. The fact that the degree leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means you’re gaining direct professional entry into teaching.

More specifically:

University services supporting employment: Canterbury Christ Church’s School of Teacher Education & Development offers strong links with its partner primary and special schools for placements, dedicated mentoring during school placements and a careers service that supports teaching‑applicants with CVs, interview prep and networking with local headteachers.
Employment statistics & salary figures: According to data, 97 % of “Upper Primary” students and 93 % of “Lower Primary” students were in jobs or further study 15 months after finishing this course. The median salary for this programme’s graduates 15 months after completing was around £25,500.
University–industry (school) partnerships: The programme is delivered in close partnership with a large network of state and special primary schools — each year you’ll undertake placements in approved age‑phases (for example 3‑7 or 5‑11) and will have school mentors guiding you.
Long‑term accreditation value: On successful completion you are recommended for QTS (Qualified Teacher Status) — the recognised professional qualification to teach in England.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates from this course are described as “highly sought after” by local head teachers thanks to their blend of academic knowledge and practical school‑experience.

Further Academic Progression:

Once you complete the BA (Hons) Primary Education (QTS), you have several routes for advancing your academic or professional credentials. You could pursue a Master’s in Education (for example Educational Leadership or Inclusion and Special Educational Needs), a PGCert or PGDip in Early Years or Primary Pedagogy, or later on a Doctorate in Educational Practice if you wish to move into research or senior policy roles. The QTS gives you a professional teaching base, and the university’s support services can guide you into leadership or specialist credentials.