Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (English-medium course) BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Bangor University

Program Overview

The Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (English-medium) BA (Hons) at Bangor University trains students to become qualified primary school teachers capable of teaching children aged 3–11 through the medium of English. It suits individuals passionate about guiding young learners, fostering their development, and building classroom environments that support learning, inclusion, and academic growth.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students begin with foundational academic and pedagogical training. They engage in modules such as “Professional and Pedagogical 1,” “Core Studies 1,” and a series of “Subject Studies 1” units, introducing essential knowledge across subjects relevant to primary education: language, numeracy, basic sciences, and humanities. Alongside academic learning, they take “School Experience 1,” providing early exposure to classroom settings and observational learning — helping them begin to understand how real classrooms operate.

Year 2
In the second year, students build deeper pedagogical expertise and subject-specific competence. They continue with “Professional and Pedagogical 2,” along with advanced subject-study modules that expand curriculum knowledge across primary-level subjects. “School Experience 2” placements give them growing responsibility: they begin applying teaching methods, planning lessons, assessing student learning, and gaining confidence in classroom management and teaching under supervision.

Year 3
In the final year, students refine their professional readiness and practical teaching skills. They undertake “School Experience 3,” which involves more sustained school placements and likely leading lessons under mentor supervision. Their academic work deepens through advanced pedagogical studies and subject-studies tailored to primary education needs. This final stage ensures they graduate with both the theoretical grounding and hands-on experience required for Qualified Teacher Status and a smooth transition into the teaching profession.

Focus Areas
“Primary pedagogy · Child development & learning · Core curriculum subject knowledge (English, Maths, Science, Humanities) · Lesson planning & assessment · Classroom management · Professional teaching practice & school experience”

Learning Outcomes
“Gain comprehensive understanding of how young children (ages 3–11) learn and develop; acquire core subject knowledge for primary education; develop pedagogical competence in planning, delivering and assessing lessons in English-medium primary schools; build practical teaching experience through placements; graduate prepared to work as a qualified primary teacher.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
The course leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), equipping graduates to teach in primary schools across Wales, England, and other eligible parts of the UK. The degree combines academic studies with real school-based training, ensuring that graduates meet the standards required for immediate employability in teaching roles.

Reputation (Employability & Suitability)
Bangor University’s primary-education programme enjoys strong recognition thanks to its integration of academic and practical training, school-partnerships, and supportive placements. The course’s structure — combining subject knowledge, pedagogy, and real-world teaching practice — positions graduates well for careers in primary teaching or related educational roles across the UK.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the first year, students gain substantial classroom experience, applying theory directly in real school settings. Bangor partners with local primary schools, providing multiple placements where students develop skills in lesson planning, assessment, classroom management, and teaching children aged 3–11.

Students benefit from:

Multiple placements in English‑medium primary schools, exposing them to diverse school environments under guidance from qualified mentors.
Practical work on lesson planning, teaching, assessment, reporting, and classroom management, progressing from observation to leading lessons.
Continuous support from university tutors and partnership‑school mentors throughout placements.
Option for a placement year or international‑experience year, offering extended practical exposure in varied educational contexts.

Academic Structure & Curriculum Breadth

The programme combines educational theory with practical teaching skills. Students study child development, pedagogy, inclusive education, curriculum design, assessment strategies, and subject-specific teaching methods for primary-aged children (3–11 years).

This structure ensures graduates are equipped to teach the full primary‑school curriculum with confidence and competence.

Professional Qualification & Recognition

Graduates are awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), formally qualifying them to teach in primary schools in Wales and England, and recognised across the UK.

The programme is delivered through a strong partnership framework involving Bangor University, regional education consortia, and partner schools, ensuring training aligns with current educational standards and best practices.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (English-medium) BA (Hons) program at Bangor University are fully prepared to begin careers as qualified primary school teachers in English-medium schools. They typically pursue roles as classroom teachers, literacy or numeracy coordinators, or education support specialists:

University Career Services: Bangor University’s Careers and Employability Service offers tailored guidance for aspiring teachers, including classroom application support, interview coaching, and access to graduate teaching schemes across the UK.
Employment statistics & salary: Graduates with QTS have a strong record of employment, with most securing teaching positions shortly after graduation. Entry-level teachers in England typically earn between £28,000–£33,000, with opportunities for advancement into leadership or specialist roles.
University–industry partnerships: The program provides extensive teaching placements in local English-medium schools, supported by strong collaboration with regional education authorities and professional teaching networks.
Long-term accreditation value: Completion of the program awards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), the official credential required to teach in primary schools across the UK.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are equipped to teach across the primary curriculum, support literacy and numeracy development, and take on leadership responsibilities within English-medium educational settings.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate studies in education, school leadership, curriculum development, special educational needs, or educational research, enhancing professional expertise and advancing career opportunities in primary education.