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

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Bangor University

Program Overview

The Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (Welsh-medium) BA (Hons) at Bangor University prepares students to become qualified primary school teachers who can teach children aged 3–11 through the Welsh medium. It suits individuals who are passionate about children’s learning, committed to bilingual (Welsh/English) education, and want to contribute to shaping young learners’ growth with cultural and language-rich teaching.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
In the first year, students gain a strong foundation in child development, educational theory, and Welsh-medium teaching. Modules focus on understanding how children aged 3–11 learn, early literacy and numeracy teaching, and the fundamentals of classroom management. Students begin practical placements in schools to observe teaching practice, develop lesson planning skills, and apply theoretical knowledge in real classroom environments.

Year 2
In the second year, students deepen their pedagogical knowledge and practical skills. They study modules such as Curriculum Planning and Assessment, Inclusive Education, and Development of Welsh-Language Teaching Competence, preparing them to meet diverse learning needs. Extended school placements allow students to take on more responsibility in teaching, applying assessment strategies, adapting lessons for different learners, and developing confidence in managing a classroom.

Year 3
In the final year, students consolidate their learning and demonstrate professional readiness. Modules include Advanced Welsh-Medium Pedagogy, Classroom Leadership, and Professional Practice in Schools. Students undertake significant teaching placements where they lead lessons, implement full schemes of work, and reflect on teaching practice to ensure they are fully prepared for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and professional teaching in Welsh-medium primary schools.

Focus Areas
“Primary pedagogy · Child development · Welsh-medium teaching · Curriculum planning and assessment · Classroom management · Inclusive and diverse school settings”

Learning Outcomes
“Acquire deep understanding of how children aged 3–11 learn, develop and thrive; become proficient in planning and delivering bilingual (Welsh/English) curriculum; master classroom management, assessment and reporting; gain practical experience through school placements; graduate ready to teach as a qualified primary teacher in Welsh-medium schools.”

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)
This BA (Hons) comes with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling graduates to begin teaching in primary schools in Wales — and potentially in other UK regions — immediately after graduation. The programme is delivered in partnership with regional education authorities, schools, and research institutes, ensuring alignment with professional teaching standards and real-world classroom demands.

Reputation (Employability & Suitability)
Bangor University’s education programmes — including this Welsh-medium primary education degree — are delivered in collaboration with established school networks, offering strong practical training and mentoring support throughout. Graduates emerge well prepared to step into teaching roles, meeting a growing demand for qualified Welsh-medium educators in Wales.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

From the very start, students gain practical teaching experience in real school settings. Bangor partners with schools across Wales, providing multiple placements where students can develop skills in lesson planning, assessment, classroom management, and teaching children aged 3–11.

Students benefit from:

Multiple placements in Welsh‑medium primary schools, allowing hands‑on teaching under the supervision of experienced mentors.
Participation in the CaBan partnership, linking university training directly to current educational practices and policies in Wales.
Pedagogical and professional courses alongside subject-specific modules such as literacy, numeracy, science, humanities, and arts, providing a broad foundation for primary teaching.

Academic Structure & Curriculum Breadth

The programme combines pedagogical theory with practical teaching skills. Students study learning theories, behaviour management, additional learning needs, bilingual learners, and foundation-level teaching in mathematics, literacy, science, humanities, technology, and the arts.

The Welsh‑medium track develops competence in Welsh-language teaching, preparing graduates for roles in Welsh‑medium primary schools.

What Sets This Programme Apart

Graduates receive Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling them to teach 3–11 year olds in primary schools across Wales and the UK.
The strong university–school partnership ensures training is aligned with national standards and supported by experienced mentors.
The broad subject coverage equips graduates to teach the full primary-school curriculum, offering flexibility in future teaching roles.
The Welsh-medium delivery provides a distinctive skill set for teaching in Welsh-language schools.

Progression & Future Opportunities

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

University Career Services: Bangor University’s Careers and Employability Service provides tailored support for teacher training graduates, including guidance on classroom applications, interview preparation, and access to teaching graduate schemes across Wales.
Employment statistics & salary: Graduates with QTS have a strong employment record, with most securing teaching positions in Welsh-medium schools shortly after graduation. Entry-level teachers in Wales typically earn between £28,000–£33,000, with opportunities for progression to leadership roles.
University–industry partnerships: The program offers extensive placements in Welsh-medium schools, supported by strong links with local education authorities and teaching unions, ensuring practical experience and professional networking.
Long-term accreditation value: Completion of the program awards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), providing official recognition required to teach in primary schools across the UK.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates are fully equipped to teach across the primary curriculum, support literacy and numeracy development, and take on leadership responsibilities in Welsh-medium educational settings.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates may pursue postgraduate qualifications in education, leadership in schools, special educational needs, or curriculum development, enhancing their teaching expertise and opening opportunities for senior educational roles.