BA Hons Primary Teacher Education (Campus-Based)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Oxford Brookes University

Program Overview

This 3-year full-time degree is designed for students who aspire to become primary school teachers, offering both academic study and extensive school placements to prepare you for classroom life. Upon successful completion you are recommended for UK Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), giving you the professional credential to teach in primary schools.

Curriculum structure:

Year 1:
In your first year you’ll begin to build your foundational teaching knowledge and practice. You will take modules like Professional Studies 1 (including placement-based curriculum and ITaP), Child Development 1, English 1, Mathematics 1, Science and DT 1 and Foundation Subjects 1. These help you understand how children aged 3-11 develop, begin to learn about teaching core curriculum subjects (English, maths, science/DT), and explore inclusive practices via Inclusion 1.

Year 2:
In the second year you’ll deepen both your subject knowledge and teaching skills and spend more time in school-based practice. Key modules include Professional Studies 2 (including placement and ITaP), Child Development 2, English 2, Mathematics 2, Science and DT 2, Foundational Subjects 2, Inclusion 2. This year you engage with topics like play in learning, progression in primary maths/science, and adaptive teaching for SEND (special educational needs/disabilities).

Year 3 (Final Year):
In your final year you will move into the “effective” stage of training, preparing to enter your early career teaching years. Modules include Professional Studies 3 (including placement and ITaP), Excellence for All (double module), English 3, Mathematics 3, Science and DT 3, Foundational Subjects 3, Inclusion 3. You’ll consolidate your pedagogical knowledge, refine your lesson-sequences, plan for high-quality discussion/oracy, design broad curricula for primary schools, and critique inclusive practice.

Focus areas:
Teacher training in the primary (ages 3-11) phase; child development; subject-pedagogy in English, mathematics, science/DT, foundation subjects; inclusive education and adaptive teaching; school placements and practical classroom experience.

Learning outcomes:
You will graduate able to plan, teach and assess primary age pupils across the curriculum; demonstrate secure subject knowledge and teaching pedagogy; adapt your practice for diverse learners including those with SEND; manage classroom dynamics and feedback; and transition into your early career teaching role with confidence.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This programme is accredited by the UK Teaching Regulation Agency (TRA) and leads to recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) once you successfully complete it.

Reputation (employability rankings):
According to official data via Discover Uni, graduates from this course at Oxford Brookes had an employment or further-study rate of 95% 15 months after finishing, and average earnings around £28,000 for teacher-training graduates.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BA (Hons) Primary Teacher Education program at Oxford Brookes University is meticulously designed to blend theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring that you are well-prepared for a successful teaching career. This comprehensive approach includes:

On-Campus Learning: Engage in face-to-face sessions led by experienced educators and subject specialists. The curriculum is structured to guide you from novice to proficient teacher, revisiting key concepts to deepen your understanding.
School-Based Placements: Apply your learning in real classroom settings across at least two different schools and key stages. These placements are purposefully designed to provide diverse teaching experiences and are supported by expert mentors both in schools and at the university.
Assessment Without Exams: Demonstrate your competencies through a range of assignments, including essays, projects, portfolios, presentations, and a trainee progress profile, ensuring a holistic evaluation of your skills and knowledge.
Specialized Training: Receive training in areas such as professional conduct, creating a positive learning climate, understanding how pupils learn, subject and curriculum knowledge, planning and preparation, and assessment and feedback.
Inclusive Pedagogy: The program emphasizes adaptive and inclusive teaching strategies, preparing you to meet the diverse needs of all learners.
No Examinations: The assessment strategy focuses on coursework and practical evaluations, eliminating the need for traditional exams.

Facilities and Resources

Oxford Brookes University offers state-of-the-art facilities to support your learning journey:

Education Resources Centre: Access a wide range of teaching materials and resources to enhance your lesson planning and delivery.
Outdoor Learning Spaces: Explore forest school approaches and outdoor learning environments to enrich your teaching repertoire.
Specialized Accommodation: Students requiring a car for placements can apply for accommodation in Crescent Hall and Paul Kent Hall, which offer parking facilities.
Dedicated Support: Benefit from tailored support and guidance from experienced mentors throughout your training.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Primary Teacher Education program are well-equipped to embark on fulfilling teaching careers. The combination of rigorous academic study and practical experience ensures that you are prepared to make a positive impact in primary education settings.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this program are well-prepared to embark on fulfilling careers in primary education. Typical roles include:

Primary School Teacher: Delivering engaging and effective lessons to young learners.
Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO): Supporting students with additional learning needs.
Educational Consultant: Advising schools on curriculum development and teaching strategies.
Education Policy Analyst: Researching and analyzing policies to inform educational practices.

This program equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary to make a positive impact in the field of primary education.

Employability & Support:

Oxford Brookes University offers a range of services to enhance student employability:

Career Services: Providing guidance on job applications, CV writing, and interview preparation.
Work Placements: Opportunities to gain practical experience in relevant fields.
Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with local schools and educational institutions.

The university's commitment to employability is reflected in the strong employment statistics for graduates.

Long-Term Accreditation & Graduation Outcomes:

The joint honours degree is accredited by relevant professional bodies, ensuring that the qualification holds value in the job market. Graduates have successfully secured positions in various sectors, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in preparing students for their careers.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, you may choose to pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as:

MA in Education: Focusing on educational leadership, policy, or special educational needs.
MA in Sociology: Delving deeper into sociological theories and research.
Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE): Training to become a qualified teacher.

These pathways offer opportunities for further specialization and career advancement.