Primary Teaching (with QTS) BA/BSc
A professional degree that prepares you to teach children aged 5–11, combining academic study with practical school placements and leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Want to become a primary school teacher
Enjoy working with children
Are patient, caring, and communicative
Want a meaningful, people-focused career
Are interested in education and development
Popular Career Fields
Education
Government & Public Sector
Research & Academia
Charity & NGO Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
Child-centered
Government & Public Sector
Creative planner
Resilient personality
What is it?
What is Primary Teaching (with QTS)?
A Primary Teaching (with QTS) degree trains you to become a fully qualified primary school teacher in England and Wales.
You’ll study child development, learning theory, curriculum subjects, pedagogy, assessment, inclusion, and behaviour management, while gaining extensive hands-on experience in schools.
This is a vocational programme with a strong professional focus. By the end of the degree, you will be able to plan lessons, teach across the curriculum, assess progress, support children’s wellbeing, manage classrooms confidently, and meet the Teachers’ Standards required for QTS.
The degree suits students who enjoy working with children, value creativity and communication, and want to make a meaningful contribution to young learners’ lives.
Why study Primary Teaching (with QTS)?
If you want a direct route into teaching, this degree is the most efficient pathway.
It helps you understand:
How children learn and develop socially, emotionally, and academically
How to teach reading, writing, maths, science, and other primary subjects
How to plan lessons that are engaging, inclusive, and appropriately challenging
How to support behaviour and create a positive classroom environment
How to work effectively with parents, colleagues, and external professionals
Primary teaching is a rewarding and people-focused profession with strong career stability.
Course Summary
A professional degree that prepares you to teach children aged 5–11, combining academic study with practical school placements and leading to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
What you'll study
Most Primary Teaching (with QTS) degrees cover:
Child development, learning theory, and pedagogy
Core subjects: English, maths, and science teaching
Foundation subjects across the National Curriculum
Classroom management, assessment, and behaviour support
Inclusion, SEND, safeguarding, and child protection
Professional studies and the Teachers’ Standards
Skills You'll Gain
An Primary Teaching (with QTS) degree helps you build both pedagogical and practical teaching skills, including:
Classroom and behaviour management – enabling you to create safe, supportive, and engaging learning environments.
Curriculum and pedagogy expertise – helping you design effective lessons across a wide range of subjects.
Communication and relationship-building – supporting strong partnerships with children, families, and colleagues.
Assessment and instructional decision-making – allowing you to identify learning needs and adapt teaching accordingly.
Professionalism and reflective practice – preparing you to grow as an educator and meet teaching standards confidently.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
This degree leads directly to:
Primary School Teacher (QTS)
Key Stage 1 or Key Stage 2 teacher
Early Years teacher (in some pathways)
Work Experiences & Placements
Students typically complete 2–4 assessed placements in primary schools across EYFS, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2.
Placements increase in responsibility, from small-group support to planning and teaching full lessons and managing a class independently.
You may also complete:
Short observational placements
Specialist SEND or alternative setting placements
Enhanced practice in literacy, early reading, or behaviour support
Placement experience is essential to gaining QTS.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent. Most universities accept a broad range of subjects but look for academic strength. English, Maths, Science, or subject specialisms are beneficial.
Personal Statement Tips
Show commitment to working with children and supporting learning.
Reflect on experiences in schools or youth settings.
Discuss what inspires you about primary education.
Highlight patience, creativity, communication, and resilience.
Show awareness of current issues in education (e.g., inclusion, wellbeing, phonics).
What to do Next
Arrange some experience in a primary school or children’s setting.
Understand the Teachers’ Standards and what QTS requires.
Research placements and support available at each university.
Prepare for interview tasks involving teaching, reading aloud, or group activities.
Wider Reading
The Elephant in the Classroom – Jo Boaler
A thought-provoking exploration of how children learn maths and why mindset matters.The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (for discussion on neurodiversity)
A helpful fictional starting point for thinking about inclusion and SEND.How Children Fail – John Holt
A reflective look at learning, curiosity, and why some children struggle in school.Theories of Childhood – Carol Garhart Mooney
An accessible introduction to major developmental theorists and their classroom relevance.