Monday, Sep 29

Trending
Videographer / Video Journalist
Community Research Volunteer- Healthwatch Hounslow
Junior Graphic Designer
Social Media & Marketing Executive
Student Researcher
Junior Social Media & Marketing Executive
UK Student Accommodation Guide
USA Student Accommodation Guide
Australia Student Accommodation Guide
New Zealand Student Accommodation Guide
Spain Student Accommodation Guide
Canada Student Accommodation Guide
  2. Home
  3. University
  4. Degree Subjects
  5. Engineering & Technology
  6. Mechanical Engineering Degree Guide
Image of a primary school children in classroom.

Primary Education with QTS Degree Guide

Education & Childcare Hits: 43

Training to become a primary school teacher is a rewarding and impactful career path.

It offers the opportunity to shape children's early development and inspire a lifelong love of learning. If you're considering teaching children aged 5 to 11 in the UK or abroad, it's important to understand the training routes, qualifications, and teaching requirements in different countries.

This guide focuses on studying Primary Education with QTS in the UK and compares it to primary teacher training in other parts of the world.

Studying Primary Education with QTS in the UK

In the UK, Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) is the essential accreditation that allows you to teach in most state-maintained schools in England and Wales. Primary Education degrees that include QTS provide a direct route into the classroom.

Course Options:

  1. BA (Hons) or BEd in Primary Education with QTS – an undergraduate degree combining academic study with professional teacher training. Typically three to four years full-time.

  2. Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) – a one-year qualification for graduates who already have a bachelor’s degree in another subject.

What the Course Includes:

  • Child development and pedagogy

  • Subject knowledge across the primary curriculum (English, maths, science, history, etc.)

  • Behaviour management and inclusive education

  • Planning, assessment, and differentiation

  • Extensive school-based placements in at least two different settings

Entry Requirements:

  • A-levels (or equivalent)

  • GCSEs in English, maths, and science (grade 4/C or above)

  • An enhanced DBS check (criminal background check)

  • Literacy and numeracy competency

  • Often includes interviews and school experience

Funding and Support:

  • Eligible students can apply for tuition and maintenance loans.

  • Bursaries may be available in shortage subjects or for postgraduate routes.

  • Early career teachers benefit from structured induction support in their first two years in school.

After Graduation:

  • Graduates with QTS can teach in state primary schools in England and Wales.

  • Opportunities also exist in independent schools, international schools, and educational charities.

  • You can later specialise in leadership, special educational needs, curriculum development, or educational research.

Becoming a Primary Teacher in Europe

In Europe, teacher training varies significantly depending on the country, but it generally leads to a degree in education or a teaching qualification recognised by that country’s Ministry of Education.

General Features:

  • Typically involves a three- or four-year bachelor’s degree in primary education.

  • Some countries require a master’s degree for full teaching certification.

  • Programmes include teaching placements in schools and theoretical modules in child development and pedagogy.

  • Teaching in most public schools requires fluency in the national language.

Examples:

  • Ireland: Offers a four-year Bachelor of Education (BEd) degree or a two-year Professional Master of Education (PME). Graduates register with the Teaching Council of Ireland.

  • Finland: Requires a master’s degree to teach at any level. Teacher training is highly selective and research-focused.

  • Germany: Students complete a teaching degree followed by a state examination and a two-year teacher traineeship (Referendariat).

If you plan to return to the UK after studying in Europe, check that the qualification is recognised by the Department for Education (DfE) for QTS equivalence.

Becoming a Primary Teacher in Australia and New Zealand

Both Australia and New Zealand offer high-quality teacher education with strong emphasis on practical experience and inclusive teaching practices.

Australia:

  • Most common routes:

    • Bachelor of Education (Primary) – four years

    • Master of Teaching (Primary) – two years postgraduate

  • Accredited by the relevant state’s teacher registration board (e.g., NESA in New South Wales).

  • Includes substantial school placements and a focus on Indigenous education and classroom diversity.

New Zealand:

  • Teacher training pathways:

    • Bachelor of Teaching (Primary) – three years

    • Graduate Diploma or Master of Teaching and Learning

  • Regulated by the Teaching Council of Aotearoa New Zealand.

  • Programmes include bicultural education and teaching in diverse classroom settings.

Both countries offer excellent opportunities for graduates and pathways for UK-trained teachers to register and work in schools.

Becoming a Primary Teacher in Canada

In Canada, education is provincially managed, so teacher training requirements vary by region.

Education Pathway:

  • Common route:

    • Bachelor of Education (BEd) following an undergraduate degree

    • Consecutive BEd (post-degree) or Concurrent BEd (combined undergraduate and education degree)

  • Training includes curriculum content, classroom management, and supervised teaching practice.

Registration:

  • Teachers must register with a provincial regulatory body (e.g., Ontario College of Teachers or British Columbia Teacher Regulation Branch).

  • French-language and bilingual teaching qualifications are available and in demand in some provinces.

Canada values practical teaching experience and often requires a provincial certification exam and evidence of proficiency in English or French.

Becoming a Primary Teacher in the USA

In the United States, teacher certification is managed at the state level, and there is no national licence for teachers.

Common Training Routes:

  • Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education (or Education Studies) – four years

  • Alternatively, complete a postgraduate teaching credential if you already hold a degree in another subject

  • Includes coursework, state-approved pedagogy classes, and student teaching placements

Licensing and Certification:

  • Each state has its own teacher certification process.

  • Most require passing scores on exams such as Praxis or edTPA.

  • Continuing professional development is often required to maintain licensure.

Some states offer alternative certification routes for career changers or graduates of other disciplines.

Final Thoughts

Training to become a primary school teacher is both a challenge and a privilege. In the UK, the QTS route through a Primary Education degree provides structured training, practical teaching experience, and a clear path into the classroom. If you’re considering studying or teaching abroad, countries like Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of Europe offer equally rigorous and fulfilling pathways.

When choosing where to train, consider:

  • Whether your qualification leads to teaching registration or certification

  • Language and curriculum differences

  • Placement and practical teaching opportunities

  • Where you plan to live and work long-term

Wherever you choose to study, becoming a primary teacher is an opportunity to build brighter futures, one child at a time.

Popular Post

Categories