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Course starts: 16 September 2024Apply now
Become a primary school teacher. Help young children develop a love for learning. Be the teacher they remember all their lives.
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS is a challenging teaching degree which will develop your knowledge and skills in the broad range of curriculum studies qualifying you to teach at primary level. Teaching placements in schools are an essential part of the course, accounting for a total of 70 credits and enabling you to gain valuable hands-on experience to prepare you for your first teaching job. When you graduate you will be a fully qualified primary school teacher.
This Primary Education course is taught via lectures, seminars, group work, computer-based learning, and independent learning.
In-school training is an important part of this course. During your time on placement, you will benefit from practical learning and be supported by school-based trainers, University tutors and your peers.
Your progress will be assessed with written assignments, posters, presentations and computer-based assessments, (including podcasts and vodcasts). Throughout the degree you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.
Researching the various types of teacher training qualifications can be a struggle, so what really is the difference between PGCE and QTS, and which is the most suitable for you? We’re giving you a breakdown of each of these qualifications to help you make an informed decision when choosing your teacher training course.
Read more about the differences between PGCE and QTS
Teaching placements are an integral part of your initial teacher training, and we offer placement opportunities across several of our undergraduate and postgraduate education courses so you can gain relevant work experience. Discover more about what to expect on your teaching placement including how to prepare, the skills and knowledge you’ll gain, and the support you’ll receive.
Learn what to expect on your teaching placement
It’s no secret that a career in education ranks incredibly highly when it comes to job satisfaction – but why become a primary school teacher? Explore the top ten reasons to becoming a teacher and find out more about this extraordinary career path.
Find out more about primary education.
Our typical offer is:
| Qualification | Minimum grade |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma along with one of the following at the required grade - SAT I and SAT II, ACT or Advanced Placement | GPA 3.0 or above and: Sat score of 1250/1600 from SATs AP (Grades 3+ in at least 3 subjects) ACT (score of 30+) |
If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland. Find out more information and whether your course is eligible on our ONCAMPUS page.
If your qualification is not listed above, please contact the Student Administration team at studentadmin@sunderland.ac.uk for further advice.
You must have a grade C or above in mathematics, science, and English language, or equivalent qualifications. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above. We'll only accept GCSE equivalencies from equivalencytesting.com.
In addition to academic qualifications, you must also:
Your numeracy and literacy competency will be assessed continuously throughout the course following the DfE’s removal of the Professional Skills Test.
If English isn't your first language, you'll also need International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a score of 6.5 overall with 6.5 in writing and no other element lower than 6.0.
You'll be assessed on your potential to learn and not your experience.
All successful applicants will be invited to an interview. Interviews start early November, so we recommend that you apply as soon as UCAS opens in October.
This course is subject to revalidation to meet the requirements for Initial Teacher Training from 2024.
The annual, full-time fee is:
*The discounted fee will be reflected in your offer letter. Learn more in our Help and Advice article.
If you currently serve (or have recently served) within the Armed Forces, then the Ministry of Defence's ELCAS scheme may be able to help cover your funding for this course. Read more about funding for armed forces personnel.
Take a look at the scholarships and bursaries that may be available to you.
This information was correct at the time of publication.
This Primary Education degree awards Qualified Teacher Status, which means that when you graduate you’ll be qualified to teach in any state-maintained primary school in England. Most graduates from this course go on to teach in primary schools.
Good teachers area always in high demand. All qualified teachers will have a starting salary of at least £30,000, and this will be higher for teachers working in London. The amount you earn will then increase until you reach the top end of your pay scale, after which you can choose to progress into more senior roles, such as leading practitioner or head teacher.
The teachers’ pension scheme is also one of the most generous public sector pension schemes in the UK, one of the few guaranteed by the Government.
Teaching placements are an essential part of the Primary Education degree. You will spend time in schools during each year of this three-year course, gaining a true understanding of what being a primary school teacher involves, and using your new skills and knowledge. When you’re ready to start searching for a teaching job, you will already have valuable first-hand teaching experience, as well as a wide network of professional contacts who can help you find the right career opportunities.
The Sir Tom Cowie Scholarship was a huge factor in achieving a First Class Honours degree.
I would definitely recommend Sunderland because it’s such a friendly and supportive place to study.
I knew the University of Sunderland had an excellent reputation for its teaching courses.
Sunderland has made me realise that, with hard work, anything is achievable.
I got to spend time in some fantastic schools, and I learned so many valuable skills.
I would highly recommend the University to other students, as I have felt right at home.
Studying at Sunderland was the best three years of my life.
The staff cannot do enough for you and they are always there whenever you need support and guidance.
The University has such a great sense of community and I felt at home straightaway!
Sunderland was the only university that talked about what they could do for me.
If you were thinking of coming to study at Sunderland, I’d say go for it and don’t look back!
