Primary Education Studies - BA (Hons) Degree

Applicants should have 104 points from at least 2 A Levels (or equivalent).102 points from the Access to Higher Education Diploma,  at least an IELTS 6.0 standard or equivalent

Year One:

The Primary Education Studies' modules are:

Education Past, Present & Future

This module provides an overview of historical and contemporary issues that underpin current educational systems in the UK. You will explore key social and cultural developments within education and relate these to contemporary educational issues. This includes learning about political, economic and sociological developments which have influenced changes in education.

The Developing Individual

This module will develop your knowledge of child development and will cover topics such as how a child's thinking changes as it grows and how the social world impacts upon children's intellectual development.  This module will also examine the process of gender development, moral development and the development of a child's sense of self. Important developmental milestones will be considered, for example in relation to social/emotional development and speech and language development and how these relate to both normal and atypical development.

Areas of Learning and Experience (I) (30 credits)*

There will be exploration of current policy and practice related to the key areas of priority in primary education; literacy, numeracy and digital competence. The effectiveness of different approaches to these priority areas will be considered, and sessions will include hands-on, experiential learning using the latest digital technologies.

Childhood Education: Teaching and Learning

This module introduces the theory and practice of primary education and aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of the complex nature of children's education. There will be a detailed focus on curriculum design and pedagogical approaches, and visits will be arranged with local schools and educational specialists in order to examine pedagogy in practice.

Just Playing?

Interactive sessions will have provide opportunities to explore the value and importance of play in children's lives in theory and practice related work. You will study how and why children play, the role of adults and environments in the provision of play for children aged 0 to 8 and consider the possible benefits and challenges in the fun but serious business of providing for children's play.

Outdoor Play and Learning

You will look at the benefits and challenges of outdoor play and learning as well as theoretical and practical approaches. There will be plenty of opportunities for practical activities, discussion and workshops based on our on-campus woodland and Outdoor Learning Centre. You will also have the opportunity to gain an accredited Forest School Level Two qualification.

Core module:

Professional Skills (1) 

Professional skills 1 can be considered a combination of two kinds of skill – academic skills and employability skills. Academic skills include writing like expressing yourself appropriately in written contexts, such as in essays, reports and examinations. Just as important are reading skills, note-taking and presentation skills, and the ability to work independently. 

Employability skills are those skills necessary for getting, keeping and being successful in a job. They include academic skills but also include a range of other skills such as problem solving and analytical skills, organisational skills and the ability to work with manage others. It is important early on in your course that you recognise your strengths and areas for future improvement. This will allow you to develop a plan on how to improve. This module will start the process of improving your academic and employability skills. Your success on your course and chances of subsequent employment in your chosen career area will be significantly enhanced. 

Year Two:

Thinking Critically about Primary Education

This module questions educational myths and discusses current practice. It involves a practical introduction to critical thinking, and the application of this to contemporary debates in primary education. The latest theories in education will be contextualised with the latest research. Practical exploration of these theories will also allow for increased understanding of the issues surrounding these debates. 

Areas of Learning and Experience (II)

There will be exploration of current policy and practice related to the expressive arts, humanities, languages, science and technology in primary education. The effectiveness of different approaches to these areas will be considered. Concepts such as play and creativity will be explored through practical cross-curricular approaches, and there will be opportunities to creatively explore practice.

Education and Equality

This module provides a critical understanding of contemporary evidence, research and practice in education and equality. Key theories and concepts surrounding education and equality will be examined (e.g. additional learning needs, gender issues and ethnicity). These will be related to relevant examples in contemporary educational policy and practice.

Healthy Minds, Healthy Bodies: Children's Health

You will explore children's physical and mental health, learning about the varying factors which may have an impact on children's health.  You will also examine policies, strategies and initiatives related to children's health and consider how they inform practice within different primary education settings.

Families, Schools & Society

An exploration of the challenges and opportunities related to engaging families and multi-agency working in primary education settings. This modules aims to critically analyse a variety of interactive methods designed to develop family partnerships and critically evaluate best practice in parental engagement.

Core modules:

Professional Skills (2) (20 credits)

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of key concepts relating to academic research and the research process so that you will have the requisite knowledge to enable you to conduct the extended empirical research project in your final year. In addition, the module aims to develop key employability skills, developing core communication skills relevant to employment in professional contexts. The placement takes place in a setting of your choice (where possible). You may also have the opportunity to further develop your employability skills by extending your placement by mutual agreement with the provider.

Year Three:

Global & Comparative Education

This module involves an exploration of current international issues in education and the impact they have on UK policy and practice. It will enable you to develop a critical understanding of a number of differing perspectives on Comparative Education. This will include drawing on your own experiences of the education system and making comparisons with different educational approaches.

Subject Knowledge in Primary Education

During this module you will be given an opportunity to reflect on your own skills and ability in key areas such as English, science and math. You will explore key concepts and develop your knowledge and skills in mathematics, science and English.

Professional Practice & Well being

This module critically examines contemporary stresses and demands facing professionals working in and with primary schools and explores strategies for dealing with them. It will allow you to develop a detailed knowledge of professionalism and professional standards within a range of contexts in primary education. There will be opportunities to identify strategies to manage challenges associated with the profession, such as stress management.

Alternative approaches in Education

You will consider a range of alternative curricula approaches within primary education including international perspectives. This will include pedagogical practices and their underpinning principles and philosophies such as those of Steiner-Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Te Whariki a​nd Montessori schools. Outdoor learning approaches will also be examined, such as Forest Schools and Beach Schools.

Teaching and Learning through ICT

This module seeks to develop a detailed knowledge and understanding of the use of various ICT in pedagogy, curriculum and practice in a range of education contexts. You will explore a range of contemporary applications of a variety of forms of technology.

Assessment in Primary Education

You will examine primary education assessment techniques and evaluate their effectiveness. Formative and summative assessment approaches and theory will be explored. This will involve: peer group learning; use of ICT; self-assessment; standardised testing; assessing pupils with special educational needs and alternatives to traditional testing.

Core Modules:

Independent Project

You will complete an independent research or enquiry-based project of a practical or theoretical nature. This will enable you to demonstrate independence in your approach to research and enhance your project planning experience. You will receive guidance and support from a supervisor.