BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS

What you will study

What will you study?

Your studies combine education theory, subject knowledge, professional development and practical classroom experience.

Module titles and availability may change to reflect professional requirements and programme review.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll begin developing the subject knowledge, professional understanding and classroom skills needed by a primary teacher.

Your studies will introduce you to how children learn, the responsibilities of teachers and the relationship between planning, teaching and assessment. You’ll study core subjects alongside the broader primary curriculum and begin developing your Welsh language skills.

School Experience 1

Early in the academic year, you’ll spend three days a week in school for four weeks. This is followed by a four-week full-time placement.

You’ll observe effective classroom practice and work with class teachers to prepare activities that respond to pupils’ needs. A later enhancement experience gives you further opportunities to explore Key Stage 1, early literacy and mathematics.

Professional Studies 1: Teaching and Learning

Explore how children develop and learn, examine influential educational theories and consider the professional responsibilities of a teacher. You’ll begin developing your ability to plan, teach and evaluate learning within a stimulating and safe classroom environment.

Primary curriculum modules

You’ll study:

• Core English 1
• Core Mathematics 1
• Core Science 1
• Core Physical Education 1
• Core Foreign Languages 1
• The Broader Curriculum: Expression
• The Broader Curriculum: Communication
• The Broader Curriculum: Innovation
• English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 1
• Foundational Welsh for Educational Practitioners

Year 2

In your second year, you’ll develop your understanding of inclusive practice, curriculum planning and cross-curricular learning.

You’ll continue strengthening your knowledge of English, mathematics, science, physical education and foreign languages while exploring chosen areas of interest through elective study.

School Experience 2

This seven-week full-time placement allows you to take greater responsibility for planning and teaching. With support from school staff, you’ll use different teaching methods and resources to help pupils participate, progress and achieve.

Professional Studies 2: Valuing Learners as Individuals

Explore equality, inclusion and the importance of recognising individual learning needs. You’ll develop approaches to planning, teaching and assessment that support a diverse range of pupils.

Primary curriculum and elective modules

You’ll study:

• Core English 2
• Core Mathematics 2
• Core Science 2
• Core Physical Education 2
• Core Foreign Languages 2
• Cross-Curricular Learning
• English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 2
• The Classroom and Beyond
• Working Without Worksheets
• Welsh and Curriculum for Wales for Educational Practitioners

The Welsh and Curriculum for Wales module helps you develop practical knowledge of Curriculum for Wales and understand how it differs from the English National Curriculum. You’ll also continue developing your confidence using incidental Welsh in primary settings.

Year 3

Your final year consolidates your professional knowledge and classroom practice as you prepare to take on the responsibilities of an early career teacher.

You’ll explore progression and assessment across the primary curriculum, complete your final school experience and undertake a personal research project.

School Experience 3

Your final eight-week full-time placement allows you to consolidate your classroom practice and demonstrate your progress towards the Teachers’ Standards.

You’ll take increased responsibility for planning, teaching, assessment and responding to pupils’ learning needs.

Professional Studies 3: Promoting Progression

Develop your understanding of formative and summative assessment, effective feedback and target setting. You’ll consider how teachers use assessment information to support pupils’ learning and progression.

Primary curriculum, research and specialist study

You’ll study:

• Core English 3
• Core Mathematics 3
• Core Science 3
• Core Physical Education 3
• Core Foreign Languages 3
• English, Mathematics and Science Subject Knowledge Audits 3
• Personal Research Project in Primary Education
• Developing Subject Knowledge and Understanding in a Focus Subject
• Progressional Welsh for Educational Practitioners

Your research project allows you to investigate an area of primary education that interests you and connect educational research with classroom practice.

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

You’ll normally need:

• 112 UCAS tariff points from Level 3 qualifications
• GCSE English Language at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent
• GCSE mathematics at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent
• GCSE science at grade 4/C or above, or an accepted equivalent
• a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check
• confirmation that you meet the health and physical and mental fitness requirements for teaching
• successful completion of the selection and interview process

St Mary’s University offers GCSE equivalency tests. Check the current admissions guidance for accepted qualifications, equivalency arrangements and any deadlines.

How to apply

Although you’ll study at Wrexham University, this is a franchised St Mary’s University programme. You must therefore apply through UCAS using:

• Institution: St Mary’s University
• Institution code: S64
• Course code: X123
• Campus code: G for Wrexham University

Make sure you select the Wrexham campus when completing your application.

This course is not currently recruiting international students

Teaching & Assessment

How you’ll learn

Teaching uses practical and interactive approaches to help you connect educational theory with classroom practice.

Your learning may include:

• lectures
• seminars
• practical workshops
• group activities
• school placements
• independent study
• subject knowledge development
• reflective professional practice
• Intensive Training and Practice activities

During Intensive Training and Practice, you’ll explore selected evidence-informed teaching principles before practising and applying them within your developing classroom practice.

You’ll also have access to academic skills support, including help with academic writing, note-making and preparing assignments.

How you’ll be assessed

Assessment methods may include:

• essays
• reflective rationales
• portfolios
• lesson plans
• presentations
• teaching-resource development
• subject knowledge audits
• school experience
• professional engagement and attendance
• a personal research project

Your school experience will be assessed against the Teachers’ Standards. You must successfully complete the academic and professional requirements of the programme to graduate and be recommended for QTS.

Career prospects

Successful completion of the course and its professional requirements prepares you to begin your career as a primary school teacher.

QTS awarded in England is automatically recognised in Wales. To work as a school teacher in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales, you’ll also need to register with the Education Workforce Council.

Your experience of schools and curricula in both England and Wales may support employment opportunities across the border region.

As your career develops, you could progress into areas such as:

• primary school teaching
• subject or curriculum leadership
• special educational needs or additional learning needs
• pastoral or inclusion roles
• educational leadership
• curriculum development
• education research
• postgraduate study in education

Wrexham University’s Careers and Employability team can support you with career planning, applications and professional development.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Accommodation

At Wrexham University, we offer on-campus en-suite rooms within our Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces. Plus, you’re just a 10-minute walk from the city centre!

With all bills included, free Wi-Fi, 24/7 security, and large social areas, you’ll find everything you need for a great student experience.

Explore our student accommodation options to find your perfect home away from home.

Frequently asked questions

Who delivers and awards the Primary Education with QTS degree?

The programme is delivered at Wrexham University through a franchise partnership with St Mary’s University, Twickenham. Applicants apply to St Mary’s through UCAS and select Wrexham University as their campus.

Check the course’s current terms and conditions for confirmation of the registering institution and the institution named on the final degree certificate.

Does the degree lead to Qualified Teacher Status?

When you successfully complete the degree and all professional training requirements, you’ll be recommended for the Department for Education’s award of QTS in England.

Can I teach in Wales with QTS awarded in England?

QTS awarded in England through an accredited provider is automatically recognised in Wales. You must also register with the Education Workforce Council before working as a school teacher in a maintained school or non-maintained special school in Wales.

Will I complete school placements?

Yes. School experience takes place in every year of the course. Placements are organised by the programme team and include opportunities to gain experience in schools in England and Wales.

Do I need to speak Welsh?

The published entry requirements do not state that applicants must already speak Welsh. Welsh language, heritage and culture are included within the course, helping you develop confidence using Welsh in a primary education setting.

What age group does the course prepare me to teach?

The degree prepares you to teach children aged five to 11 across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.

What GCSEs do I need?

You need GCSE English Language, mathematics and science at grade 4/C or above, or accepted equivalents. St Mary’s University offers equivalency tests; check the current requirements and completion deadlines before applying.

Can international students apply?

The current Wrexham University course page states that this course is not recruiting international students. Check the page again before applying, as recruitment availability may change.