Primary Education (5-11) with QTS BA (Hons)

Sheffield Hallam University

Please check the Sheffield Hallam University website for the latest information

Course summary

• Learn from expert colleagues in local and regional primary schools
• Develop subject expertise through both university and placement-based training
• Apply theory, research and evidence to meet the Teachers’ Standards and develop critical reflection skills
• Study inclusive practices that promote positive outcomes for all learners
• Explore an area of individual specialism to enhance your expertise and practice

On our BA Primary Education course, you'll learn about the key aspects of a teacher’s role – including theories of learning, pedagogy, assessment and behaviour management. You’ll also study inclusive practices that promote positive outcomes for all learners.

How you learn

All our courses are designed around a set of key principles based on engaging you with the world, collaborating with others, challenging you to think in new ways, and providing you with a supportive environment in which you can thrive.

Our Sheffield Institute of Education is one of the UK’s largest providers of teacher training, supporting 1,000 new teachers every year. Because we partner with more than 600 schools and colleges in the region, you’ll have every opportunity to gain experience and network with leading educational providers.

We think carefully about each aspect of your learning – deciding where’s the best place to learn, in what way and with who. We’ll support your learning by providing the right level of challenge in both your academic study and professional practice, as well as growing your profile and confidence as a work-ready graduate and teacher.

You learn through:

• Lectures and smaller group seminars
• Individual and group tutorials
• School placements supported by university tutors and your school-based mentor
• Individual reflection and goal-setting
• Feedback on academic work and school-based practice
• Workshops and simulations
• Intensive training and practice episodes
• Independent study
• Collaborative projects
• Essays and presentations
• Lesson plans, teaching and evaluation
• Independent research projects

Key themes

We’ll help you champion equality, diversity and inclusivity – you’ll gain a range of skills to support positive learning behaviours and positive outcomes. You’ll study the curriculum and teaching strategies you’ll need to teach the subject you want to teach – as well as understanding how children learn and the stages of child development.

The teaching and learning on this course fully integrates university-based and school-based learning with placements in all three years – amounting to at least 24 weeks in schools. You’ll also develop skills in planning and assessment while engaging in current debates about education.

Applied learning

You’ll complete placements in all three years of the course, with the opportunity to undertake at least 120 days in school – across both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. The integration of university-based and school-based training is designed to support you on your journey towards achieving QTS, developing your growing knowledge and skills as you progress through the course.

Your placements will vary in purpose – some will have a particular area of focus over several days or weeks – others will support you in taking on the role of a class teacher and teaching the breadth of the curriculum within a particular class.

You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement (25 weeks minimum) or multiple placements between your second and final years. This gives you valuable work experience and the chance to specialise in an area of education or experience the curriculum from an international perspective – and allows you to graduate with an Applied Professional Diploma to add to your CV.