BA Primary Education with English (QTS)
-
UCAS code
X1Q3 -
Typical offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2023/24 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Gain the confidence to enthuse primary school pupils with a love of English, whilst developing your own knowledge of literature with BA Primary Education with English Specialism (QTS).
This course will enable you to get a job as a primary school teacher following graduation. There is a high demand for specialist primary school teachers and many of our graduates go on to become subject leaders. Furthermore, we are ranked 9th in the UK for Education (Guardian University Guide 2023). and have strong links with schools.
You will divide your time between studying modules on professional skills and curriculum subjects, and developing your knowledge of English. The former will introduce you to the core National Curriculum subjects, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT). You will develop skills essential to the role of a teacher, including leadership, classroom management, and evaluation and assessment. You can then put these skills into practice through professional placements, which take place throughout the course. Additionally you will study professional legal requirements, and investigate the role of the teacher and how children develop.
This course introduces you to both key texts from the past and contemporary texts, for adults and children, in order to explore the relationship between the old and the new. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to investigate how these texts can influence approaches to literature in a primary classroom. Additionally, a vital component within the English Specialism is to develop key leadership skills in order for you to lead English in primary schools.
Explore how important real-world issues such as gender and identity emerge in literature, and understand the place of children’s literature within the teaching of English in primary schools. Investigate the ways in which literature is categorised and the different values placed on different texts – including how these values influence English language, literature and other media.
Placement
You will have the opportunity to carry out placements throughout this course. These will take place within local schools that the Institute of Education has active relationships with. Whilst there you will be mentored by a teacher and linked to a university tutor, who will provide you with additional support.
During your first year you will attend a weekly placement, which will familiarise you with the daily routine of the classroom and link in with your professional modules. For example, you may have to complete an observation for an assignment.
You will also complete a block placement during each year of the course. You will spend four weeks in a Key Stage 1 (KS1) setting during your first year, seven weeks in a KS2 setting in the second year, and an eight-week placement in a Key Stage of your choice during the final year.
Climate and sustainability education
At the University of Reading we believe that climate and sustainability education is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we have set out our vision that all initial teacher trainees should be able to access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects as part of our National Climate Education Action Plan.
Across all of our ITT programmes at the Institute of Education, you will learn about:
- what is happening to our climate, how to help children learn about climate and sustainability in an age-appropriate and accessible way, and how to develop your own positioning as a teacher
- climate justice, the impact of current and future changes to our environment and climate on ourselves and others and implications for teachers
- how to translate knowledge and theory into change and personal action through building climate and sustainability education into your planning, teaching, and children’s learning.
Visit our Partnering for the Planet to find out more about the University of Reading’s world-leading work in climate science.
For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.
Overview
Gain the confidence to enthuse primary school pupils with a love of English, whilst developing your own knowledge of literature with BA Primary Education with English Specialism (QTS).
This course will enable you to get a job as a primary school teacher following graduation. There is a high demand for specialist primary school teachers and many of our graduates go on to become subject leaders. Furthermore, we are ranked 9th in the UK for Education (Guardian University Guide 2023). and have strong links with schools.
You will divide your time between studying modules on professional skills and curriculum subjects, and developing your knowledge of English. The former will introduce you to the core National Curriculum subjects, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT). You will develop skills essential to the role of a teacher, including leadership, classroom management, and evaluation and assessment. You can then put these skills into practice through professional placements, which take place throughout the course. Additionally you will study professional legal requirements, and investigate the role of the teacher and how children develop.
This course introduces you to both key texts from the past and contemporary texts, for adults and children, in order to explore the relationship between the old and the new. Throughout the course you will have the opportunity to investigate how these texts can influence approaches to literature in a primary classroom. Additionally, a vital component within the English Specialism is to develop key leadership skills in order for you to lead English in primary schools.
Explore how important real-world issues such as gender and identity emerge in literature, and understand the place of children’s literature within the teaching of English in primary schools. Investigate the ways in which literature is categorised and the different values placed on different texts – including how these values influence English language, literature and other media.
Placement
You will have the opportunity to carry out placements throughout this course. These will take place within local schools that the Institute of Education has active relationships with. Whilst there you will be mentored by a teacher and linked to a university tutor, who will provide you with additional support.
During your first year you will attend a weekly placement, which will familiarise you with the daily routine of the classroom and link in with your professional modules. For example, you may have to complete an observation for an assignment.
You will also complete a block placement during each year of the course. You will spend four weeks in a Key Stage 1 (KS1) setting during your first year, seven weeks in a KS2 setting in the second year, and an eight-week placement in a Key Stage of your choice during the final year.
Climate and sustainability education
At the University of Reading we believe that climate and sustainability education is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we have set out our vision that all initial teacher trainees should be able to access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects as part of our National Climate Education Action Plan.
Across all of our ITT programmes at the Institute of Education, you will learn about:
- what is happening to our climate, how to help children learn about climate and sustainability in an age-appropriate and accessible way, and how to develop your own positioning as a teacher
- climate justice, the impact of current and future changes to our environment and climate on ourselves and others and implications for teachers
- how to translate knowledge and theory into change and personal action through building climate and sustainability education into your planning, teaching, and children’s learning.
Visit our Partnering for the Planet to find out more about the University of Reading’s world-leading work in climate science.
For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
This degree is not included in our firm choice scheme.
Typical offer
BBB including English or related subject (History, Sociology, Philosophy, Drama)
As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall including 5 in English, History, Sociology, Philosophy or Drama at higher level
GCSE
Grade C (4) or equivalent in English, Maths and a Science
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (modules taken must be comparable to subject-specific requirement)
Other information
It is an ongoing requirement for all teacher training students to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure they are able to work with children and/or vulnerable adults. If you are offered a place on the BA (QTS) course and you accept that offer, you will need to undertake this process. There is a charge for the DBS check, which is set by the Disclosure Service.
You will be required to undertake a criminal record and occupational health check. You will also need to demonstrate competence in Fundamental English and mathematics by the end of the course. This is a new DfE requirement which replaces the QTS skills tests in literacy and numeracy. Information can be found on the Department for Education website.
Candidates must spend at least 5 days before the start of the course gaining recent and relevant experience in a state primary school in the UK. They must also have an A level grade B or 5 IB points in a subject related to English, as well as a GCSE grade C or equivalent in English, Maths and a science. A face-to-face interview is an essential part of the application process.
Please contact the Admissions Office on +44 118 378 2622 should you have any questions.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
International Foundation Programme
If you are an international or EU student and do not meet the requirements for direct entry to your chosen degree you can join the University of Reading’s International Foundation Programme. Successful completion of this 1 year programme guarantees you a place on your chosen undergraduate degree. English language requirements start as low as IELTS 4.5 depending on progression degree and start date.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ED1AC2 | The Arts, Children and Education 1: English | DR Alison Silby |
ED1EC1 | English and Communication in the Primary Curriculum 1 | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
ED1EFI | The Primary Classroom: Education for Inclusion | DR Anna Tsakalaki |
ED1MP1 | Mathematics in the Primary School | DR Nasreen Majid |
ED1PS1 | Professional Studies 1 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
ED1SP1 | Teaching Practical Sessions in Science and Physical Education | MRS Gwenda Lappin |
ED1SX1 | School Experience 1 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ED2AC2 | The Arts, Children and Education 2: English | DR Alison Silby |
ED2EC1 | English and Communication in The Primary Curriculum 2 | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
ED2GCP | Global Citizenship in the Primary Classroom | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
ED2MS1 | Enabling Progress in Mathematics and Science | MR James Davies |
ED2PF1 | The Foundation Subjects in the Primary Curriculum | MRS Gwenda Lappin |
ED2PS1 | Professional Studies 2 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
ED2SX1 | School Experience 2 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ED3AC2 | The Arts, Children and Education 3: English | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
ED3EM1 | Refining Pedagogy in English and Mathematics | DR Nasreen Majid |
ED3PI1 | Professional Studies and Inclusion | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
ED3SE1 | Subject Specialism 3: English | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
ED3SP1 | Formative Assessment In Science And Physical Education | MR Daniel James |
ED3SX1 | School Experience 3 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250*
New international students: £20,300
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
As a graduate of this course you will be able to work as a teacher or teaching assistant in a primary school, or move into nursery education. We will provide you with careers advice throughout the course, and can also give support when preparing for interviews.
Overall, 98% of our students are in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course [1]
[1] Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20 First Degree, Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) responders from the Institute of Education.