Primary Education (accelerated) alumna, Amaya, tells her story of studying her course at Leeds Beckett. Hear about why she chose the course, her experience studying BA (Hons) Primary Education (accelerated) and what she most enjoyed about it.

Course: BA (Hons) Primary Education (accelerated)

Prior to enrolment, I was hesitant to pursue an education degree, but on further exploration, the two-year BA (Hons) Primary Education (accelerated) course at Leeds Beckett appealed to me. This was because of the fast-track nature (three years completed in two), and preparation for everything I need to know about the field of teaching before deciding whether to pursue qualified teacher status.

I have to say looking back now, the degree significantly enhanced my understanding, and I gained a greater understanding of primary education. I'm so pleased I made the decision to enrol.

Along my own personal journey, I encountered difficulties that prompted me to withdraw from my studies midway through. Having felt disheartened from this choice and thoughts of never graduating, I thought it was the end of the world. But amidst these difficulties, and eventually returning to the degree, the next academic year resulted in a staggering turning point for me. The return was welcoming and motivated me even further to continue.

The course facilities, including seminar-based classrooms, accommodated innovative communication and support from lecturers catering to all students. The accelerated degree is at the heart of integrating strong communication and constructing amazing relationships due to the smaller class sizes. This meant, given my circumstances I never felt as though I was too much trouble.

Every meeting, every drop-in, every seminar was enriched with encouragement and reassurance. Lecturers also provided weekly drop-in sessions, allowing me to receive comprehensive assignment guidance and advice.

The degree was incredibly robust, something which is a must on a fast-track degree like this, but it was one of the principal reasons why I graduated with first-class honours. The quality of this programme met and surpassed my expectations as it has led me to new opportunities.

As I'm at the end of my undergraduate studies, I'm assured of my next step, which is to pursue a postgraduate degree that will eventually equip me with QTS. This decision was made after support from career advisers attending seminars during my time on this course on several occasions offering advice on future. This was an additional excellent opportunity which stemmed from the degree and heightened my familiarity with the grips of teaching.

Overall, I was offered the opportunity to learn about different modules covering educational theorists as well as extensive skills for becoming a great teacher and visits to various settings to expand my ideas and knowledge for written assignments. My time at Leeds Beckett University provided me with a wealth of information in all areas, enabling me to become my most confident self for the future.

I've graduated this year, and I can say - with a huge grin on my face - I achieved a first-class honours. Looking back now, it all came down to the support and characteristics this accelerated degree had to offer. It's a degree I wholeheartedly recommend. I'm now very much looking forward to completing a postgraduate degree to obtain QTS and hopefully utilising all my knowledge in the education sector.