Leeds - Best Place to Live in the North and Northeast*
From music venues and art galleries to parks, shopping and transport – we’ve got it all. We also have the best-paying jobs outside of London.
*The Sunday Times Best Place to Live guide, 2024.
Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Undergraduate BA (Hons)
Primary Education
Prepare for a fulfilling career working with children in primary education on this two-year course.
Course Overview
-
X322 -
L27 -
Headingley Campus Beckett Park -
Full-Time -
2 Years -
27 Aug 2024
Adopt a critically reflective and child-centred approach to teaching and working with children. You’ll earn a degree in two years and be primed to undertake a qualification to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
As part of this course, you’ll:
- Combine independent research with collaborative workshops
- Explore contemporary issues such as inclusion, child development and the political nature of education
- Develop your confidence, apply your learning and sharpen your teaching expertise through professional experiences
This course is ideal if you’re looking for a career change, particularly if you’d like to become a primary school teacher.
You’ll obtain an undergraduate degree in two years, enabling you to apply for a School Direct or other postgraduate course in order to achieve QTS. Our ties with local schools mean that we can fully prepare you for your School Direct or Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) interview.
You’ll be taught on campus through a range of lectures, seminars and workshops and independent study. Your research will explore a variety of issues and theories relating to primary or early years education.
We have partnered with local schools and institutions to ensure your learning is informed by the very latest practices. The partnerships will offer the opportunity to plan your own cross-curricular lessons and teach children.
You’ll join a community of like-minded peers from around the globe and teaching experts from the Carnegie School of Education. Our specialist team draws together academics and practising professionals.
For course news and updates, and to join the discussion, visit our Twitter page.
Why study Primary Education at Leeds Beckett University...
- Link your learning with experiences in primary schools and specialist settings
- Professionally experienced expert teaching team
- Designed to prepare you for a teacher training postgraduate qualification
- Develop skills and knowledge across the whole primary phase of education
My Defining Moment: Why you should study primary education at Leeds Beckett University Second-year student Rachael shares her most memorable moments studying at Leeds Beckett University.
Everything you need to know
Discover all there is to know about the course, from entry requirements and fees to exploring the school you’ll be joining - we’ve got it covered.
Entry requirements
112
points required
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
Entry requirements
112
points required
UCAS Tariff Points: 112 points required.
(Minimum 72 from two A Levels or equivalent, excluding General Studies).
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
GCSEs
GCSE English Language at Grade 4 or above (Grade C for GCSEs taken before 2017) or equivalent. Key Skills Level 2, Functional Skills Level 2 and the Certificate in Adult Literacy are accepted in place of GCSEs.Access to HE Diploma
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points.T Levels
Pass overall with a minimum of 112 UCAS tariff points, including a C or above on the core.Scottish Awards
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade B or above.Irish Leaving Certificate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 5 subjects at higher level of which at least 3 must be grade H3 or above.International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Our commitment to help every student succeed
Leeds Beckett University is committed to ensuring that every student with the potential to succeed at our University is able to do so regardless of their background. For this reason we operate a contextual admissions policy, which means we take into account a range of additional factors when we assess a student’s application. Applicants who meet at least one of our contextual admissions criteria will be offered a place on this course with lower (predicted or achieved) UCAS Tariff Points than our published tariff (above).Our contextual admissions criteria are:
- Home postcode is in an area where few people go to University (POLAR4 quintile 1 or 2 area. This can be checked on the Office for Students website).
- Declared disability on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
- Over the age of 21 on the 1st of September before the course starts.
- Declared as a care experienced on the UCAS application form (or direct application for part time applicants).
Mature Applicants
Our university welcomes applications from mature applicants who demonstrate academic potential. All students will be considered through the contextual admissions policy described above. If you do not meet the requirements through the contextual admissions policy, we may still be able to make you an offer if you have recent relevant work experience through our 'Recognition of Prior Learning' policy. Please ensure that you list both your qualifications and any relevant work experience in your application so that we can consider you under both schemes where applicable. All applicants should meet our standard entry requirements of GCSE grade C in English language and, where specified, Maths. Alternative qualifications such as functional skills are accepted in lieu of GCSEs for most courses.We have welcomed students from over 140 countries to study at Leeds Beckett University. If you are interested in studying with us you can find all the information you need about entry requirements and how to apply on our country specific pages.
If you're applying via UCAS, find out more about how your qualifications fit into the UCAS tariff.
International baccalaureate
112 UCAS tariff points from a minimum of 3 Highers of which at least 2 must be grade H5 or above.IELTS
IELTS 6.0 with no skills below 5.5, or an equivalent qualification. The University provides excellent support for any applicant who may be required to undertake additional English language courses.
Selection Criteria
Due to the popularity of this course, we may use selection criteria based on your personal attributes; experience and/or commitment to the area of study. This information will be derived from your personal statement and reference and will only be used if you have met the general entry requirements.
DBS Check
Satisfactory enhanced criminal history checks will be required by all applicants prior to acceptance on the course, (processed through the University only). The University is unable to accept DBS checks obtained through another institution (this includes those registered with the DBS Update Service); the checks undertaken by the University are appropriate to the course of study and relevant regulated activity placements. For important information on the UK Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requirements please refer to the Guidance on DBS and Additional Checks.
Self Declaration Check
You will be asked to complete this online form as part of the DBS check process. You will be asked to identify on the self-declaration form if you have any cautions/convictions that would not be filtered out on a DBS certificate. Please refer to the following website for guidance on filtering. The form will also ask if you have resided outside of the UK after the age of 16, to establish if an Overseas Police Record check may be required.
Overseas Police Checks/Letter of Good Conduct
The DBS in the UK is currently not able to conduct overseas criminal record checks. International applicants; those without British Citizenship and British Citizens with a significant period of overseas residency of 12 months or more after the age of 16; therefore, require a criminal records check or certificate of good conduct from their home/overseas country(ies) prior to entry on to the course. A UK DBS check will also be required prior to enrolment; the DBS team will send you guidance on how to apply following your offer of a place. The application process and timeframes for Overseas Police checks can differ from country to country and so it is recommended that you start the process as soon as possible after you have been made a conditional/Unconditional offer to ensure you have enough lead in time to obtain the check prior to enrolment. For some countries, an individual can only apply in person and so it is preferable for those applicants still resident in the relevant country, to apply before entering the UK.Additional entry requirements:
Verify your qualifications
If you are an international student, we can help you to compare and verify your qualifications. Please contact our International Office on +44 (0)113 812 1111 09.00 to 17.00 Mon-Thurs / 09.00 to 16.30 Fri GMT or email internationaloffice@leedsbeckett.ac.uk.Need to improve your English Language skills?
Don't worry if you don't have the level of English required for your chosen course. We offer a wide range of courses which have been designed to help you to improve your qualifications and English language ability, most of which are accredited by the British Council. Check your English and find out more about our English courses.More questions?
No matter what your questions, we are here to answer them, visit our International website to get more information and find out about our online open days.Independent study is a crucial part of learning at university and you will be required to undertake many hours of self-directed research and reading, and preparation and writing of assessments. Your course is delivered through a number of modules, which will help you to plan your time and establish a study routine. Outside of your lectures, workshops and tutorials, a range of support is available to assist with your independent study. Our subject-specific librarians will be on hand to direct you to the specialist learning and study-skill resources. You’ll also be assigned an academic advisor to give you tailored feedback and support.
Teaching & Learning
Develop a thorough theoretical and practical understanding of the development of children in the 3-11 age range, including knowledge of the Primary National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The tabs below detail what and how you will study in each year of your course. The balance of assessments and overall workload is indicative and may be subject to change.
What you'll learn
Gain an understanding of the development of the early years foundation stage in England. You'll explore the current Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and relevant associated policies and documents. We'll focus on best practice when creating environments that enable learning and the delivery of the curriculum. You'll also consider and explore current developments in early years education and you'll begin to see how the different curricula are designed to address these issues.
This module will enable you to understand the complexities of assessment theoretically and practically. You'll explore and develop your understanding of key theories involved in learning and teaching. You'll examine, analyse and reflect upon these ideas within educational settings. We'll also consider the role of observation, resources and assessment in promoting engagement in teaching and learning. You'll understand how using resources can promote engagement in learning. This module will also cover intentional models of education and how they promote engagement in learning.
Discuss, investigate and research key educational issues through the study of language, learning and development. You'll examine three strands: thinking, language and meaning, social, cultural and emotional factors in learning development, and learning environments: space, place and education. You'll apply your knowledge in the observation and analysis of a learning episode.
This module will introduce you to a range of approaches to research methodology. You'll also gain an understanding of the ethical considerations related to research which will provide a strong basis for your dissertation in year three. Throughout this module, you'll consider why teachers may need to view themselves as researchers. You'll be encouraged to reflect on the role of research in contemporary practice in primary education.
Gain an understanding of the evolution of the primary curriculum in England, exploring the programmes of study for Key Stages 1 and 2 as well as the current Early Years Foundation Stage Framework. You'll focus on the core subjects and how these can be taught within the primary classroom. You'll consider and explore current developments in primary education and begin to see how the curriculum is designed to address these issues.
Observe and engage with teaching practices used in primary schools. You'll reflect upon primary practice to better understand the expectations upon teachers, the classroom, and learners. This module will enable you to gain experience across the primary phase in a range of settings, focusing on your current areas of interest and development with primary education. You'll have the opportunity to work collaboratively with your peers to design and deliver a learning event for a group of primary school children.
Gain personal, academic and career development insight and opportunities. You'll explore key concepts including the lifelong learning paradigm. This module will provide opportunities for you to develop sought-after reflective traits. We'll also explore numerous communication formats so you'll be able to critique and analyse these forms.
Building on your previous experience from Professional Experience 1, you will undertake a placement in a wider educational setting. Being placed in organisations, settings and agencies that provide a specialist educational service, you will deepen your knowledge of pedagogy and have further opportunity to make links between theory and practice.
Explore what it means to celebrate diversity in relation to special educational needs and disabilities. You'll explore a range of special educational needs and disabilities before considering one in depth. You'll also consider the role of different primary school stakeholders, such as the SENCo and the primary class teacher. You'll then explore how provision can be adapted and modified for children with special educational needs and disabilities and how this relates to good teaching and learning for all pupils. This module will encourage you to examine how special educational needs and disabilities are constructed and how this relates to the provision. We'll consider case studies and consider the role of resources in celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion for learners who have special educational needs and disabilities.
Explore how social, political and economic factors affect policy implementation in practice. You'll understand the development of the provision of education and the place of education in national and local political life. This module will also consider the successive ideologies that have underpinned education in England.
Drawing on sociology, politics and policy analyses, you'll examine how gender, social class, poverty and race impact upon the achievement and progression of children and young people through systems of education. You'll explore the sociology of education to examine a range of theories and explanations for the patterns of difference in learners’ experiences of education. This module will ask you to consider in whose interest education acts.
Build on the knowledge you developed in the Introduction to Research module in your first year. You'll understand how to critique research and best practice guidance in respect of evidence informed practice. This module will encourage you to reflect and analyse your own conceptions and lived experiences, and those of others, against current literature and research evidence, You'll practise critically evaluating people's appropriateness for practice.
What you'll learn
Explore the theory and practice of teaching foundation subjects within the primary classroom. You'll gain a critical understanding of your chosen foundation subject or curriculum area. You'll consider different approaches to teaching and planning of the foundation subjects as you develop subject knowledge and theory in an area of your choice.
Enhance your understanding of the key issues in global education. You'll explore education systems in a range of countries and examine the issues of comparative education as they relate to this knowledge. You'll develop your understanding of the economic, political, social and environmental factors that affect educational experiences and systems throughout the world.
Design and conduct a literature review and present an account of the project in the form of a dissertation to explore an element of primary practice at a deeper level. Through this study, you'll develop understanding of concepts such as systematic analysis and rigour. Through meetings with your supervising tutor and peer led tutorials you'll be able to access advice and support. This module is specifically designed to provide opportunities for co-research amongst students and tutors.
Study what it means to celebrate diversity in relation to the displaced chid. You'll explore the reasons why a child may be displaced including children in care and children who are refugees. You'll consider the possible short- and long-term effects that this displacement would have upon the child. You'll consider how whole school approaches can be used to support the arrival of a displaced child in a sensitive manner. This module will also explore how ongoing provision needs to be developed and managed to support the child. You'll observe, analyse and reflect upon these ideas within educational settings, and consider the role of stories in celebrating diversity and promoting inclusion for learners who have been displaced.
Develop a deeper understanding of varying education models within England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. You'll explore and experience a range of models through a combined theoretical and field-based approach. As a result, you'll be well equipped to analyse and critique current approaches primary education in England. You'll have the knowledge and skill to evaluate the impact education models have on how contemporary issues are addressed in and through the primary system.
Fees & Funding hellooo
£11,100
UK
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £11100. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
£15,316
International 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £15316. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Fees & Funding
£11,100
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £11100. The amount you will pay may increase each year to take into account the effects of inflation.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
£15,316
For students entering in 2024
The tuition fee for the year for students entering in 2024/25 is £15316. The amount you will pay is fixed at this level for each year of your course.
Additional course costs
Tuition Fees
Your tuition fees cover the cost of registration, tuition, academic supervision, assessments and examinations.
The following are also included in the cost of your course:
- 24/7 Library and student IT support
- Free wifi via eduroam
- Skills workshops and resources
- Library membership, giving access to more than 500,000 printed, multimedia and digital resources
- Access to software, including five free copies of Microsoft Office 365 to install on your PC,laptop and MAC, and access to free high-end software via the Leeds Beckett remote app
- Loan of high-end media equipment to support your studies
In many cases, costs associated with your course will be included in your course fee. However, in some cases there are ‘essential’ additional costs (those that you will be required to meet in addition to your course fee), and/or ‘optional’ additional costs (costs that are not required, but that you might choose to pay). We have included those essential or optional additional costs that relate to your course, below.
Essential Costs
- Placement locations and experiences will vary throughout the course and you will need to pay for any additional travel
Other study-related expenses to consider: materials that you will need to complete your course such as books (whilst the library provides access to readings recommended for your modules, you may wish to purchase your own copies of some books); you can also make suggestions for books to be added to Library stock; placement costs (these may include travel expenses and living costs); student visas (international students only); printing, photocopying and stationery (you may need to pay for multiple copies of your dissertation or final project to be printed and bound); events associated with your course such as field trips; study abroad opportunities (travel costs and accommodation, visas and immunisations). Other costs could include academic conferences (travel costs) and professional-body membership (where applicable). The costs you will need to cover for graduation will include gown hire and guest tickets, and optional extras such as professional photography.
As well as your mobile phone, you will also need access to a desktop computer and/or laptop to complete assignments and access university online services such as MyBeckett, your virtual learning environment. You can book and borrow AV equipment through the media equipment service accessed online via the student hub and located in the library at each campus. Equipment includes: 360 Cameras, iPads, GoPros, MacBooks, portable data projectors, portable projection screens, flipchart stands, remote presenters, digital cameras and camcorders, SLR cameras, speakers, microphones, headphones, headsets, tripods, digital audio recorders and PC/laptops (a laptop loans service is provided on campus in the library on both campuses). Student laptops are also available from the laptop lockers located in the libraries.
This list is not exhaustive, costs are approximate and will vary depending on the choices you make during your course. Any rental, travel or living costs are also in addition to your course fees. If you choose to study via distance learning, you may not be able to access all of the facilities listed if you are not able to visit us on campus.
The accelerated degree introduces you to the many influential factors in a child’s education, while encouraging you to become a critical and independent thinker, skills that are essential in the teaching profession. As a successful trainee and now KS2 teacher, I would highly recommend the accelerated degree for anybody wishing to pursue a career in primary education."
Joshua Mayfield,
BA in Primary Education (accelerated degree) and PGCE in Primary Education with PE alumni
Moving on up
Leeds Beckett climbs 40 places in the Complete University Guide 2024
Your future in our hands
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a course. Take a look at the team you’ll be working with, employability statistics and career prospects to help make up your mind.
Your Beckett experience
At Leeds Beckett your experience is important to us, find out more about what to expect from your time on this course and life at uni.
Experience Leeds Beckett
Our state-of-the-art facilities and learning environments give you everything you need to succeed.
Still thinking about your uni choices? Discover Uni has official information to help you decide. They provide statistics for courses taken from national surveys and data collected from universities about their students.
