Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons) with foundation year

Study level: Undergraduate
HNC/HND courses
Three Primary Education & Teaching Studies students sitting in discussion

The Primary Education and Teaching studies BA (Hons) course equips you with the latest methods, theories and practices required in today’s classroom. Learn the latest curriculum subject knowledge you need to succeed as a primary teacher.

Course option

Year of entry

Location

CU London (Dagenham, London)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

4 years full-time
5 years sandwich

UCAS codes

X325

Start date

September 2025
November 2025
January 2026
March 2026
May 2026
June 2026

The information on this page is for 2024-25 entry and should be used as guidance for 2025-26 entry. Please keep checking back on this course page to see our latest updates.

Available through Clearing

Don't meet the entry requirements? This course is available with a foundation year with lower entry requirements.

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Course overview

The BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies with foundation year course aims to provide you with a solid grounding for building a career in education and teaching.

  • The foundation year aims to prepare students for the more traditional route onto a degree course in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.
  • Students who successfully complete their foundation year will then progress onto the BA (Hons) Primary Education and Teaching Studies subject to meeting progression requirements.
  • The degree part of this course aims to supply knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and skilled individuals to local and national school-centred teacher training institutions. It provides learners with theoretical and practical learning modules that underpin the core concepts of effective education and teaching which are relevant to both current practice in schools and the changing context of education in this country.

Degree

The programme provides theoretical and practical learning modules that underpin knowledge and understanding of concepts of education and teaching, which are relevant to both the current practice in schools and the changing context of education.

From child development theories to consideration of varied perspectives of primary education, learn responsive and innovative techniques to support effective curriculum delivery, drawing on advanced knowledge of child development and theoretical perspectives.

You may be able to conduct critical research alongside our highly experienced staff, learn from guest visitors and the opportunity take part in an invaluable placement year (subject to availability).

Why you should study this course

Your experience with us is designed to provide you with relevant academic and graduate skills so that you are a strong candidate for your chosen career path. This course aims to provide the necessary knowledge and experience of primary education for you to then apply for the next step.

Before starting my course, I was concerned about balancing my studies with being a parent. However, CU was incredibly accommodating and understanding of my needs. Thanks to their support, I’m now ready to take the next step in my journey to become a full-time teacher. None of this would have been possible without the help of CU London.

Taame Smith, Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons) graduate, quoted October 2024 (seen left in picture)
Two smiling new graduates, Taame is on the left

What you'll study

The comprehensive Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons) degree part of the course aims to equip you to engage, motivate and inspire young learners in a wide range of schooling environments.

The first year is designed to explore the core fundamentals of primary education. You will be introduced to teaching principles and the role of education in child development. Throughout the year, the course aims to develop basic skills in primary school teaching and to understand key development theories, providing you with a solid foundation for further exploration in years two and three. Students who successfully complete the first year are eligible for a Higher National Certificate (HNC) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

During the year, you are encouraged to compare practices and discuss varying social, physical and emotional perspectives. Refine key analytical skills and develop pedagogical knowledge, while examining the ways in which various perspectives impact child development and learning. Gain comprehensive research skills, ready for progression into year three. Students who successfully complete year two are eligible for a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Primary Education and Teaching Studies.

Modules

There’s no better way to find out what you love doing than trying it out for yourself, which is why a work placement can often be beneficial. Work placements2 usually occur between your second and final year of study. They’re a great way to help you explore your potential career path and gain valuable work experience, whilst developing transferable skills for the future.

If you choose to do a work placement year, you will pay a reduced tuition fee3 of £1,250. For more information, please go to the fees and funding section. During this time, you will receive guidance from your employer or participating institution, along with your assigned academic mentor who will ensure you have the support you need to complete your placement.

Modules

Explore complex subjects such as the processes of designing a curriculum. Demonstrate your knowledge by undertaking an independent research project, where you'll collate your knowledge of skills, behaviours and techniques in effective teaching to produce work on an educational topic of your choice. Get equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful leader, with the ability to identify the core processes and mechanisms that underpin innovation. Students who successfully complete the final year are awarded the Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons) degree.

Modules

Focusing on health and social care, your foundation year is a common first year. You will study alongside students doing similar courses to you which would widen your knowledge and exposure to other subject areas and professions. You may also have the potential opportunity to collaborate with other students, so you can share your insights and experience which will help you to develop and learn.

If you discover an interest in a specific subject you have studied, upon successful completion of your first year, you could swap degrees with another course in your common first year (subject to meeting progression requirements).

This course shares a common foundation year with Applied Psychology BA (Hons) with foundation year, Health and Social Care BA (Hons) with foundation year and Public Health and Community Studies BA (Hons) with foundation year.

Modules

We regularly review our course content to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

Our teaching methods for the degree courses are varied depending on which course/modules you take, so in addition to lectures, we also utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. We also operate an open-door policy, with additional availability via email and our current online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through written reports or presentations, which is more reflective of our learning model.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Part-time

If you choose to study part-time you'll usually receive up to 11 hours per week of blended learning, including classes, tutorials and online learning. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake up to 30 hours of self-directed study, depending on the demands of individual modules. Please note: part-time courses run subject to numbers.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

The Foundation Year will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module and may include: written reports, presentations, portfolios, tutorial tasks and assessments which take place at the end of each six-week block.

During your foundation year, the learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes, and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.

This course is available as a full-time three year course or optional four-year sandwich course, the latter incorporating a work placement or study year in a related field2.

Our teaching methods are varied, offering several teaching styles to suit the needs of all our students. In addition to lectures, we utilise a blended learning approach, including online aspects, workshops and group work. Additional support is available via email and our online learning platform, which is currently Aula.

Progression through the modules develops knowledge and skills, including communication (written and oral), study skills, research methods, project management, presentation and career development. We will also encourage you to consider your employability and/or entrepreneurial development.

Unlike traditional institutions, there are no end-of-year exams. Instead, learning is assessed through practical class and project performance, and written practical reports, which is more reflective of our learning model.


Teaching contact hours

As a full-time undergraduate student, you will study modules totalling 120 credits each academic year. A typical 20 credit module requires a total of 200 hours study. This is made up of teaching contact hours, guided and independent study.

Teaching hours:

Teaching hours vary depending on year of study and due to module selection. During your first year you can expect 15-18 teaching hours each week. You will also have the option to attend optional sessions including time with a progress coach or to meet with staff for advice and feedback. As you progress through your studies, teaching hours may reduce.

Guided and independent study:

Throughout your studies, you will be expected to spend time in guided and independent study to make up the required study hours per module. You’ll be digging deeper into topics, review what you’ve learned and complete assignments. This can be completed around your personal commitments. As you progress through your studies, you’ll spend more time in independent study.

Online learning:

As an innovative university, we use different teaching methods including online tools and emerging technologies. So, some of your teaching hours and assessments may be delivered online.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module. The assessment methods may include: practical class and project performance, written practical reports, project thesis, laboratory experiments, tutorial tasks and assessments, which take place at the end of each six-week block.

The learning outcomes of modules, assignments and projects will be clearly stated. Your work will be marked according to how well you achieve these learning outcomes and your final feedback will refer to each outcome, as well as providing an overall percentage grade.

The Coventry University Group assessment strategy ensures that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


Entry requirements

Clearing places available on this course

See if you have enough points (UCAS tariff 2025)

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Additional requirements may apply

Typical entry requirements:


Fees and funding

Foundation year

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,535 Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

Degree

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £9,535 per year Not available
International/EU Not currently available*** Not available

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement2 or study abroad year, you will need to pay a tuition fee3 to cover your academic support throughout your placement year. Students commencing their professional placement in the academic year 2027/28 will pay £1,500 if they are paying UK fees, or £1,800 if they are paying international fees.

For advice and guidance on tuition fees and student loans visit our undergraduate finance page and see the university’s Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permits an increase in tuition fees, the university may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

If you choose to study this course with a professional placement, the University will charge the tuition fees stated above for those on a placement during Academic Year 2027/28. The University will review professional placement tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study, but such that it will be no more than 5% above inflation.

For international students, we may increase fees each year, but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them. Find out what's included in your tuition costs.

Applies to degree only:

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

Foundation year funding

In order to receive funding for degree with foundation year courses, you will need to complete a four-year degree programme which includes the integrated foundation year, otherwise you may be responsible for your foundation year fees. For further information, please refer to the 'Tuition Fee Loan' details in the 'Funding your undergraduate course' section of our 'Fees and finance' page.

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**This course with foundation year is not currently available to international students. If you do not meet the entry requirements to directly join year 1 of the degree, please take a look at our International Pathway courses for additional options.


Facilities

You’ll be based in the spacious Civic Centre building, which provides an outstanding learning environment. You will have access to our Library & Learning Services, fully equipped seminar rooms and impressive IT suites4.

Facilities are subject to availability. Access to some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) may vary from those advertised and/or may have reduced availability or restrictions where the university is following public authority guidance, decisions or orders.


Careers and opportunities

  • This degree provides a range of career opportunities for those looking to pursue a vocational career in the primary education sector - one of the most rewarding professions available.
  • On successful completion of this course, you may decide to progress onto the Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE ) if you wish to become a teacher in early years, primary or secondary education. Please note that further study opportunities are subject to application, availability, entry requirements, meeting applicable visa requirements and additional fees.
  • Some graduates decide to work as teaching assistants in mainstream or special schools - which doesn't require a PGCE.
  • You may decide that you want to work with the 'early help' service instead, working with children in the community. Perhaps if you have specific skills, such as sports or music, you may instead become a children's coach or peripatetic (travelling) music teacher.
  • This degree provides a range of career opportunities for our graduates with most going on to pursue a vocational career in the primary education sector - one of the most rewarding professions available.
  • The skills taught are transferable, which allows you to pursue an alternative career path if you wish. These include, but are not limited to, Family Support Worker, Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Widening Participation, SENCO and Attendance Officer.

This degree provides a range of career opportunities for our graduates with most going on to pursue a vocational career in the primary education sector - one of the most rewarding professions available.

The skills taught are transferable, which allows our graduates to pursue an alternative career path if they wish. These may include, but are not limited to, Family Support Worker, Education Officer, Learning Mentor, Widening Participation, SENCO, Attendance Officer and Teaching Assistant roles.

We know that many teachers struggle when they enter the classroom because they have gaps in their subject knowledge and wanted to do something about this, to improve teacher retention. Covering everything from art and music, to P.E, science and maths, this course provides the opportunity for students to encounter the knowledge which they need to become strong candidates for the workforce.

Amy Matthews (Associate Head of School)
Group of students sat at a table looking ahead

How to apply

This course with foundation year is not available to international students.


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