Primary and Early Years Education

Primary and early years education shapes the foundations on which all later learning rests. The first years of schooling are when children develop foundational literacy and numeracy, when they form their identities as learners, and when the relationships they have with teachers and peers lay the groundwork for their social and emotional development. Teaching at this phase is demanding, skilled work that requires understanding child development, mastering primary curriculum subjects, and being able to create inclusive, engaging learning environments for children with very different needs and starting points.

At Sussex this three-year degree leads to Qualified Teacher Status, meaning you are ready to work as a teacher in primary or early years settings as soon as you graduate. The programme integrates academic study with substantial practical experience, and you will spend at least one hundred and twenty days in schools throughout your course, supported by mentors and professional tutors who guide your development as a practitioner. You will study child development, pedagogy, literacy, mathematics, science, and the broader primary curriculum, and you will develop the reflective practice that characterises effective teaching.

The degree includes a foundation year for those who need it, a sandwich year, a year abroad, and a work placement, providing comprehensive preparation and significant professional experience before you qualify. The opportunity to study abroad is also available, adding an international dimension to your understanding of early childhood education.

Graduates are qualified to teach in early years and primary settings and are in demand across maintained schools, academies, and independent schools. Teaching offers varied career development opportunities, including leadership roles, special educational needs coordination, curriculum development, and educational research. Some graduates go on to roles in early years settings outside school, in educational publishing, or in teacher training and education research.