Primary Education

Primary education is concerned with the learning and development of children in the early and middle years of schooling, roughly from age five to eleven. It is a field that draws on educational theory, child development, psychology, curriculum design and pedagogy to understand how children learn best and how teachers can support that learning effectively. Primary teachers need both subject knowledge across the broad curriculum and the professional skills to build relationships, manage classrooms and adapt their practice to the diverse needs of individual children.

At the University of Plymouth this two-year full-time programme offers an accelerated route into primary education, covering the full breadth of the BA in Primary Education in a condensed format. You will be introduced to the wide range of areas of study that make up the primary education curriculum, developing study skills and professional dispositions alongside subject knowledge through lectures and seminars. The accelerated format is designed for committed students who are ready to engage intensively with the programme and want to move quickly towards a career in teaching.

The combination of academic knowledge and professional preparation that a primary education degree provides is essential for those who go on to teach. The degree also supports those who wish to pursue further postgraduate training, including Qualified Teacher Status through a PGCE or School Direct route.

Graduates move into primary school teaching, early years education, teaching assistant roles, educational support, curriculum development, educational research and related fields. Many progress to postgraduate teacher training to achieve Qualified Teacher Status and full registration as primary school teachers. Others move into educational policy, family support, youth work or broader roles in working with children.