Primary Education

Primary education in the early years, specifically with children aged three to seven, is a specialist and demanding form of teaching that draws on developmental psychology, educational theory and the practical art of working with very young learners. Children in this age range are at a critical stage of development in language, numeracy, social skills and emotional regulation, and teachers working with them need both the subject knowledge to teach the early curriculum and the understanding of child development to do so in ways that are appropriate, stimulating and genuinely effective.

This three-year full-time degree at the University of Bedfordshire leads to Qualified Teacher Status, which is the professional qualification required to teach in state-maintained schools in England. The programme covers the theory and practice of early childhood education, with a focus on the three to seven age range. You will study child development, curriculum planning, phonics and early literacy, early mathematics, creative arts and physical education, alongside the professional and pedagogical knowledge that primary teaching demands.

School placements are central to the programme, giving you structured experience in real classrooms under the guidance of experienced teachers, where you develop and demonstrate the practical skills that QTS requires.

Graduates qualify to teach in primary schools across England and further afield, with particular expertise in the early years and Key Stage 1 phases. Primary teaching offers a career that combines intellectual engagement with direct impact on children's lives. Career development options include subject leadership, early years coordination, special educational needs provision, senior leadership and headship.

Further study in education, early years leadership or special educational needs is a route for those who wish to develop specialist expertise or academic knowledge alongside their practice.