Primary Education Studies

Primary education studies at Anglia Ruskin University provides a thorough preparation for understanding primary schooling as a system, a profession and a social institution, without the Qualified Teacher Status that makes some primary education degrees directly vocational. It is a degree that suits those who want a deep academic engagement with education, child development, curriculum and pedagogy, and who may be interested in teaching, educational research, educational management, or working in education-related roles outside the classroom.

You will study child development and learning theory, curriculum design and delivery, inclusive education, assessment practice and the social and policy contexts of primary schooling in England and beyond. The programme develops your understanding of how children learn and how educational institutions are organised, and provides a strong foundation for a wide range of careers in and around education. Anglia Ruskin's primary education studies programme is available in an accelerated two-year format that covers the same modules as the standard three-year degree, albeit potentially in a different sequence, which gives motivated students the option to complete the degree more quickly.

The university's campuses in Cambridge and Chelmsford give access to primary schools and educational organisations across the east of England, and the close proximity of Cambridge's educational research culture enriches the intellectual environment of the degree.

Graduates pursue further professional training if they wish to teach, typically through a PGCE or School Direct programme. Others work in educational support roles, SEND services, local authority education departments, educational publishing, policy, children's charities and community organisations. Postgraduate study in education, educational psychology or a related field is a natural continuation.