Primary Education Studies

Primary education studies is a degree for students who want to understand education as a social and intellectual phenomenon, with a particular focus on learning in the early and primary years. It examines the personal, social, cultural and political forces that shape how children learn, why educational experiences differ so dramatically across different communities, and what the purposes of primary schooling are in contemporary society. It draws on psychology, sociology, philosophy and policy analysis to build a rounded and critical understanding of education from the perspective of both the individual learner and the broader system.

At Anglia Ruskin this three-year full-time programme includes the option to complete the degree in two years as an accelerated route, studying the same content as the standard programme but in a compressed timeframe. You will explore child development, learning theory, curriculum and pedagogy, educational inclusion, safeguarding and the role of the teacher and other educational professionals in primary settings. The programme develops your ability to think critically about educational practice and policy, to understand the evidence base that informs what happens in primary classrooms, and to communicate clearly about complex ideas.

A typical entry tariff of 104 points reflects the programme's broadly accessible character.

Primary education studies does not lead directly to qualified teacher status, but it is excellent preparation for it. Many graduates go on to a primary PGCE or School Direct route to qualify as teachers, while the degree also opens doors to roles in educational psychology (with further study), early years practice, school leadership support, community education, the charity sector, social work and educational policy. For those who want to work with children and young people in an educational context without necessarily teaching in a classroom, the degree provides a strong foundation for a wide range of professional roles.