Primary Education Studies

Primary education studies is a degree that explores the theory and practice of education in the early years and primary school context, examining how children learn, how schools and curricula are designed, and what constitutes effective teaching across the primary age range. It is a broad educational studies degree rather than a teacher training programme, giving you the flexibility to pursue a range of educational and related roles while also providing a strong foundation for those who want to go on to qualified teacher status through a subsequent postgraduate route.

At Roehampton University, this three-year programme with a foundation year is designed to prepare you for a wide range of educational roles while giving you the flexibility to follow your interests and passions within the field of education. You will engage with the theoretical, policy and practical dimensions of primary education, developing your understanding of child development, curriculum, inclusion, assessment and the social and cultural contexts in which schools operate. A sandwich placement year provides professional experience in an educational or related setting, and work placement opportunities throughout the programme ensure you develop practical knowledge alongside your academic understanding.

Graduates from primary education studies programmes pursue careers in education support roles, educational administration, learning mentoring, early years provision, educational research, children's charities, publishing and curriculum development. Many go on to postgraduate teacher training programmes, which lead to qualified teacher status and a career as a primary school teacher. Others move into educational psychology, social work, family support, children's services or community education roles.

The breadth of the degree and the flexibility of the foundation year route mean that it is accessible to a range of students and leads to a genuinely diverse set of career outcomes.