Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status

Primary education with Qualified Teacher Status is a degree that prepares you not only with knowledge of education but with the full professional qualification to teach in primary schools in England. Primary teachers work with children from the ages of five to eleven, covering the full curriculum from English and mathematics to science, history, art, and physical education. The role requires a blend of subject knowledge, pedagogical skill, the ability to manage a classroom, and the insight to support the development of young children at a critical stage of their learning.

Teaching at primary level is a profession with genuine social purpose and, for those who choose it, often profound personal reward.

At Birmingham City University, this three-year programme is specifically designed to develop both the academic understanding of education and the practical teaching skills that Qualified Teacher Status requires. You will study curriculum subjects, child development, learning theory, inclusion, and assessment, developing the breadth of knowledge needed to teach across the primary curriculum. You will have a variety of opportunities to explore your interests and develop core skills through school placements, which are a central and substantial feature of the programme, placing you in real classrooms and giving you direct experience of teaching children under professional supervision.

The programme leads directly to QTS, meaning you graduate ready to apply for teaching positions in primary schools without the need for additional professional training. This is a key practical advantage for students who are committed to a career in primary teaching.

Graduates move into primary teaching across the range of school types, including state schools, academies, independent schools, and special schools. Many build leadership careers within education, moving into roles as subject leads, assistant headteachers, headteachers, and local authority advisory roles. Postgraduate study in education, educational leadership, or a specialist area such as SEND or early years is also an option for those who wish to develop their professional expertise further.