Primary Education at Derby
Our course enjoys a strong reputation locally, nationally and internationally. We are supported by a large partnership of quality-assured primary, infant, junior, middle and special schools.
Graduating with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) means you’ll be able to go straight into your first teaching position.
Developing your skills
We develop outstanding teachers who are resilient, critical, and reflective classroom practitioners. You will develop the confidence to challenge policy, practice and ways of teaching. You'll be equipped with advanced teaching and academic skills to make your own practice transformative. You'll learn to be inclusive and sensitive to the needs of children to ensure good outcomes for all.
And you'll learn in a dynamic and lively, inspirational and innovative environment with students of all ages and backgrounds.
You may also be interested in our four-year Integrated Masters in Education (MEdu) (in curriculum enhancement) with Qualified Teacher Status.
Your placements
You’ll undertake a placement in a different school at each stage of the course. Throughout your placements you’ll receive ongoing mentor support from experienced teachers.
You’ll build your skills working with children in different year groups so that you can understand the whole primary phase. The course also includes experience in a special educational needs setting so you can appreciate and respond to the diverse needs of children.
Tailored to your interests
You’ll have the chance to personalise your degree to reflect your professional interests and career ambitions. As the course progresses, and you make more informed choices about the kind of teacher you want to become, you can select curriculum enhancement pathways. Possible choices may include English, Mathematics, Science and Computing, Humanities, SEND, Physical Activity and Creative Arts. And you can enjoy placements in alternative educational settings.
FAQs
If you have any questions, please see our FAQs page or feel free to get in touch.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
You’ll learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials. You'll be taught by influential researchers and published authors whose work is helping to shape the future of the teaching profession. And you’ll also hear from thought-provoking guest speakers, and creative partners in our primary education facilities.
You will have school-based as well as university-based training - as stipulated by the National College for Teaching and Learning (NCTL). You’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your experiences through museum visits, overseas school trips, and visits to special educational needs settings, early years and Key Stage 3 settings.
Social justice lies at the heart of our course and you will be encouraged to give something back to the local community. You’ll take part in community projects working with children and staff in settings such as schools, our chosen charities, museums and galleries.
Placement schedule
During the course, you'll spend approximately 24 weeks on placement in a number of different schools. This will include a mixture of placements from EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) through to the end of Key Stage 2. During this time, you will be supported by mentors and subject specialists.
How you're assessed
There are no exams. You’ll be assessed through essays, personal reflections, presentations, posters, reports, tests, and audits. There is an assessed school placement every year.
Personal academic tutoring
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Find out more about personal academic tutoring
2023 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2023 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112-120 |
| A Level | BBB-BBC |
| T Level | Merit |
| BTEC | DDM-DMM |
| GCSE | GCSE (or equivalent) Maths, English Language and a Science at Grade 4/C or above, (there are currently a range of equivalences which can be accepted - please contact our Admissions team if you need clarification) |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 |
Additional entry requirements
English language requirements
IELTS: 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in each skills area)
2024 entry
These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2024 entry.
| Requirement | What we're looking for | | UCAS points | 112-120 |
| A Level | BBB-BBC |
| T Level | Merit |
| BTEC | DMM |
| GCSE | GCSE (or equivalent) Maths, English Language and a Science at Grade 4/C or above, (there are currently a range of equivalences which can be accepted - please contact our Admissions team if you need clarification) |
| Access to HE | Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6 |
Additional entry requirements
English language requirements
IELTS: 7.0 (with at least 6.5 in each skills area)
How to apply
Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
Our newly qualified teachers are highly regarded within the education sector and our employability statistics speak for themselves - 95% in work or doing further study 15 months after the course (Graduate Outcomes survey). Many of our graduates go on to secure jobs at schools where they undertook their placements.
When you graduate, you could choose to continue studying with us by taking our MA Education course, which will help you to explore the wider impact of education and increase your confidence as a practitioner. The MA Education is especially valuable if you have set your sights on more senior roles such as head teacher or deputy head teacher.
As a newly qualified teacher, you can also benefit from the University’s continuing support as you take your career forward. We offer a range of resources, subject updates, events, conferences and development opportunities to ease your transition into professional practice.
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Contact us Contact us Teaching hours
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.
Included in your fees
- Interview preparation/ supporting job applications
- Initial DBS check
- Students have a range of placement opportunities with a trained mentor and School Link Tutor
- Students have a number of placements, in different schools with different age groups: Year 1 Placement - 8 week placement; Year 2 Placement - 8 week placement; Year 2 SEN placement; Year 2 alternative setting placement; Year 3 Placement – 9 week
- A final school experience during your master’s year of study, focusing on leadership and your research study
- Reimbursement of travel costs, for all assessed placements, over the first £5, per day, of travel to placement
- Extracurricular and enhancement opportunities
- Dedicated personal, professional, academic tutor to support you throughout your studies
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
- You may choose to buy textbooks, journals, data sticks, stationery texts
- Replacement DBS if lost approx. cost £50
- Students are asked to pay up to the first £5 per day of their travel to placement
- All travel costs to non-assessed placements
- Travel to/parking at settings hosting activities
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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