If you already know you’d like to become a primary teacher, this course is an excellent choice. It combines a highly regarded honours degree with the recommendation of the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) – so you’ll be able to go straight into your first teaching position when you graduate.
This course enjoys a strong reputation locally, nationally and internationally. Supported by a large partnership of quality assured primary, infant, junior, middle and special schools, you will undertake school-based as well as university-based training as stipulated by the National College (NCTL).
Our BEd (Hons) Primary Education with QTS degree aims to:
- Develop outstanding teachers within the primary age phase who are resilient, critical, and reflective classroom practitioners, and who have the confidence to challenge policy, practice and ways of teaching
- Equip you with advanced teaching and academic skills to support professional and transformative practice that is inclusive and sensitive to the learning needs of children to ensure good outcomes for all
- Foster an inquiry based approach to the understanding of methods of teaching, subject knowledge and skills
- Develop an understanding of inspirational and innovative classroom practice to motivate, challenge and empower learners
- Establish your personal and professional philosophy of education which will underpin practice
- Harness knowledge, skills and understanding to effectively lead, manage and work collaboratively with other professionals, agencies and the wider community to ensure the wellbeing and holistic development of all learners
Exciting and varied placements
We’re passionate about making sure you’re ready for your new career in teaching. 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 that you can appreciate and respond to the diverse needs of children.
We have a dedicated Placement Unit who will help you find the right opportunities and settings, drawing on our partnerships with around 400 schools across the region.
To enhance your placement experience, you’ll have access to an array of classroom resources made available through Derby Library Services for a small fee per item. Our students have enriched their teaching by borrowing everything from story boxes to a full suit of armour and a Chinese dragon.
A degree tailored to your interests
There are opportunities to personalise your degree to reflect your professional interests and career ambitions. At the start of your studies, you’ll gain a broad foundation of knowledge so that you can make more informed choices about the kind of teacher you want to become.
As the course progresses, you can then select curriculum enhancement pathways – possible choices may include English, Mathematics, Science and Computing, Humanities, SEND, Physical Activity and Creative Arts – and enjoy placements in alternative educational settings. In addition, you will conduct an Independent Study where you can research an area of your own interest in depth.
Partners for Progress
A new pathway for students interested in this course starting in 2019.
As one of the most experienced providers of teacher training in the UK we are working with the Department for Education to increase the number of trainee teachers with the specialist skills needed to work in challenging/vulnerable schools in the Midlands.
We are looking for students who are up for the challenge, people who are motivated to teach and to transform the life chances of all young people, regardless of their background.
Students who are not afraid of pushing boundaries, trying new things and driving change to have a positive impact on the lives of children – does this sound like you? If so we’d love to hear from you. Just complete the expression of interest form below and we’ll get in touch with you to tell you more.
A unique opportunity
From our experience, more challenging can also be more rewarding. Your skills will be in great demand and the classroom experience you’ll receive will give you the confidence and experience that other newly qualified teachers won’t have.
During your course you will follow the same modules and activities as other students on this course but you will get additional mentoring and support in placements in challenging schools.
You will receive:
- Additional financial support to help cover travel expenses to your placement school
- Additional support post qualification through CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- An additional certificate on graduating
Places on the Partners for Progress pathway are limited so the earlier you express an interest the better.
Express your interest here
Experiences to inspire you
We provide you with rich and varied learning experiences beyond the classroom. Our students have undertaken fieldtrips to places as diverse as multi-faith centres, Elvaston Castle and the Thornton’s factory, for example. There may even be the opportunity for overseas school visits.
Social justice lies at the heart of our course and all our students are 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, charities, museums and galleries.
You can also contribute to our annual Charity Week, coming up with imaginative ways to raise money for good causes.
A vibrant community
We pride ourselves on offering a friendly, welcoming learning environment where you will receive plenty of encouragement and guidance. The course attracts students from all ages and backgrounds, which makes for a dynamic and lively atmosphere.
Our tutors are approachable, dedicated and passionate about their subjects. You’ll be taught by influential researchers and published authors whose work is helping to shape the future of the teaching profession. You’ll also hear from visiting specialists who deliver thought-provoking guest lectures.
FAQs
If you have any questions, please see our FAQs page or feel free to get in touch.
You will study modules such as:
Stage one
- Professional Practice 1
- Child Development
- Mathematics and English: Starting Points for Learning and Teaching
- Science and Computing: Starting Points for Learning and Teaching
- Wider Curriculum: Starting Points for Learning and Teaching
- Keeping Safe
- Educational Theory, Policy and Practice
Stage two
- Professional Practice 2
- Mathematics and English: Progressing Learning and Teaching
- Science and Computing: Progressing Learning and Teaching
- Wider Curriculum: Progressing Learning and Teaching
- Diversity Matters
- Educational Settings
- Research Methods for Teacher Inquiry
Stage three
- Professional practice 3
- Curriculum Enhancement*
- English, Mathematics and Science: Enhancement of Learning and Teaching
- Professional Accountability
- Educational Inquiry
- Optional module – choose from:
- Conditions for Learning
- Inclusion: Making a Difference
- Curriculum Design
Possible choices for Curriculum Enhancement may include Creative Arts, English, Mathematics, Science and Computing, SEND, Primary Foreign Languages, Physical Activity and Humanities.
You’ll learn through lectures, workshops, seminars, tutorials, guest speakers, and creative partners in our primary education facilities. Your studies will consist of both university-based and school-based education. School placements are a vital part of your development, and you’ll also have the opportunity to broaden your experiences through museum visits, overseas school visits, and visits to special educational needs settings, early years and Key Stage 3 settings.
Work placements
During the course, you'll spend approximately 26 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. You will also complete a placement in a special educational needs setting to help build your skills when working with diverse groups.
How you're assessed
There are no exams, so you’ll be assessed through essays, personal reflections, presentations, posters, reports, tests, and audits. There is an assessed school placement every year.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 120 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | Five GCSEs at Grade C (or Grade 4) or above, including Maths, English Language and a Science (there are currently a range of equivalences which can be accepted. Please contact our Admissions team if you need clarification). |
| IELTS | 7.0 (with 6.5 in each skills area) |
| Interview / Audition | Yes - see interview details |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications
- BTEC - DDM
- Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
Only 24 points will be taken from A-level General Studies if this is used as the third A-level qualification. QTS Maths and English Skills Tests are needed. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Additional requirements
You must have successfully completed the National College for Teaching and Leadership’s Skills Tests in literacy and numeracy before 1 August 2019 in order to secure a place on the course for September 2019 entry. You must have registered for the tests before we can interview you. We offer Skills Test preparation days to help you to gain the knowledge to successfully complete the tests.
A Prohibition List check will automaticially be carried our after we have received a Firm acceptance of an offer.
An Occupational Health Assessment and Clearance by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this when required.
An Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service certificate cleared by the University is required for this course. We will contact you with information on how to complete this once you have applied. More information.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
Our newly qualified teachers are highly regarded within the education sector and our employability statistics speak for themselves. For the last three years, 100% of our Primary Education graduates have progressed to work or further study within six months of completing the course. Many 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.
Download programme specification
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, state-of-the-art 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.
Included in your fees
- Print credit for 200 black and white copies on a pro-rata basis dependent on student status i.e. whether full-time/part-time students; this is reviewed annually
- Interview preparation/ supporting job applications - Local Head teachers and the unions
- BEd/Med U Stage 1 – Level 2 Safeguarding qualification
- In to Film - Film and technology sessions
- £100 book voucher provided centrally by the University
- Initial DBS check
- BEd students have a range of placement opportunities with a trained mentor and School Link Tutor
- BEd 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
- Year 4 curriculum placement for those completing the MEdu – 4-6 week placement
- Reimbursement of travel costs, for all assessed placements, over the first £5, per day, of travel to placement
- Range of activities planned off site dependent on modules being studied e.g. Forest School input, visit to local faith centre
- Range of in class visiting/expert speakers to enhance module content e.g. Homophobic bullying input; Traveller children session; Resilience and Self-efficacy; Children’s book illustrator; PREVENT training
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 who are not in receipt of a bursary are asked to pay up to the first £5 per day of their travel to placement.
- All travel costs to and from placement for those students in receipt of a bursary
- Travel costs up to the first £5 per day for students not in receipt of a bursary for assessed placements • All travel costs to non-assessed placements
- Travel to/parking at settings hosting activities
Optional costs not included in your fees
- NQT module forming part of MA. Students receive a 10% discount
- Students may choose to participate in a range of optional activities/courses organised by the programme team e.g. Introduction to British Sign Language Course, approx. cost £20
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.
