Primary Education with QTS
X120At our Ofsted 'Outstanding' Institute of Education here at Winchester, we know how important it is that teachers are autonomous, innovative, critical and reflective practitioners. Our intent is to develop outstanding teachers with the knowledge, skills and confidence to respond to the reality of the classroom and enable all children to grow and learn.
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Course overview
Our BA Primary Education with QTS is a dynamic 3-year undergraduate Initial Teacher Education degree. The programme's first year provides a secure basis for practice across the full primary curriculum and the 3-11 age phase. In the second and third years of the programme, you will focus on the 5-11 age phase. Our modules give you the opportunity to learn the full breadth of the national curriculum, with an in-depth focus on a specific subject, AEN or Early Years. Modules also cover topics such as leadership and the critical exploration of AI as a teaching and learning tool to ensure you are equipped to succeed in schools in the future.
Top 15 in the UK for graduate prospects (Education subject rankings, Complete University Guide 2025) (CUG,2024)
Our programme effectively blends theory and practice, providing you with the knowledge, understanding and skills for your future teaching career. You will develop a strong understanding of important, pertinent research and consider critically important pedagogical theories. Your work on campus is enhanced and developed through a series of school placements and Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks, where you will develop a reflective approach to your practice and the ability to work flexibly, responsively, and effectively in the classroom. Your professional placements will typically take place across different schools and key stages so you benefit from a breadth of experience.
Our course provides the opportunity to learn to teach in a stimulating and supportive environment from tutors with extensive expertise and experience. We are also proud of our extensive range of resources available to students. You leave the programme as an outstanding teacher with the skills, knowledge and motivation to empower and educate others.
Consistently rated Ofsted Outstanding since 2005. Rated Outstanding in all areas in our 2024 inspection.
What you need to know
Course start date
September
Location
Winchester campus
Course length
- 3 years full-time
Apply
X120
Typical offer
112-120 points
Fees
From £9,250 pa
Course features
- Become an outstanding teacher on an Ofsted-rated 'Outstanding' programme
- We embed teacher identity development throughout the course
- Learn about all national curriculum subjects, AEN, early years and professional practice through practical, interactive and informative seminars to understand how to teach 3 -11 year olds
- Benefit from our extensive partnerships with over 400 schools as you gain excellent experiences and develop as a skilled practitioner through three teaching placements
- Enrich and enhance your teaching expertise by focusing in depth on a national curriculum subject, AEN or Early Years
- Learn with our experienced team of research-informed expert tutors who are innovators and leaders in their fields, with a passion for their subjects and a deep understanding of pedagogy
- Benefit from an expert Professional Development Tutor who monitors and supports your journey as a practitioner from start to finish
- Assignments are designed to develop your skills as a teacher, therefore there are no written exams
Course details
Work placements
Students undertake a range of self-directed work. There are opportunities for work experience placements abroad; previous students have worked across Europe and in Africa, India, USA, China, Japan and Thailand.
Learning and teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc., you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 228 hours
Independent learning: 972 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours
Independent learning: 960 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 156 hours
Independent learning: 612 hours
Placement: 432 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
The BA (hons) primary Education (with QTS) course has both academic and professional requirements. Although the majority of placement hours are reflected in the block placement modules, many curriculum and specialist modules also have opportunities for students to spend time in local schools; this ensures that students have an opportunity to make connections between theory and practice.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) for the purpose of delivering initial teacher training programmes to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Teaching Placements
We work closely with over 400 schools in the region, from large urban schools to small village schools serving diverse communities. Working closely with our school partners helps ensure what you learn is informed by the latest research and current practice. Our extensive network of schools provides you with a variety of school experiences where you will apply what you have learned on campus, deepen your understanding of critical theories and refine your practice. Teachers and Senior Leaders from our Partnership schools contribute to the programme, from recruitment to preparation to be Early Career Teachers, to ensure the University supports ongoing teacher development.
The course provides the opportunity to learn to teach in a stimulating and supportive environment from tutors with extensive expertise and experience. You leave the programme as a high-quality postgraduate teacher with the skills, knowledge and motivation to empower and educate others.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes.
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
62% coursework
0% written exams
38% practical assessment
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
75% coursework
0% written exams
125% practical assessment
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
50% coursework
0% written exams
50% practical assessment
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes for the programme.
Modules
Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing. The University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed. For further information please refer to winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions
Modules
This module introduces students to the what it means to be a teacher, their responsibilities, and their critical role in developing children’s knowledge and understanding of the world. Students will develop a sound knowledge of the statutory frameworks and policies they will work within and the theoretical principles underpinning professional practice. Students will learn core tenets of practice, such as explaining and modelling, which will inform and support their learning across all curriculum subjects and Professional Placement 1. Within this module, students will begin developing their identity as a teacher and understand what it means to be a teacher. Students will examine key aspects of pedagogy through engaging in Intensive Training and Practice weeks, supported by academic tutors and expert colleagues.
This module introduces students to the core curriculum subjects of English, mathematics, and science. It will explore national curriculum expectations, key concepts and big ideas which underpin them and the pedagogical principles that should be applied when teaching them
This module introduces students to the foundation subjects. It will explore national curriculum expectations, key concepts and big ideas which underpin them and the pedagogical principles that should be applied when teaching them.
This module introduces students to key theories relating to early child development and creating inclusive classroom environments. It considers what teachers need to know and understand to teach children across the 3 to 11 age range. Based on seminal and contemporary research and theory, the module will enable students to understand how their understanding of children's developmental stage informs how they teach and the pedagogical decisions they will make
Whilst on school-based professional placement, and guided and supported by a teacher mentor, students will first become familiar with the class and school policies before planning for and teaching group and whole class lessons focusing on explaining and modelling and establishing positive learning environments. Students will engage in continual reflective practice, collecting evidence and evaluating and recording their personal and professional progress. Students will engage in ITAP sequences as part of this professional placement.
This module enables students to enrich and develop their professional knowledge by examining teaching in a new context or broadening their understanding of effective teaching approaches.
Module foci may include:
Being an anti-racist educator
Developing a classroom of sanctuary
Philosophy for Children
Creative approaches to sustainability
*Subjects to staff and timetabling availability
Modules
Building on pedagogical ideas learned in Year 1 this module strengthens students’ knowledge of planning, adaptive teaching and assessing learning of the whole class and specific groups of learners. Knowledge and understanding acquired within this module will be applied and deepened during Professional Placement 2. Within this module, students will further examine and express their identity as a teacher and understand some of the broader duties of a teacher. Students will explore further key aspects of pedagogy through engaging in Intensive Training and Practice weeks, supported by academic tutors and expert colleagues.
This module broadens and deepens students' knowledge of the core curriculum subjects of English, mathematics, and science. Students will develop their understanding of the specialist knowledge teachers’ need and of effective subject specific pedagogies.
This module broadens and deepens students' knowledge of the foundation subjects. Students will develop their understanding of the specialist knowledge teachers’ need and of effective subject specific pedagogies.
This module builds upon students’ knowledge and understanding of child development to consider specific learning barriers of children with SEND and EAL. Through examining and evaluating research and theory, students are taught to understand how to adapt and modify their teaching to make the primary classroom inclusive, and the importance of doing so.
Whilst on school-based professional placement, students will be guided and supported by a teacher mentor. Students plan for series of lessons across a range of subjects, applying principles of adaptive teaching and formative assessment. Students will engage in continual reflective practice, collecting evidence and evaluating and recording their personal and professional progress. Students will engage in ITAP sequences as part of this professional placement.
In Year 2, students will enhance and deepen their knowledge of a particular national curriculum subject, or Early Years, or Additional Educational Needs*. This first of two modules will consider curricular, or discipline-specific approaches and pedagogies in depth.
*Subjects to staff and timetabling availability
Modules
Drawing on the skills and understanding students have developed across Years 1 and 2 of the programme, students deepen their understanding of the societal and policy contexts in which they will work, as well as summative assessment of children and working with other adults. They will critically examine their pedagogical practice against theory and research and use this learning to develop and enhance their knowledge of teaching in preparation for Professional Placement 3.
This module will enable students to deepen their subject-knowledge understanding of the core curriculum subjects of English, mathematics, and science and curriculum design. Students will also examine contemporary policies and debates relating to the core subjects and consider the implications of policy and research on their practice.
This module will enable students to deepen their subject-knowledge understanding of foundation subjects and curriculum design. Students will also examine contemporary policies and debates relating to the core subjects and consider the implications of policy and research on their practice.
This module prepares students for their final professional placement and career by considering more broadly child development, strategies for overcoming barriers to learning and the challenges faced by many children in contemporary society.
Whilst on school-based professional placement, students will be guided and supported by a teacher mentor. Students plan series of lessons across a range of subjects, applying principles of adaptive teaching and undertaking summative assessment to monitor progress over time. Students will progress to taking full responsibility for planning, teaching and assessing pupil progress for the majority of the placement. Students will engage in continual reflective practice, collecting evidence and evaluating and recording their personal and professional progress.
In Year 3, students will build upon the key ideas explored in Year 2 *. Students will develop their understanding of key pedagogies and key principles and recognise how they can be a research and practise informed champions for best practice.
*Subject to staff and timetabling availability
Entry requirements
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: BBC-BBB from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations (e.g. BBB is comparable to ABC in terms of tariff points)
- BTEC/CTEC: DMM from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 2 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
- T Level: Merit in a T Level
Additionally, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
GCSE English Language, Mathematics and a science at grade C or 4 or above. If you have taken a combined Science GCSE, a minimum grade of 4-3 is required. Functional Skills, Key Skills, Adult Numeracy and Adult Literacy qualifications are not accepted by the University as GCSE equivalents for this course. If you do not hold GCSE qualifications, please contact us to confirm that we are able to accept the qualification you hold
You will need to provide original certificates to the University. If you only hold a ‘statement of provisional results’ and do not hold original certificates, please contact the relevant awarding body to obtain a ‘certified statement of results’ as soon as possible. Further information about obtaining a replacement exam certificate is available here: https://www.gov.uk/replacement-exam-certificate.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
We will look for evidence of a commitment to the teaching profession, an understanding of professional requirements, and an awareness of current educational issues in an application. Prior experience in a school is not required, however prospective students may find experience in a school useful for obtaining insights into the primary education classroom. Experience in a school or similar setting may also provide reassurance to prospective students that teaching is the right choice for their career.
We will also look for you demonstrate competency in Fundamental skills in English and Mathematics during the selection process.
If you meet all of the above criteria or are expecting to meet the criteria prior to the course start date, you have a strong chance of being invited to interview.
Additional Requirements
If you are offered a place after attending an interview you will need to meet the following additional requirements. The University will send you more information about when and how you need to complete each of these tasks if you accept our offer.
- Obtain enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check after accepting an offer. Please note, the cost of the clearance check is covered by the applicant.
- If you have spent over 6 months outside the UK in the last 5 years you will be required to obtain criminal records checks from each of the countries you lived in for over 6 months continuously. Further information about obtaining a criminal records check from outside the UK is available on the gov.uk website. Please note, obtaining criminal records checks from other countries can take a long time.
- You will also be required to complete an occupational health check to confirm that you are fit to teach.
- All applicants are also subject to checks against the Secretary of State’s teacher Prohibition Orders
Childcare Disqualification
Student teachers who are enrolled on an initial teacher education programme at the University, including school-led programmes, which involve placement in a primary school or setting in its later years provision and/or early years provision (nursery and reception classes) need to be aware of the following requirements: Childcare Disqualification.
GET IN TOUCH
If you have any questions about the course or studying at Winchester, please get in touch using our Ask a Question form and we will get back to you shortly.
If you have completed your qualifications outside the UK, the Department for Education (DfE) are able to help you obtain a UK National Academic Recognition Information Centre (NARIC) statement of comparability for free. For further information, please visit the get into teaching website.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 7.0 overall with a minimum of 7.0 in all four components
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT
If you have spent over 6 months outside the UK in the last 5 years you will be required to obtain criminal records checks from each of the countries you lived in for over 6 months continuously. Further information about obtaining a criminal records check from outside the UK is available on the gov.uk website. Please note, obtaining criminal records checks from other countries can take a long time.
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by contacting our International Recruitment Team via our International Apply Pages.
Additional costs
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
Disclosure and Barring Service
All students who accept an offer for this course are required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check. Please note, the cost of the check is £49.50 and covering the cost is the responsibility of the student.
In addition to the check, all students are strongly encouraged to sign up to use the DBS Update Service [https://www.gov.uk/dbs-update-service] for the duration of their course. Students who fail to sign up to the Update Service may be required to complete and pay for an additional check during their course which may affect their ability to engage successfully with placements.
Scholarships, bursaries and awards
We have a variety of scholarships and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
SCHOLARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarships and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
CAREER PROSPECTS
Winchester Primary Education graduates have a high employment rate and are well respected in the region and beyond. A programme of preparation for applying for teaching posts is held annually for students in their final year. Most students take up a position in teaching although, occasionally, graduates pursue other careers using the range of transferable skills gained during study.
Partnership teachers contribute to the programme from recruitment to preparation for the Early Career Teacher year to ensure the University appropriately supports ongoing teacher development. Many local Headteachers and Deputy Headteachers are Winchester graduates.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduate employability and further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
OUR CAREERS SERVICE
"I want to be remembered as that one teacher that stood out and supported them the most and just made them fall in love with education."
