Primary Education 3-11 (with QTS with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Undergraduate

Start date
September 2026
Study mode
Full-time
Course length
4 years
UCAS Code
X30F
Education, Childhood and Professional Studies students in lecture theatre with academic

Primary Education 3-11 (with QTS with Foundation Year) BA (Hons)

Course overview

Discover how professional development supports inclusive practice and classroom confidence.

The BA (Hons) Primary Education 3–11 with Recommendation for QTS at Victoria University offers an inspiring and values-led route into the teaching profession. If you are passionate about supporting children’s development and helping every learner flourish, this course provides both the academic grounding and practical experience you need. You will explore how children learn across the primary age range, while developing essential skills in lesson planning, classroom management and inclusive teaching.

From your first day, you will be part of a university community that empowers you to grow, reflect and lead with integrity.

What does this course cover?
What does this course cover

You will study across the full primary curriculum, including core subjects such as English, Mathematics and Science, as well as foundation subjects. Key areas such as child development, safeguarding and professional standards are central to your learning. You will also explore SEND, the Early Years Framework and strategies for teaching diverse learners with confidence and care.

Learning extends beyond lectures. You’ll gain insight through school placements, immersive practice weeks and interactive workshops led by experienced educators. Personalised mentoring and academic guidance are embedded throughout, helping you to build your professional identity and teaching voice.

How will I be assessed?
How will I be assessed

Assessment on this course is designed to reflect the practical and professional demands of teaching, while supporting your development as an inclusive and adaptable educator. There are no exams on this programme. Instead, you will be assessed through a variety of methods, including written assignments, lesson planning tasks, presentations, portfolios and school-based observations. These approaches allow you to demonstrate your understanding, apply your learning in real-world contexts and receive constructive feedback to help you grow. The focus is on developing your confidence, critical thinking and professional judgement, ensuring you are well prepared to meet the Teachers’ Standards and succeed in your teaching career.

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Foundation Year at Victoria University

The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree at Victoria University. It offers a flexible route into higher education for students who may not meet standard entry requirements or who are returning to study after time away. Whether you are exploring a new direction or looking to strengthen your academic foundations, this additional year of study provides the structure, support and space to help you succeed.

You’ll apply through UCAS for your chosen degree with Foundation Year. Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression criteria, you’ll move into Year 1 of your undergraduate course.

Who is the Foundation Year for?

This route is designed for students who:

• Are returning to education after a break
• Do not currently hold the qualifications for direct entry onto a three-year degree
• Want to build confidence and academic skills before starting undergraduate study
• Are seeking a structured and supportive introduction to university life

You’ll be part of a learning community that recognises your potential and supports your development from the very beginning. The Foundation Year is not just a pathway into university. It is a purposeful and personalised start to your academic journey.

What will I study?

The Foundation Year focuses on helping you become a confident, reflective and independent learner. You’ll begin by exploring how you learn and identifying strategies that work for you. You’ll also engage with wider themes such as identity, inequality and the human experience in a digital world. These topics encourage critical thinking and personal insight, while connecting across subject areas.

You’ll develop core academic skills including writing, research, digital literacy and communication. These are taught through seminars, workshops, online activities and one-to-one support. The aim is not only to prepare you for your chosen subject, but to help you feel connected to your learning and to the university community.

‘For someone returning to education after a hiatus, this foundation (year) was essential in helping me regain my academic footing and feel prepared for the challenges ahead.’ – Alix Wyatt, Victoria University Alumna

What happens after the Foundation Year?

Once you’ve successfully completed the Foundation Year and met the progression requirements, you’ll begin Year 1 of your undergraduate degree. You’ll already be familiar with the university environment, your subject area and the expectations of academic study, giving you a strong foundation to build on.

Why study this course?

This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in children’s lives and want to pursue a meaningful and rewarding career in education. Whether you are just beginning your journey into teaching or returning to study with experience, the BA (Hons) Primary Education 3–11 with Recommendation for QTS offers a values-led and professionally grounded route into the classroom. It combines academic depth with practical experience, enabling you to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support all learners.

With a strong emphasis on inclusive practice, reflective teaching and real-world relevance, the course prepares you to thrive in a variety of educational settings and contribute positively to school communities.

‘Undertaking this programme will not only train you to become a competent and confident primary school teacher, but it will also train you to become a Victoria teacher. A Victoria teacher has the child at the centre of everything they say and do.

The programme will equip you with a deep understanding of how children develop and learn as well as providing you with a range of current and research-led pedagogy to use to provide the best possible education for the children you teach in your rewarding career in teaching.’ Steve Patrick B.Ed (Hons) M.Ed PGCHE FHEA), Undergraduate – Primary ITE Programme Lead

Explore the Foundations of Effective Teaching

Throughout the course, you will study the full primary curriculum, including English, Mathematics, Science and foundation subjects, alongside essential areas such as child development, safeguarding and professional standards. You will also engage with key educational frameworks, including the National Curriculum, the Early Years Foundation Stage and SEND guidance, developing strategies to support diverse learners with care and confidence.

In the second year of the undergraduate programme, trainees undertake a placement within Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or alternative provision. This experience broadens their understanding of inclusive practice and supports the development of skills for meeting diverse learner needs. It also provides valuable insight into specialist education pathways, helping trainees to explore potential future roles within SEND and alternative education contexts.

Practical experience is woven into your learning through school placements, ITAP weeks and interactive workshops that mirror the realities of classroom life. These opportunities help you to build your teaching toolkit, develop your professional identity and prepare for a wide range of roles in education.

Supportive and Personalised Learning

At Victoria University, you will be part of a close-knit and inclusive academic community that places your personal and professional development at the heart of everything we do. The course is delivered by experienced educators who are committed to supporting your growth as a reflective and confident practitioner.

With small group teaching, regular feedback and one-to-one mentoring, you will be encouraged to explore your strengths, overcome challenges and find your teaching voice. This supportive environment empowers you to take ownership of your learning and progress with clarity and purpose, whether you choose to work in mainstream, SEND or faith-based settings, or pursue further study or leadership roles.

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Entry requirements

Entry requirements, for UK home students, for September 2026 entry: 48 UCAS points.

Different degree pathway options available at the end of the foundation year may have different additional entry requirements.

If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.

Specific GCSE requirements:

• GCSE/IGCSE English language and maths grades 9-4/A*-C or equivalent
• GCSE/IGCSE science grade 9-4/A*-C or equivalent

Other English Language qualifications are also accepted. Please contact admissions for further information.

Non-Academic Requirements:

Success at Interview. The Admissions team will use the course entry requirements, as well as your personal statement, reference and any work experience information, to shortlist and invite successful candidates for interview. Candidates will be assessed at interview on their motivation and understanding of the role of a teacher. You will also be required to complete an end of year interview in order to progress onto year one.

Occupational Health Clearance. Candidates must receive a satisfactory occupational health clearance prior to commencing the course.

DBS Clearance. Candidates must receive a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring System check prior to commencing the course.

Fitness to Train to Teach Clearance. Candidates must receive a satisfactory Fitness to Train to Teach check prior to commencing the course.

Course fees

The tuition fee for academic year 2026/27 is: £5,760. Tuition fees for courses starting April to May 2026, fall within the 2025/26 academic cycle.

Additional costs

Developing Disciplinary Thinking 1
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module, delivered in whole or in part by subject-specific staff, will introduce students to the content and staff of their chosen degree subject. Students will explore the disciplinary conventions, core concepts and professional requirements of their degree. The themes under discussion will vary according to the degree the students are studying, but each degree group will enable students to gain familiarity with their chosen area of study and subject staff. In the tutor group, students will complete a capstone assessment designed by staff in their subject area.

Being Human in a Digital World
40 Credits (Compulsory)

This module is designed to facilitate students’ further critical engagement with the context and concepts to which they were introduced in semester one. Students will exploring ideas about childhood, life and old age in a digital world and have the opportunity for the continued development of core academic skills as well as providing opportunities for students to reflect on their progress. The module will include opportunities for students to engage with the online learning environment and develop information literacy skills.

Education and Society
40 Credits (Compulsory)

Students will explore big ideas around higher education, society and identity as they develop their academic skills and confidence. Students will be introduced to theory, examples of which include education theories, theories of learning, race theory, gender theory. Students will be introduced to the context and development of these concepts over time, and from literary and philosophic perspectives. The module will explicitly engage with digital literacy and will include opportunities for students to engage with the online learning environment and develop their digital skills.

Developing Disciplinary Thinking 2
20 Credits (Compulsory)

This module, delivered in whole or in part by subject-specific staff, will continue students’ introduction to the content and staff of their chosen degree subject. Students will explore the disciplinary conventions, core concepts and professional requirements of their degree. The themes under discussion will vary according to the degree the students are studying, but each degree group will enable students to gain familiarity with their chosen area of study and subject staff. In the tutor group, students will complete a capstone assessment designed by staff in their subject area.

Placement information

Placements are a central part of your development on this course, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in real classroom settings across the full primary age range, including 3 to 7, 5 to 11 and 7 to 11. Each year, you will undertake school placements that are carefully structured to build your confidence and competence over time.

You will be supported throughout by experienced school-based mentors and university tutors who offer personalised feedback and guidance. In addition to placements, undergraduate trainees take part in six Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks across the three years of study, with two ITAPs per year. These focus on key areas such as behaviour management, assessment for learning, SEND inclusion and phonics and early reading. These experiences are designed to deepen your understanding of effective teaching and prepare you for the realities of the profession.

What careers can I consider

Upon successful completion, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), confirmed by the Department for Education. Victoria graduates are highly regarded across the UK for their creativity, commitment and sense of purpose.

Whether you choose to teach in mainstream, SEND or faith-based settings, or pursue leadership or further study, you will be equipped to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. You’ll also join a dynamic network of educators who continue to support and inspire one another well beyond graduation.

Accreditations and exemptions

Upon successful completion of the course and demonstration of the Teachers’ Standards, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), confirmed by the Department for Education.

Victoria University is recognised by Ofsted as a GOOD provider of Initial Teacher Education (2024), reflecting the quality of its academic teaching and placement support. While the course does not offer exemptions from other professional bodies, it provides a strong foundation for continued professional development, including progression to postgraduate qualifications such as the MA Education. It also opens pathways into leadership roles and specialist areas within the education sector.

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