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BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies

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Introduction

Hear from Deputy Head of Education Hannah Durham

Studying Primary Education Studies at ARU

If you’re passionate about educating the next generation and helping children reach their potential, this course will develop your understanding of primary education, and give you the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively in a range of settings.

Times Higher Education (THE) Awards 2023 logo

Study at an award-winning university

We're the Times Higher Education (THE) University of the Year. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.

If you’re looking for a career working with children aged 3-12 and their families, or you already work in education but want to learn more and progress your career, our BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies will give you a thorough understanding of classroom management, lesson planning, National Curriculum subjects, and the three Key Stages in primary education, as well as an insight into special educational needs provision.

You needn’t be limited to primary school teaching, though. You might have your sights set on a career in the wider education sector, cultural institutions and NGOs, or related fields such as health and social work. On this degree course you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to work collaboratively in a range of settings.

Our Education courses ranked 7th in the UK in the Guardian University Guide 2024.

Course options

Course options

Key facts

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Paying for University

Facilities and accreditation

Practical experience

We know that learning doesn’t just happen in the classroom. As a Primary Education Studies student at ARU you:

  • benefit from our network of primary schools
  • have a chance to observe teaching in primary schools
  • make connections between theory and practice by being actively encouraged to spend time in schools within our networks
  • create lesson plans and activities for children.

Take a guided tour and meet our students.

Outstanding support

Join our education community and:

  • study at a university that's ranked sixth in the country for Education in the Guardian League Table 2023
  • learn from primary school teachers and leaders with a wealth of experience
  • work with research-active lecturers who’ll support you carry out your own research in an area of interest
  • make use of learning facilities including extensive library and IT resources
  • access support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.

Postgraduate preparation

Our course prepares you for postgraduate initial teacher training. After you graduate, we can help you find a teacher training place with our partners in Essex and Cambridgeshire.

Careers

Our BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies is the first step on your career path to working with primary-aged children and their families.

If you’re interested in teaching, our degree will prepare you for postgraduate initial teacher training programmes. We work with local ITT providers who actively recruit our students to School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITTs), so you’ll be well prepared for interviews throughout your degree.

You might also want to continue on to a Masters course, such as one of our MA Education degrees, which include options to specialise in leadership and management, SEND, and Montessori settings, or our PGCE. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship to get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.

Apply now for BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies

Vibrant campuses

Choose where you study: we offer this degree course in the heart of Cambridge, Chelmsford or Peterborough.

Explore our campuses

Want to talk to someone?

Do you have a question that we haven't answered so far? Talk to our application experts. You can also ask our Student Ambassadors about life at ARU.

We're here Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm (please note we close at 3.30pm on the first and third Thursday of the month for staff training), and Friday 9am-4.30pm.

Foundation year available

This course offers a foundation year – an extra year of study to help you prepare for university, and build your knowledge and skills.

More about foundation years

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