Undergraduate Teacher Training

Ready to inspire the next generation?

Our undergraduate teacher training degrees are designed for anyone starting their journey into teaching straight from sixth form, college, or a career change—no prior degree required. If you already have an undergraduate degree, you can explore our Postgraduate (PGCE) study options here.

Studying teacher training at undergraduate level means you can qualify as a teacher and gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in a single course, saving both time and tuition fees compared with studying a degree and PGCE separately. You’ll combine expert-led academic study with extensive school placements, building the knowledge, skills, and confidence to step into any classroom ready to inspire.

The University of Cumbria has a long history of teaching excellence. Our heritage stretches back to Charlotte Mason College (est. 1892) in Ambleside and the renowned St Martin’s College in Lancaster. We’ve trained over 10,000 teachers in the last decade alone, making us one of the largest providers of teaching training in the UK.

Apply today and become the next University of Cumbria graduate to secure a rewarding job from the No.1 University in the Northwest and Top 10 in the UK for Graduates into employment or further study within 15 months (97% of Graduates – Graduate Outcomes Survey, HESA 2025).

WHAT IS QTS?

Qualified Teacher Status, also referred to as QTS, is a legal requirement for teaching in schools that are funded by local authorities across England and Northern Ireland, and is widely regarded as a valuable qualification for teachers in the UK and internationally.

Accreditation for the award of QTS for September 2025 entry is through the University of Warwick. From September 2026, all students will receive both their professional QTS qualification and their academic qualification from the University of Cumbria.

Our Courses

BA (Hons) Primary Education: Inclusion with SEND (5-11 Years) with QTS

One of the only QTS courses in the UK with a recognised SEND specialism, this degree gives you the expertise to support children of all abilities. You will:

Spend at least 24 weeks on school placements for hands-on teaching experience.
Complete our unique Cumbria Teacher of Reading programme, with units that focus on teaching children to read with an emphasis on systematic synthetic phonics.
Gain CPD-recognised qualifications in Child Exploitation and Online Protection, plus Prevent and Child Sexual Protection training.

Primary Education: Inclusion with SEND

BA (Hons) Primary and Early Years Education (3-11 Years) with QTS

Train to teach across the full 3–11 age range, covering all National Curriculum subjects. You will:

Spend at least 24 weeks on school placements for real classroom experience.
Complete our unique Cumbria Teacher of Reading programme, with units that focus on teaching children to read with an emphasis on systematic synthetic phonics.
Gain CPD-recognised qualifications in Child Exploitation and Online Protection, plus Prevent and Child Sexual Protection training.

Primary and Early Years Education

BA (Hons) Sport, Coaching and PE

This Chartered Institute for the Management of Sport and Physical Activity (CIMPSA) accredited course ensures you develop the knowledge, skills and practical experience to start your dream career in sport coaching, teaching, performance analysis, event management and more. You will:

Complete around 50 hours of work experience in schools, clubs, or community groups.
Gain a CIMPSA-endorsed Coach Award.
Option to achieve a Level 2 Certificate in Coaching Multi-Skills Development in Sport and the FA Secondary Teachers Award.

Sport, Coaching and PE

Student teachers in a classroom Banner Image

WHY TRAIN TO TEACH?

COMPETITIVE SALARY

Once you qualify, you’ll enter a profession with a competitive starting salary and clear opportunities for pay progression. Teaching offers structured pay scales and secure career development, giving you a rewarding future.

A CAREER FOR THE FUTURE

Teaching is a profession that will always be needed. Skilled, passionate teachers are in demand across the country, offering long-term stability and the reassurance that your role will always matter.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Few careers offer the chance to have such a lasting impact. As a teacher, you’ll inspire young people, support them to overcome challenges, and help them reach their potential every single day.

TEACH ANYWHERE

A teaching qualification from the University of Cumbria is recognised across the UK and valued by schools around the world. Whether you want to teach locally or explore opportunities abroad, your skills and qualification can take you there.

HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS

I cannot recommend getting into teaching enough! It is a brilliant course with lots of support from tutors. The placement experiences are amazing and allow you to gain an insight of what teaching is all about. The assignment work can seem overwhelming at times, but it is all manageable and there is lots of support available. It is a very fun and engaging course which is not always just sitting listening to lectures in a classroom. It is a very hands-on course which involves lots of fun and engaging activities. Outside learning also takes place quite frequently. The tutors try to create lectures which would be very much like how you would teach in a primary school. This involves lots of group discussions, lots of creating fun and exciting things like hand puppets in design and technology, making dens in early years and creating lots of mathematical resources in maths.

Kerry Burns

Primary and Early Years Education (3-11) with QTS

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I chose the University of Cumbria because of how they approach teaching. On an open day I attended, they already changed my perception of the role of the teachers and the different ways that children can struggle with learning. The passion the lecturers had about their subjects was great to see, and I knew that this is where I wanted to learn.

Daniel Fullalove

BA (Hons) Primary and Early Years Education (3-11) with QTS

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When I was considering what university to attend, it was really important to me to find the right balance between an excellent academical degree and the right environment to study. The University of Cumbria offered an excellent academic degree, providing me with qualified teacher status that would enable me to launch straight into my career afterwards. Additionally, it gave me access to the Lake District, Cumbria, and even Scotland. It offered a really nice mix of university life with that rural twist that I was really excited about.

Becca Fry

Primary Education (5-11): Inclusion with SEND with QTS

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One of the reasons why I love my course is the practical experience it offers. Specifically, the in-class placements have been a fantastic opportunity for me to gain real-world experience within a classroom setting. It's been an incredible experience to put into practice what I've learned in class and see how it translates into the real world. Additionally, the best part of these placements has been the chance to connect with my peers and share our experiences. It's been fulfilling to exchange stories and insights with the friends I've made at university while learning from each other's experiences. Overall, I feel that the combination of practical experience and peer support has made my course an enriching and rewarding experience.

Tia Emmens

Primary Education: Inclusion with SEND with QTS (5-11)

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the University of Cumbria's undergraduate teacher training provision unique?

What are the entry requirements for undergraduate teacher training?

Requirements vary by course, but typically you’ll need:

GCSEs at grade C/4 or above in English, Mathematics, and Science
Level 3 qualifications (A levels, BTECs, or equivalent)

Some courses also require an interview and DBS and/or medical checks. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including those with relevant work or volunteering experience. Please see our course pages for more detailed information on entry requirements for specific programmes.