BA (Hons) - Primary and Early Years Education (3-11 years) with QTS
Ready to impact young learners' lives and inspire the next generation? This comprehensive and forward-thinking programme is designed for individuals passionate about shaping the development and education journey of children aged 3-11. Upon completion, you will be equipped to be a dynamic, skilled educator, proficient in teaching all National Curriculum subjects for this age group.
This programme, has been structured to blend a rich mix of academic theory with the necessary practical, training and experience to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). With this qualification, you can immediately pursue teaching roles, ready to positively impact the lives of children.
During the programme, you will gain hands-on teaching experience with 24 weeks of school-based placements, which offer real-world classroom exposure and skill development. Unique experiential placements extend learning beyond traditional environments, ensuring a well-rounded educational experience, while assessments support you in developing your own areas of interest, allowing you to pursue your educational passions.
Our programme is taught in intimate groups, which means you'll learn in a more personalised setting with support from tutors who have extensive experience; our ambitious curriculum was co-produced with school colleagues. Where possible we offer educational visits to enrich students’ experience and understanding of experiential learning and to demonstrate how the curriculum can be planned and delivered in other settings such as outdoors, museums, galleries…
Challenging disadvantage has been embedded as a 'golden thread' through everything we do. This was recognised and praised by Ofsted. We will help to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of your part in challenging disadvantage for the children you teach and the school communities you work in.
- From September 2026, all students will receive both their professional QTS qualification and their academic qualification from the University of Cumbria.
OFSTED Rated 'Good' 2023:
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Department for Education
Course Overview
Our Primary and Early Years Education programme will give you the training and confidence to thrive as a passionate and effective teacher. With Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) built into the degree, you’ll be eligible to apply for teaching positions as soon as you graduate.
You’ll study how children engage with the curriculum and explore key areas of school practice through focused modules. This will help you build strong knowledge, understanding and pedagogy, enabling you to make a meaningful impact on young children’s lives.
You will study bespoke Early Years modules in first and second year and have the opportunity to complete your third year small scale research project through an early years focus.
In second year, you will study a PSHE module; though not a statutory subject (like Maths, Geography, Languages) we believe it is vital to children's holistic education and as such see its importance as part of your training.
Learning takes place across a variety of settings, including 24 weeks on school-based placements. You’ll also have the chance to work with local children in our on-campus facilities, including our dedicated Early Years outdoor classroom.
Our supportive tutors bring a wealth of classroom experience to your studies and maintain strong partnerships with local teaching schools. Optional international trips provide additional opportunities to broaden your planning and teaching skills.
On this course you will...
- Achieve Qualified Teacher Status upon completion.
- Spend at least 24 weeks working with children in school-based placements, both locally and farther afield.
- Train to teach children aged 3-11 years, a uniquely broad catchment that gives you a wealth of diverse experience.
- Be taught in small groups with lots of opportunities to collaborate with your peers and tutors.
- Boost your employability in the education sector by studying an enhancement theme.
What our students & graduates say
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![Libby Niccolls]()
I 100% recommend doing a teacher training course at the University of Cumbria if this is something that you are interested in. It is an amazing experience and allows you to become a brilliant teacher, as the tutors provide the best quality of teaching and support.
Libby Niccolls
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![Imran Khan]()
Studying at the University of Cumbria shaped my life and my career and I enjoyed every moment of it!
Imran Khan
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![Kerry Burns]()
The University of Cumbria offers a good blend of brilliant academics while also recognising that you need to have fun and be creative as a teacher. I highly recommend studying teaching at the University of Cumbria for all these reasons.
Kerry Burns
Related Courses
BA (Hons) - Primary and Early Years Education (3-11) with QTS
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