Primary and Early Years Education (3-11) with QTS (Interviews) | University of Cumbria

Introduction

Congratulations on securing an interview. On this page, you'll find everything you need to know about our interview process.



Interview schedule

You will have received an email with your interview date, time and location. 


It is very important that you confirm that you are able to attend on this date. If you cannot attend, we might be able to offer the opportunity to another candidate. Due to demand for places, we cannot guarantee to offer an alternative date. 


Your interview will take place via Microsoft Teams and you will have received an email with an invitation for interview. We will start with a welcome to the interview process with a member of our course team. Please note that you are expected to attend the group introduction. We will be unable to interview you on the day if you do not attend. You will also have an individual interview and will be sent a separate link and time for this element of the day. 


Please log into Microsoft Teams at least 5 minutes prior to your interview (to make sure that you give yourself time to sort any problems you may have joining) using the link in your email. The interviewing tutor will join you there at the time of your interview.


If you would prefer an on-campus interview, please contact us to request this.



Location

Location guidance

Your interview will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams.


If you have requested an in-person interview you will be informed of the location. Please observe the arrival time and room detailed. Staff will be available 5 minutes prior to your stated time and location. If you arrive earlier than this, there are a number of catering outlets on campus serving drinks and hot and cold snacks should you need somewhere to wait before attending your interview.



PRE-INTERVIEW CHECKS

Identification


All teacher training applicants must show evidence of their identity to interview.



  • Please ensure that you have a photographic form of ID (such as a passport) ready to show to the interviewer during your individual interview. Please note that we will not be able to proceed with your interview if you do not provide photographic ID.

  • A pen and paper

  • A watch to monitor the time during activities

  • Any supporting evidence that you’d like to share with your interviewers



What you need to prepare

At interview we’re looking for enthusiastic, well prepared and high quality candidates and we want to see you at your best. To help you prepare and conquer those nerves, please use the below advice and guidance.


Course Welcome Talk


Please ensure that you watch the Welcome Talk Video before you attend your interview.



 


Resource Presentation


This task is designed to evaluate your creativity, timekeeping and ability to remain calm and enthusiastic. Please bring an interesting resource that could be used in the classroom to support learning.


You will have 2 minutes to explain:



  • Why you choose the resource

  • Your chosen age range

  • How your resource could be used to engage children and support learning


You can be as creative as you like with the resource but we do ask that it doesn’t take too much time to set up, does not require water and/or electricity and is easily transportable.


Following your explanation, the other candidates in your group will be encouraged to discuss the resource with you so be prepared to answer further questions. Perhaps you could prepare for this by anticipating the kinds of questions they might ask.


Individual Interview


You will have a 10 – 15 minute interview with a member of academic staff or a teacher from a University of Cumbria partnership school. To prepare for your interview, consider the following:



  • Why you want to be a teacher

  • Why you have chosen to apply to the University of Cumbria

  • What you have gained from your in-school experience

  • The importance of a teacher’s role

  • Your strengths, skills and interests and how these will help you develop into an excellent teacher

  • Current issues in Primary education



© University of Cumbria 2021
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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.

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OFSTED Rated 'Good' 2023:

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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.
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What our students & graduates say

  • 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

    Libby Niccolls
  • Imran Khan

    Studying at the University of Cumbria shaped my life and my career and I enjoyed every moment of it!

    Imran Khan

    Read Imran's Story
  • 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

    Read Kerry's Story

Related Courses

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

Course Structure

What you will learn

During this course, you'll explore how children between the ages of 3 and 11 learn. You'll explore the curriculum, specialisms and pedagogy, so you can make a positive contribution to young children's lives by delivering engaging lessons and life-changing support.

Modules

This course is structured to equip you to become an inspiring and dynamic teacher, delivering modules that lead you through curriculum teaching, key theoretical work and placement work.

Year one
  • Beginning Inclusive Teaching and Learning
  • Beginning Intensive Training and Practice
  • Beginning Mathematics
  • Beginning English: Oral Communication and Reading
  • Beginning Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Subjects 1
    Science, Art, Music, Computing, PE
  • Beginning Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Subjects 2
    History, Geography, RE, MFL, DT
  • Beginning to understand teaching and learning in the Early Years
  • The Cumbria Teaching of Reading (Phonics and Early Reading)- Beginning
  • Beginning Professional Practice (Towards QTS)
Year two
  • Developing Inclusive Teaching and Learning
  • Developing Intensive Training and Practice
  • Developing Mathematics
  • Developing English (Writing)
  • Developing Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Subjects
    (Science, Art, Music, Computing, PE)
  • Developing Foundation Subjects Teaching and Learning 2
    (History, Geography, RE, MFL, DT)
  • PSHE Education
  • Developing understanding of teaching and learning in the Early Years
  • The Cumbria Teacher of Reading (Phonics and Early Years)- Developing
  • Developing Professional Practice (Towards QTS)
Year three
  • Extending Inclusive Teaching and Learning
  • Extending Intensive Teaching and Practice
  • Extending Mathematics
  • Extending English: Effective Monitoring and assessment of diverse learners
  • Extending Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Subjects 1
    Science, Computing, Music, PE, Art
  • Extending Teaching and Learning in the Foundation Subjects 2
    History, Geography, RE, MFL, DT
  • Action Planning
  • Small Scale Research Project
  • The Cumbria Teacher of Reading:(Phonics and Early Reading) Extending
  • Extending Professional Practice (towards QTS)
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