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. 


If you have applied to our London campus your interview will take place via Microsoft Teams and you will receive a calendar invite. 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 at the bottom of your calendar invite. The interviewing tutor will join you there at the time of your interview.


If you have applied to Lancaster or Carlisle we can offer either a Microsoft Teams interview or an in person interview on campus. You will be sent an invitation via Microsoft Teams, if you would prefer an on-campus interview, please contact us to request this. 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 at the bottom of your calendar invite. The interviewing tutor will join you there at the time of your interview.



Location

Location guidance

London applicants – your interview will take place virtually via Microsoft Teams


Lancaster, Bowerham Road, Lancaster, Lancashire, LA1 3JD Phone: 01524 590 800 or via Microsoft Teams


Carlisle - Fusehill Street, Carlisle, Cumbria, CA1 2HH Phone: 01228 616234 or via Microsoft Teams



What to do on arrival

For campus based interviews, please observe the arrival time and room detailed in your invitation. Please be aware that there are a number of programmes interviewing on the day and staff will only be available to meet you at the times stated. 


Staff will be available 5 minutes prior to your stated arrival time. 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. 


Please be prepared to be here until approximately 5.00pm as interview slots are scheduled on the day. 



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.


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) 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 one-to-one support from peers and tutors. This supportive environment will enhance your learning experience and prepare you for a fulfilling career in education.


  • *QTS is ratified by the University of Warwick. Accreditation may revert to the University of Cumbria for students commencing programme from September 2025 onwards.

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Accredited by:

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OFSTED Rated 'Good' 2023:

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Department for Education

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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.

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 Education (5-11): Inclusion with SEND (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
  • Investigating Learning and Teaching 1: Learning and Teaching and Research
    Written research project analysing learning and teaching theory.
  • Introducing EYFS and the Curriculum Carousel
    Portfolio of work centred around the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and an introduction to the Curriculum Carousel.
  • Introducing Curriculum Carousel
    Portfolio assignment focussing on the Curriculum Carousel.
  • Pedagogy through Specialism: Teaching and Learning
    Portfolio Assessment with an emphasis on specialisms in the teaching and learning context.
  • Beginning to Teach English
    Introduction to teaching English at Early Years and Primary.
  • Beginning to Teach Maths
    Introduction to teaching Mathematics at Early Years and Primary.
  • Beginning Placement
    Hands-on placement within a school environment.
  • The Cumbria Teacher of Reading: Beginning
    Execution of reading list, which forms contributions to group work, placement knowledge and taught sessions.
Year two
  • Pedagogy through Specialism: Gathering and Using Information to Enhance Learning and Teaching
    Further development of pedagogy through specialism module.
  • Developing EYFS and Curriculum Carousel
    Continued development of Early Years Foundation Stage Framework and the Curriculum Carousel.
  • Developing Curriculum Carousel
    Continued study of Curriculum Carousel
  • Pedagogy through Specialism: Learning Environments
    Development of pedagogy through specialism module, with an emphasis on the impact of learning environments.
  • Investigating Learning and Teaching 2: Inclusion
    Study into inclusion in educational settings.
  • Writing and Creativity
    Introduction to writing and creativity in the educational setting of 3-11 year olds.
  • Developing Maths
    Development of Teaching Maths module.
  • Developing Placement
    Second-year in-school placement.
  • The Cumbria Teacher of Reading: Developing
    Continued engagement in relevant literature with the second-year reading list.
Year three
  • Investigating Learning and Teaching 3: Responding to a Dynamic Education Landscape
    Final Investigating Learning and Teaching module, with an emphasis on dynamic education landscapes.
  • Investigating Learning and Teaching: Specialism Research
    Research module centred around students' specialism.
  • Curriculum Elective
    Curriculum module with a focus on students' elective subject.
  • Assessment
    Portfolio Assessment
  • Pedagogy through Specialism: Thematic and Cross-Curricular Approaches
    Final specialism module, analysing approaches to thematic and cross-curricular teaching.
  • Effective Monitoring and Assessment of Diverse Learners in English
    Final English teaching module.
  • Extending Maths
    Final Maths teaching module.
  • Extending Placement
    Third-year in-school placement.
  • The Cumbria Teacher of Reading: Extending (Q10)
    Continued engagement in the third-year reading list.
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  • Location

    Carlisle - Fusehill Street Campus

    The Fusehill Street campus has been the setting of life-saving treatments since World War I. Now, it's home to world changers, life-savers, crime fighters, and entrepreneurs with access to high-quality facilities and innovative thinking.

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  • Location

    Lancaster Campus

    Lancaster is the Red Rose heartland, a student haven full of history and culture. With iconic stone architecture, parkland, and a caring community, this is the place to get involved. The campus houses top-quality facilities tailored to the needs of life-savers, world changers, and future leaders.

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  • Location

    London Campus

    Just steps away from the iconic Canary Wharf sits the London campus. A hub of opportunity tailored to nurturing future leaders, world changers, and live-savers in the capital city. Make an impact when you study at the London campus.

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