Primary Education Studies (Accelerated)

Shape the future of education while broadening your career options. Delve into many different subjects with a focus on Primary-age children.

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.


• Study at a university ranked seventh in the country for Education in the Guardian League Table 2024 and in the top 10% in the country for graduate employment (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).



• Shape the future of education while broadening your career options.



• Go beyond traditional classroom learning to explore education in its widest context.



• Delve into a variety of subjects, including sociology, policy, sustainability, globalisation, technology, and social justice.



• Engage with significant global debates and values underpinning the nature and role of education in society.



• ARU is the only new accredited University provider of teacher training in the UK.



• We have over 20 years’ experience of training education professionals.



Our BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies allows you to delve into a variety of subjects, including sociology, policy, sustainability, globalisation, technology, and social justice, with a key focus on children in the Primary age range.

You’ll also engage with significant global debates and values underpinning the nature and role of education in society, develop critical and reflective thinking skills, and gain the knowledge and tools needed to pursue various career paths within the field of education with a specific focus on Primary teaching.

This course is an accelerated degree, meaning it takes place over 2 years instead of 3 years, which can save you over £5,000 on tuition fees plus any living costs.

You can also choose to take it as a 3-year course (Peterborough), or as a blended degree in Chelmsford, which allows you to study in your own time around other commitments such as your job, children or hobbies.

Facilities

Our Early Childhood Resource and Research Room is packed with toys, games and equipment including Montessori didactic apparatus (specialist learning toys) where you’ll be able to experience a child’s eye view of the world.

Careers

You’ll develop your understanding of the complex body of knowledge and skills relating to the education, development and care of children and young people across a range of formal and informal settings. Some of this will be at the current boundaries of educational research and practice.

You'll also take part in live briefs to gain work experience and extend your professional network, like our recent partnership with Chelmsford Museum, Fitzwilliam Museum, and Scott Polar Museum.

What can you do with a Primary Education Studies degree?

Throughout your studies, you’ll develop analytical techniques and problem-solving skills that can be applied to the professions associated with the education, development and care of children and young people in a range of settings. You’ll be able to evaluate and reflect on evidence, arguments and assumptions, to reach measured judgements and communicate them effectively.

After graduating you’ll have the qualities needed for employment in a range of professional contexts associated with the education, development and care of children, young people and adults.

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.

At ARU, you’ll be supported from day one with wellbeing services, money advice and careers guidance to help you through university and beyond.

Their courses are built around the skills and experience employers value. ARU are proud to be in the top 20% of UK universities for teaching quality (TEF 2023), and ranked #1 in the East of England, and #8 in the UK, for UG graduates in senior roles 15 months after gradudation (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2025). You'll have access to fantastic facilities thanks to £95m of investment - think SuperLabs, TV studios, law courts, mock hospital wards, gaming studios and more.

Wherever you're heading, ARU will help you get there.