Primary Education (3-7) (With QTS) Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)

Our education courses rank in the UK top 5 overall in their subject field (The Guardian University Guide, 2026).

This course is designed to help you become a creative, innovative and reflective teacher, specialising in working with the youngest children in primary schools (aged 3-7), while gaining Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Through taught sessions and supported placements, this course develops your confidence in applying theory to Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 teaching practice, giving you the knowledge and skills to lead learning and initiate change in educational settings.

Course accreditation

This course is accredited by the Department for Education (DfE) and meets the requirements for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Facilities and specialist equipment

* Mock classrooms with specialist technology so you can watch and assess your lesson

* Forest School where you can deepen your understanding of the long-term educational benefits of outdoor learning opportunities.

* Specialist Early Years and Sensory Centre to support your understanding of how teachers teach and children learn, within early years and SEND contexts.

* Multimedia space for webinars and podcasting.

Career-powered links

As one of the largest providers of teacher education in the eastern region, we have well-established partnerships with more than 500 schools and other associated organisations, including lead training partnership agreements for closer collaborations.

You also benefit from our regular, on-going collaboration with the local education authorities for Bedford and Central Bedfordshire, and the National Association of Primary Educators (NAPE).

This network puts us ahead when it comes to national priorities, issues and developments in educational practice.

Our lead training partners have regular, on-going involvement with our students including contributing to placement, course delivery, and on-campus visits, talks and masterclasses.

We also work closely with Martin Bacon Academy, a special education school in Northstowe; Bedford Inclusive Learning and Training Trust (BILTT); and Trauma-Informed Schools UK, who provide training in creating settings where people feel safe, understood and are able to thrive.

Your student experience

Gain skills, knowledge and understanding of early-years child development; special educational needs and disabilities (SEND); behaviour management; digital learning; and practice beyond Key Stage 1.

Learn from an experienced teaching team that includes previous early years and primary teachers as well as middle and senior leaders within schools and early years settings.

Learn through taught sessions, supported teaching practice and independent learning, applying theory to your teaching practice. 

At the University, you benefit from the support of your own personal tutor as well as a unit and course coordinator.

On placement, mentors and University partnership liaison tutors support you in teaching individuals, small groups and classes.

Benefit from conference days with guest speakers talking on subjects ranging from employability to SEND provision, wellbeing to lesson planning.

Take learning outside the classroom with our on-site Forest School as well as trips to places of educational interest such as local museums.