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Primary Teacher Education (Campus-Based)

BA (Hons)

Key facts
Overview
How to apply
Tuition fees
Funding your studies
Learning and assessment
After you graduate
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Key facts

UCAS code

X120

Start dates

September 2024 / September 2025

Location

Harcourt Hill

Course length

Full time: 3 years

Department

School of Education, Humanities and Languages

Accreditation(s)

The Department for Education

UCAS Tariff Points

104

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Overview

The BA (Hons) in Primary Teacher Education is specifically designed to teach trainees how to become effective teachers. 

You'll join a course whose graduates inspire thousands of children and lead in hundreds of schools across Oxfordshire and beyond. School leaders know our graduates are well-prepared to meet the high standards expected of them in our schools, with a broad range of on-campus and on-placement teaching and learning preparing them to make a difference in the lives of every child they teach, every day.

University lecturers, who are all highly experienced primary practitioners, will provide excellent support for your academic work, personal development and wellbeing. Teacher mentors will provide advice and guidance whilst you are you’re on placement. The trainees on the course work closely together and develop strong support networks. The wider university network also has a broad range of support for all enrolled students.

You’ll graduate with Qualified Teacher Status. 

Student in class

How to apply

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 104

A Level: BCC

IB Points: 29

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

What is a contextual offer?

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

GCSE: GCSEs or equivalents: achieve a standard of grade 4 or higher in English Language, Mathematics and Science (Science with Chemistry, Science with Physics, Science with Biology).

  • Additional DBS and Health teaching checks are completed prior to your enrolment. Once you have accepted an offer from Oxford Brookes you will notified to complete your Health and DBS checks preceding your enrolment; you will receive your DBS notification by email in May.

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

Screening

All applicants will be screened for fitness to practise and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be made.

Selection process

Applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited to an on-campus interview day. You'll receive an email invite to your on-campus interview, where you’ll find linked interview advice and guidance about what to bring and how to prepare for the day.

The interview day will be at Harcourt Hill campus and will include opportunities to meet current students, tour the campus and learn more about our exciting course.

Enjoy your interview day and ask questions, it’s your chance to find out about us.

English language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

International qualifications and equivalences

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English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Application process

Apply for this course through UCAS.

You will receive a communication from us inviting you to an on campus interview day if your application is successful. 

A successful interview will lead to you receiving an offer for a place on this course. 

We recommend that you gain some school experience before applying for the course, this is not a requirement for the course.

 

Apply through UCAS now

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
International full time
£15,500
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£16,300

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
International full time
£15,500
2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,250
Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module
International full time
£16,300

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students. 

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support. 

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

Oxford Brookes Bursary for home students Undergraduate maintenance loans for part-time UK students Undergraduate maintenance loans for full-time UK students Undergraduate tuition fee loans for UK students

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Learning and assessment

At Oxford Brookes we are passionate about excellence for all in education. Discover what this means and how this is delivered across all of our ITE programmes in our curriculum map.

The primary ITE curriculum is based upon the  Core Content Framework. 

You’ll also spend time on placement every year. You’ll get experience in schools across Key Stages 1 and 2. You’ll undertake a placement where you focus on inclusion. You’ll also be placed in an education venue - like the History of Science Museum or Cotswold Farm Park .

Primary Teacher Education

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

  • An Introduction to Educational Research (15 credits)

    You’ll develop the core research skills you need to succeed in your Primary Teacher Education degree.You’ll acquire critical skills in education as a trainee, as you assess the validity of current evidence on primary school teachers and their knowledge. You’ll gain the tools to succeed in your future career, as you learn how to discover and communicate key research findings.

  • Child Development and Learning (15 credits)

    How do developmental issues impact on children’s learning? In this module, you’ll examine the core ideas of child development, and build your knowledge of child development theory. You’ll acquire fantastic analytical skills as a trainee, as you learn how to observe and analyse children’s learning. You’ll also look at educational settings which help children to learn, and gain an understanding of those that hinder learning.

  • Introducing Professional Practice- SBC1 (15 credits)

    You’ll develop the attitude, skills and expertise core to the expectations of the Teachers’ Standards (Department of Education, 2012). You’ll kickstart your career in education as you develop your professional knowledge through a placement in a school. You’ll gain a strong grounding in the skills and knowledge you need to excel as a professional teacher. You’ll get to grips with the key issues and challenges in the latest theories and practice of teaching and learning.

  • Primary English: Teaching Reading in Key Stage 1 and 2 (15 credits)

    You will develop the knowledge, understanding and skills to design and implement effective English lessons in the primary classroom. You will learn to:

    • Engage pupils in ambitious classroom talk
    • Ensure pupils have access to high quality Systematic Synthetic Phonics lesson that enable them to become fluent readers
    • Provide pupils with opportunities to develop a broad and rich knowledge of language and vocabulary
    • Expose pupils to high quality and diverse literature
    • Teach pupils to write with confidence and rigour
    • Design opportunities for English across the primary curriculum
    • Develop your own subject knowledge.

  • The Wider Curriculum: Humanities, DT and The Arts (15 credits)

    You’ll draw on your own experiences to develop your understanding of factors that affect learning. You’ll explore your own learning, looking at:

    • the use of story and language, with a focus on factors that affect learning and the learning environment of the classroom 
    • the creative and performing arts curriculum, with a focus on creative projects in and out of the classroom
    • humanities and DT beyond the classroom. 

    You’ll work independently to create a personal learning journal, which will record your experiences throughout the academic year.

  • Thinking Mathematically and Being Mathematical (15 credits)

    Through exploration of the Connections Model and CPA approaches you will gain core skills needed to teach maths confidently. You’ll dive into key mathematical processes, including reasoning, problem solving and communicating. You'll explore the three aims of the maths national curriculum - fluency, reasoning and problem solvin. You’ll be given the vital training you need to think mathematically at your own level, and understand what this means for the students you’ll teach. You’ll focus on the mathematics subject areas for the first years of primary education (Years 1-2), drawing from the National Curriculum for Mathematics and other relevant curriculum documentation. You will learn how to plan maths lessons which support memory of facts and help children to develop connections.

  • Thinking, Talking and Doing Science (15 credits)

    You’ll build up your knowledge and your confidence in science. You’ll gain the skills to help children progress well in science at primary level. You’ll evaluate your own knowledge, and become well-versed in core science concepts and scientific enquiry. You’ll understand the importance of evidence and the underlying research behind how we think, talk and do science in education. You’ll enjoy challenging, practical sessions, while discussing the key concepts and skills of primary science.

  • Understanding Pedagogical Approaches (15 credits)

    You will learn how to develop a secure understanding of how pupils learn and how to design effective lessons that enable all pupils to make progress.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

  • Critical Analysis of Educational Research (15 credits)

    You’ll build on the core educational skills you gained in Year 1. You’ll develop essential skills for succeeding in your dissertation as you increase your knowledge of effective research methods. You’ll gain fantastic research skills for your future career, as you learn how to identify relevant research from the wide literature of educational research, and relate it to pressing, current issues. You’ll discover how to critique other people’s research and develop your ability to write critically.

  • Inclusive Pedagogy (15 credits)

    You’ll discover how to teach in a way that helps all children to learn. You’ll investigate four themes from the six ‘pillars of inclusion’, which are:

    • access
    • attitudes
    • choice
    • partnerships
    • communication
    • policy.

    You’ll develop rich learning opportunities, giving all learners the potential to thrive and excel in classroom life. You’ll consider how to support learners with special educational needs, English as an additional language or who experience other barriers to learning. You’ll also discover how to create a positive classroom atmosphere through behaviour management and motivating your students.

     

  • Primary English: Teaching Writing in Key Stage 1 and 2 (15 credits)

    You’ll deepen your knowledge of teaching English in primary school. You’ll build on your skills and knowledge from your Year 1 English module. You’ll focus particularly on the teaching and learning of writing across Key Stages 1 and 2. You’ll tackle key areas such as the following: 

    • techniques and strategies for writing barriers to writing
    • contexts and purposes for writing
    • the importance of talk to supporting children as writers
    • investigating how to deepen and develop children’s vocabulary, and how this supports them as writers
    • spelling and systematic synthetic phonicsat Key Stage 2 multimedia approaches to teaching English, including digital literacies.

  • Science and Technology in the Primary Curriculum (15 credits)

    You’ll apply the science skills you gained in Year 1 to creating an exciting science and technology curriculum for students, based around projects. You’ll increase your knowledge of how children learn best, as you combine science and technology objectives and learn how to help pupils solve problems. 

    You’ll enact scenarios which apply to primary school settings, and learn how to represent advances in science and technology in our rapidly changing world. You’ll gain fantastic teamwork skills, key to your career as a teacher, as you work with your peers to discover the skills and techniques that develop children’s scientific and technological knowledge. You’ll also use ICT resources to support students with science.

     

  • Developing the Mathematics Curriculum (15 credits)

    You’ll develop a strong grounding in the primary mathematics curriculum. You’ll build on the mathematical knowledge you gained in your Thinking Mathematically and Being Mathematical module. 

    You’ll enhance your knowledge of the mathematical processes of:

    • fluency
    • reasoning
    • problem solving

    You’ll also gain crucial knowledge of the subject areas in the mathematics curriculum for Years 4 to 6 of primary education. You’ll draw on information from the National Curriculum for Mathematics primary programmes of study, and other key information. You will be taught how to use a backwards planning model to sequence learning and to start to build up concepts over time. You will be introduced to NCETM planning materials to develop an understanding of Mastery approaches to teaching maths.

  • Enquiring in the Humanities (15 credits)

    This module introduces you to geographical, historical and social understanding and to religious education in the primary curriculum. You’ll discover how children’s learning can be developed through the curriculum requirements for geography, history and relevant aspects of citizenship, as well as the model syllabuses for religious education. You’ll work on an extended project on a cross-disciplinary humanities theme, giving you space to explore imaginative and creative ways of teaching these subjects.

  • The Broader Curriculum Through the Performing Arts (15 credits)

    You can build on the skills you developed in The Wider Curriculum: Humanities, DT and the Arts. Through exposure to a rich range of resources and experiences, you’ll deepen your own confidence and enjoyment of these parts of the curriculum, while exploring opportunities for learning through the performing arts.

  • SBC2: School Based Training 2

    You’ll continue your progress towards becoming a primary classroom teacher on this placement. You’ll  have the opportunity to observe experienced specialist teachers, where you’ll gain insight into specialist areas of the curriculum. You’ll begin to implement teaching strategies and practise skills such as planning, assessing and behaviour management - to meet the needs of children within your specialist area. You’ll further develop purposeful, professional and collaborative relationships with your teaching partner and placement school staff.

Optional modules

Independent Study: Education and Employability, Term 1 + 2 or 3 + 4 (30 credits)

Only available to students who have been unsuccessful in School-based Training 2 and/or 3

This module will draw on your knowledge and experience of primary education as a basis for exploring employability routes both in education and beyond. These might include the role of the classroom Teaching Assistant, links to the role of ICT in primary pedagogy, and leadership and management roles in a non-teaching professional context. The structure of the independent study allows you to explore a wide range of potential career options. You’ll be able to review your learning and experience in areas such as:

  • how children learn
  • subject knowledge in the primary curriculum
  • planning, teaching and assessment.

Year 3

Compulsory modules

  • Curriculum Design through Thematic Planning (15 credits)

    You’ll extend your understanding and critical analysis of learning outside the classroom. You’ll work with education officers and university tutors in a selection of venues in order to plan a scheme of work with children outside the classroom. You’ll also study and research the theory behind learning outside the classroom. Your planning might include themes such as: 

    • global citizenship
    • cultural diversity
    • cultural heritage.

  • Extending Professional Practice (15 credits)

    You’ll receive the support you need for your final assessed school-based placement and moving into your induction year. You’ll develop your professional knowledge, pedagogical skills and the ability to evaluate classroom practice. You’ll encounter such questions and issues as: 

    • how do we understand good teaching?
    • how do we inspire pupils and develop their thinking skills?
    • the value of critical evaluation and target setting in your ongoing professional development
    • how to establish priorities and manage your workload to ensure your personal well-being.

  • Literature in the Primary School (15 credits)

    How can we put stories at the heart of children’s learning? In this module, you’ll build on your knowledge of children’s reading and literature from Years 1 and 2. You’ll enhance your knowledge of children’s literature across a range of reading materials. You’ll develop fantastic sensitivity to your own learning, core to being a successful teacher, as you consider the gaps in your own reading and enhance your skills in critically evaluating texts. You’ll acquire the skills and confidence to support the needs and tastes of all children in their reading.

  • Extending Mathematical Understanding and Pedagogy (15 credits)

    You’ll use a framework to reflect upon elements of maths teaching and their impact upon learning within video lessons. You’ll develop your ideas on how to plan, teach and assess primary mathematics effectively. You’ll also look at the wider context of progression from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 2. With this learning in place, you’ll be able to undertake a critical and informed evaluation of current and pivotal issues in primary mathematics, including curriculum innovations.

  • Dissertation (30 credits)

    You’ll conduct independent research on a topic of personal interest. You will enhance your expertise as you create and manage your own project. You’ll gain core research skills whilst conducting a literature review.

  • SBC3: School Based Training 3

    During SBC3 you will focus on developing your teaching and assessing skills working towards Qualified Teacher Status. Throughout the placement, you’ll receive guidance and support from teacher mentors and university tutors. You will be encouraged to develop your role within  a wider school community.

  • Envelope Module (15 credits)

    For your envelope module, you'll choose one module from the five optional modules listed below.

    You'll gain specialist teaching knowledge in the area you choose.

     

Optional modules

Enrichment of Learning: Health and Wellbeing

Why is health so key to a child’s development? In this module, you’ll discover the inspirational role of a PE or PSHE teacher as you explore how physical wellbeing supports a child’s personal development, and prepares them for teenage and adult life. You’ll build on your previous knowledge of health and wellbeing, and discover how to place these factors at the heart of school life. You’ll understand the crucial links between physical activity, attainment and achievement.

Enrichment of Learning: Science

Would you like to inspire others to love science as much as you do? This module aims to make you even more curious and enthusiastic about teaching and learning this core curriculum subject. Strengthening your scientific knowledge and understanding of pedagogy, you’ll learn and practise the skills you’ll need to become a science subject leader. You’ll take part in co-operative planning and evaluation exercises, building your ability to support colleagues in their knowledge and teaching. You’ll develop insight into issues such as using external enrichment to stimulate pupils’ curiosity and awe. You’ll also have time to consider:

  • recent research on primary school science teaching
  • curriculum development
  • show to situate science theory and research in your own teaching practice
  • how to raise the profile of science in schools.

Enrichment of Learning: Inclusion

You’ll enhance your skills, knowledge and understanding of teaching children with diverse needs in an inclusive classroom setting. Including children and young people with a broad range of special educational needs and/or disabilities, social, emotional and mental health needs. You’ll investigate in depth and be able to recognise and develop appropriate strategies for supporting individual differences, particularly those with high incidence SENDs. You’ll be given the grounding to grow into an outstanding practitioner, gaining the skills for teaching in a special school or setting, and/or to become a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) or Inclusion Co-ordinator (INCO) in a mainstream school.

Enrichment of Learning: Mathematics

If you’re keen to develop a specialism in mathematics, this module is for you. Building on earlier maths modules, it will give you a deeper understanding of current key issues and initiatives in the wider landscape of mathematics teaching. You’ll link theory to practice, and have time to consider the role of an early career maths subject leader. You’ll be able to take part in enrichment seminars and workshops, which could include storytelling, outdoor learning, art and music.

 

Enrichment of Learning: Storytelling

‘We tell ourselves stories in order to live,’ says the author Joan Didion. You’ll learn ways of developing children’s communication and language skills through stories. In practical workshops, you’ll encounter techniques for better storytelling, with input on vocal projection and variation to engage listeners. You’ll benefit from peer feedback on your performance skills, and experience professional examples of storytelling in settings such as Oxford’s Story Museum or from visiting experts. There will also be the chance to learn about:

  • oral storytelling (traditional tales and their significance in culture)
  • creating narrative environments (immersive sensory spaces to foster imagination and develop engagement with text)
  • using drama, props and objects to engage listeners
  • puppetry skillsstories through computer games
  • helping early years pupils to create their own stories.

Computing Specialist Pathway

The need for a comprehensive computing education is essential for education and future career prospects and key to the UK’s ever growing digital economy (Royal Society).

On this module you’ll further develop and deepen your subject and pedagogical knowledge of computer science, Information Technology (IT) and Digital literacy. 

As a trainee teacher taking this module will help you greatly progress your pedagogical and content knowledge (PCK) to deliver high quality computing lessons and programming for primary school children.
 

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Learning and teaching

You'll learn at our Harcourt Hill Campus where the School of Education is situated. At Harcourt Hill, you'll join a close-knit community of trainee teachers.

You'll also have access to specialist education teaching spaces. You'll explore forest school approaches in our outdoor learning spaces. And you'll be able to borrow teaching resources from our Education Resources Centre. You can choose to live in halls at Harcourt Hill - or apply for a space in any of our other halls across Oxford.

Your learning will comprise of:

The primary ITE curriculum is based upon the core content framework. Link to Core Content Framework

On-campus learning experiences:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • workshops.

On-placement learning:

  • experience in a variety of school settings.

Field trips

During your time on the course, you will have the opportunity to participate in a broad range of additional learning opportunities. Some of these are included in your course fees whilst others incur an additional cost.

Additional opportunities include:

  • a 3 day trip to an outdoor education residential centre in Wales (additional charge)
  • Aaweek-long residential experience in Cornwall (additional charge)
  • Lawn Tennis Association training for teachers
  • First Aid training (additional charge).

Please note that we regularly update our offer in order to tailor it to the needs and interests of our trainees.

Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course

On this course you will develop the knowledge, understanding, skills and attributes to become an effective early career teacher (ECT).

You are assessed on this course through a range of course assignments, including:

  • essays
  • reports
  • presentations
  • performance on school placements.

There will be opportunities to work collaboratively and independently in order to receive formative feedback. Summative assessments are all graded individually. 

Successful completion of the course will result in your receiving a recommendation for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). You will then be able to take up a post as an Early Career Teacher (ECT) to start your teaching career.

After you graduate

Career prospects

You’ll graduate with skills, knowledge and confidence that you’ll draw on throughout your whole career. You’ll be confident in any classroom, and you’ll have techniques up your sleeve to support every child. 

You’ll have built great relationships with your placement schools. And you’ll have specialist skills - like wellbeing, or inclusion - that will set you apart at interview. 

You’ll be joining a pool of graduates who have a reputation locally for their creativity, skills and passion. Schools know Oxford Brookes students go the extra mile - because they love teaching. And this makes our graduates sought-after on the employment market.

Professional accreditation

This course is accredited by the Teaching Regulation Agency to grant Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in the UK. You will be provisionally registered with the Teaching Regulation Agency at the beginning of your course. Students who successfully complete the course will be recommended for QTS. 

Please be aware that following the UK's departure from the European Union, QTS awarded by UK higher education institutions is not currently recognised in the EU.

 

Further study

Early Career Teacher Induction Programme

Oxford Brookes University runs a fully funded and comprehensive Early Career Teacher induction programme in conjunction with Capita.

We also offer a range of master's level courses, such as the MA Education. 

Student profiles

Louise Bradley

"I was attracted to the Brookes course because I knew several people who had been on the course and they recommended it to me and because it was close to home. Oxford is a beautiful city with so much going on, it’s charming, quirky and definitely the friendliest city I have been to"

Read more about Louise
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