Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (5-11) BA

Course overview

This practice-based degree delivered in partnership with Red Kite Teacher Training offers an innovative approach to initial teacher training. The degree will equip you with both the theoretical training and classroom experience you'll need to teach 5–11-year-olds.

Throughout your degree, you’ll have the benefit of our world-leading research underpinning the curriculum, providing knowledge about the latest innovations in areas such as early childhood, digital and mathematics education.

Drawing on expert mentoring, you’ll gradually increase your teaching knowledge and expertise as you progress through the course, benefiting from collaboration between university-based academic and Red Kite teacher training staff.

You'll also have the opportunity to experience outdoor learning, climate change education, inclusive education practices and creativity.

Practical experience is integral to teaching – that’s why you’ll head out into work placements at local schools each year as part of your course. This gives you the platform to advance your skillset, try out new techniques and build up your confidence in the classroom.

Teaching this age group can be hugely rewarding. Primary teachers who help lay the educational foundations for lifelong learning in future generations. That’s why they’re in high demand throughout the UK – and worldwide.

Once you’ve completed this degree, you’ll be fully qualified as a primary teacher for 5 – 11 year olds in schools in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Course highlights

• Graduate as a fully qualified primary school teacher of 5 – 11-year-olds, with Qualified Teacher Status and a BA Honours degree.
• Benefit from the partnership between Red Kite Teacher Training, an Ofsted outstanding rated provider of initial teacher education and experienced academic practitioners at a leading Russell Group University.
• Study in our world-ranked School of Education alongside staff and students from across the globe.
• Research-led teaching –combined with practical teaching mentorship delivered by Red Kite experts – equips you with the essential and well-rounded skills you’ll need for a successful career in this field.
• Gain valuable practical experience undertaking school placements in Key Stages 1 and 2 throughout the three years of the degree.
• Enjoy enrichment opportunities such as outdoor learning, creativity and digital practices.

Studying in the School of Education

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), a legal requirement to teach in English schools, is awarded by our partner Red Kite Teacher Training (RKTT).

RKTT are an Ofsted Outstanding Provider of school-based teacher training in Yorkshire and work in partnership with schools across the region.

Course details

This is a three-year, full-time course which will include completing school-based placements each year alongside academic, university-based modules. Both components will count towards your Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in Primary Education and the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) in all primary curriculum subjects.

Topics you’ll study include primary teaching and learning; understanding children’s development; understanding and managing children’s behaviour; inclusion, special educational needs and disabilities; researching teaching and learning; becoming and working as a professional teacher.

There are options to study topics such as: making use of outdoor learning; creativity in education; climate change education; and digital education practices.

You’ll also have the opportunity to specialise in one area of the primary curriculum in your third year ‘Capstone’ project, such as mathematics, literacy, sport, technology, music and other primary curriculum enrichment areas.

As you progress through the degree, you’ll be placed in a variety of primary schools in the Leeds region to get experience in teaching children across the 5 – 11 primary age range. These placements will help you develop the skills and expertise to be a professional teacher, building on and applying knowledge learned in your university-based modules.

The learning outcomes for the course include meeting the competences required of a professional primary teacher, together with a high level of knowledge and understanding of relevant and current issues in education.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1

Skills for University Study (20 credits) – Build the academic skills needed for undergraduate study.

Psychological Approaches to Children’s Learning (20 credits) – You’ll be introduced to psychological understandings about how children learn and develop. This will inform your practice in school.

Primary Curriculum 1 (20 credits) – Learn about teaching primary English, including phonics and early reading, maths, science and all other primary subjects. Key concepts and approaches will be studied, and you'll have opportunities to apply what you have learned in school.

Understanding and Managing Children’s Behaviour (20 credits) – You'll be introduced to the ways that schools manage children’s behaviour for learning, along with the theories that underpin these approaches.

Contemporary Issues in Education (20 credits) – This module provides an opportunity to explore current issues in primary education.

School Placement (20 credits) – In the first block placement, you'll work with groups of children and teach English, maths and science, supported by your Red Kite mentor and the close supervision of your school mentor. Personalised support and mentorship are key to a successful placement.

Year 2

Inclusive Education (20 credits) – In this module you’ll explore how learning can take place in both formal and informal settings, and the role educators play in the process. You’ll consider how particular groups of learners can become marginalised, categorised and stereotyped, and what this means for both schools and broader society. You’ll also be able to explore the relationship between special educational needs and disability and evaluate how we’re currently promoting more inclusive practices.

Inclusive Practice in Primary Classrooms (20 credits) – You'll learn about practical approaches to meeting the needs of a wide range of different learners and issues current to primary education.

Primary Curriculum 2 (20 credits) – This module builds on primary curriculum 1 and enables you to develop a greater depth of knowledge and skill in all primary subject areas.

Outdoor and Experiential Learning (20 credits) – Gain hands-on experience of outdoor education, including forest school approaches.

Special Interest Focus (20 credits) –This module introduces the foundation subjects, approaches to planning and teaching and considerations about health and well-being in primary school children.

School Placement (20 credits) – In the second block placement, you'll build up skills in teaching larger groups and whole classes. You'll continue to teach core subjects and begin to plan and teach foundation subjects.

Year 3

Primary Curriculum 3: Research Informed Teaching (20 credits) – You'll be introduced to key research which informs current practices in primary schools and learn about how to identify and use high quality educational research in your own teaching.

Becoming a Professional (20 credits) – This module focuses on professional and leadership skills and meeting the requirements of the Teacher’s Standards. You will learn about applying for jobs and how to approach interviews.

Capstone Project: Specialist Study of a Foundation Subject with Lesson Plans (40 credits) – This independent project will require you to focus on a foundation subject of your choice, undertake research, think about curriculum design for that subject and plan a series of lessons. It will develop your skills as a subject specialist, whilst building key transferable skills in research, critical thinking, communication and project management.

Final School Block Placement (40 credits) – In the final block placement, you'll build on all your previous placement experience and take responsibility for class teaching, supported by your Red Kite mentor.

This is your chance to bring everything you’ve learnt over the three years in your taught modules, mentor support and practical placements into the classroom – preparing you for your professional career as a primary teacher after you graduate.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (5-11) BA in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

You'll learn through a mixture of campus and school-based lectures, seminars, conferences, tutorials and professional experience days, so best practice can be modelled. Each year you'll undertake an integrated school placement so, you’ll acquire the hands-on teaching experience throughout the undergraduate programme to develop your teaching skills. Structured personal support will be provided by the University personal tutors and Red Kite mentors who recognise the challenges of being in school.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Your degree modules will be assessed through a variety of methods, including essays, presentations, portfolios, and group work to ensure you demonstrate a thorough knowledge and understanding of primary education. You'll use your skills of scholarship, use of research findings and theoretical ideas, academic writing, and presentation of findings in your Capstone project.

You'll gain an understanding of what evidence-based teacher education is and how it can be applied in the context of your own professional development.

Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) will be assessed whilst you are undertaking your teaching practice, and you'll demonstrate your competence in meeting the Teachers’ Standards.

Entry requirements

A-level: BBB

We welcome applicants with a broad range of A-level subjects, including non-traditional subjects.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer.

GCSE (or equivalent): minimum grade 4/C in English Language, Mathematics and Science.

Other course specific tests:

DBS check

As placements are integrated into this course, you'll need to have a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or equivalent by 30th September in the year you start the degree. The basic DBS check will be paid for by the University of Leeds. You'll be sent a form and related guidance, which you should complete and return with the appropriate documents.

Find guidance on DBS checks and equivalent checks for international applicants on the DBS website.

Interviews

If you meet all our entry requirements, you’ll be invited to an interview where you can showcase your passion and skills for teaching. The interview process may include a written assessment.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

If you live in a neighbourhood where there is low participation in higher education, we may be able to give priority to your application.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer

• BCC at A level. Applicants must also meet the University’s GCSE matriculation standard and pass the Access to Leeds module.
• For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, we offer a foundation year for UK students who meet specific widening participation criteria. Learn more about the BA Social Science (foundation year).

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Education Undergraduate Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Additional cost information

As part of your course, you’ll be expected to attend school placements throughout the three-year degree. These may be located at schools across the Leeds region, meaning you’ll need to pay additional costs travelling to and from the school, to ensure you get there promptly.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our admissions guidance for common queries, information on how we will process your application, and advice on personal statements.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Education

Contact us

School of Education Admission Team

Email: ugeducation@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

This degree will equip you with a well-balanced, holistic set of skills – both theoretically and practically – that’ll qualify you as a primary teacher.

The teaching and mentorship throughout your degree will give you the solid foundations you’ll need to teach from Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 (5 – 11 year olds).

With experience, you could move into leadership roles such as key stage co-ordinator or assistant head teacher.

You’ll gain a range of transferable skills in areas such as communication, research, analysis and presentations.

Opportunities through Red Kite

Working in partnership with Red Kite Teacher Training provides a wide range of job opportunities to support progression. To enable you to flourish there is:

• Support for Early Career Teachers (ECTs) – Our structured ECTE program ensures you receive tailored guidance, professional development and a nurturing environment to build your skills and thrive in your early years of teaching.
• Opportunities for CPD and Progression – From subject expertise to leadership roles, we offer a wealth of Continued Professional Development (CPD) opportunities to help you achieve your ambitions.
• Career Pathways – Unparalleled opportunities for growth and progression.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

We have a wide range of careers resources — including our Careers Centre who are in contact with many employers around the country and advertise placements and jobs. They are also on hand to provide guidance and support, ensuring you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get where you want to be.

• Employability events — we run a full range of events including careers fairs in specialist areas and across broader industries — all with employers who are actively recruiting for roles.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate, you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Qualified careers consultants — gain guidance, support and information to help you choose a career path. You’ll have access to 1-2-1 meetings and events to learn how to find employers to target, write your CV and cover letter, research before interviews and brush up on your interview skills.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

This degree does not offer the option to study abroad, however, there are opportunities to gain experience living abroad through volunteering, internships and summer schools. Find out more on the study abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work placements are a great opportunity to apply and develop your knowledge, broaden your skill set and gain valuable experience – to pursue a career in the education sector and beyond.

Within each year of the undergraduate course, you’ll undertake a placement in school. In year 3, this placement will be assessed against the Teacher Standards for you to be recommended the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.