MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
BA Primary Education with Art (QTS)
Reading
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA Primary Education with Art (QTS) is a comprehensive undergraduate program that combines the study of primary education with a focus on art, offering students the knowledge and skills necessary to teach children aged 3 to 11 years old. The program leads to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), which is required to teach in primary schools in England. Throughout the course, students learn how to integrate art into the primary curriculum, using creative techniques to enhance children’s learning experiences and personal development. Students benefit from a mixture of theoretical learning, practical teaching placements, and a focus on developing strong subject-specific expertise in the arts.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA Primary Education with Art (QTS) program is carefully structured to ensure that students acquire a deep understanding of both educational theory and practical teaching techniques. The first part of the program focuses on core teaching skills, including child development, classroom management, and educational psychology. In parallel, students are introduced to the importance of the arts in primary education, learning how to deliver engaging lessons that incorporate creative activities such as drawing, painting, sculpture, and other artistic techniques. As students progress through the program, they focus on key subjects such as English, mathematics, science, and history, alongside modules that specifically address teaching methods in the arts. Students are encouraged to develop their own artistic abilities, which will, in turn, help them foster creativity in their future classrooms. Practical placements are integrated throughout the course, allowing students to apply their knowledge in real-world teaching environments and refine their teaching practices.
Research Focus: The University of Reading places a strong emphasis on research, and students in the BA Primary Education with Art (QTS) program are encouraged to engage with the latest research on primary education and the role of the arts in teaching. The university’s research in education spans a variety of areas, including child development, inclusive education, curriculum design, and pedagogical strategies. Students have access to this wealth of research and are supported in developing their own research skills, which they can apply in their future teaching careers. This research-driven approach ensures that students are exposed to the most current trends and best practices in primary education, helping them to become reflective practitioners.
Industry Engagement: One of the key strengths of the BA Primary Education with Art (QTS) program is its strong links with schools and educational institutions, offering students a wealth of opportunities for industry engagement. The program includes extensive teaching placements in local primary schools, where students gain hands-on experience in the classroom. These placements are an integral part of the program and provide students with the opportunity to develop their teaching skills under the mentorship of experienced educators. The University of Reading has established relationships with numerous schools across the region, ensuring that students have access to diverse teaching environments and experiences. Furthermore, the university works closely with educational professionals to ensure that the program remains aligned with current industry standards and expectations. Students have the opportunity to attend workshops, networking events, and conferences, which connect them with practitioners and experts in the field of primary education. This engagement with the industry not only enhances the learning experience but also increases graduates’ employability, as they graduate with both academic qualifications and practical teaching experience.
Global Perspective: The University of Reading is committed to fostering a global perspective within its programs, including the BA Primary Education with Art (QTS). Students are encouraged to consider educational practices from around the world and explore how art can be used to enhance learning in different cultural contexts. The program also promotes an understanding of global issues in education, such as diversity, inclusion, and the role of creativity in teaching. The university has a strong international community, and students benefit from exposure to global perspectives through its research and teaching. Additionally, students can take part in exchange programs and overseas placements, where they can experience teaching and learning in different countries. This international outlook broadens students’ understanding of education and prepares them to teach in a diverse, globalized society.
Location
Reading
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25250
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 70% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 5.5.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 69.
- DET Academic: A minimum overall score of 125.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Reading offers a variety of scholarships for international students to support academic excellence and financial needs.
Vice-Chancellor Global Scholarship Award: Merit-based scholarship for high-achieving international students. Covers partial tuition fees for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Subject-Specific Scholarships: Offered by individual departments based on academic excellence and course selection. Examples include scholarships in Business, Law, Agriculture, and Science.
Chevening Scholarships: A UK government-funded scholarship for outstanding students from eligible countries. Covers tuition fees, living expenses, and travel costs.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Scholarships tailored for students from specific countries, including India, China, and the USA. Criteria vary based on nationality and academic performance.
Graduates of the BA Primary Education with Art (QTS) program from the University of Reading have a wide range of career options available to them. The skills gained throughout the program—such as curriculum planning, classroom management, and creative teaching methods—make them well-suited for a variety of professional roles in education and related fields.
Primary School Teacher: The most direct and common career path for graduates is to become a primary school teacher. With a specialization in art, graduates are uniquely positioned to incorporate creative and artistic activities into the primary school curriculum. Primary school teachers play a pivotal role in shaping the academic and social development of children aged 3 to 11 years. This role involves delivering lessons in a range of subjects, including English, mathematics, science, and art, and fostering an engaging and inclusive learning environment.
Art Teacher in Primary Schools: For graduates with a strong passion for the arts, teaching art in primary schools is another rewarding career option. In this role, educators focus on inspiring and developing children’s artistic abilities through visual arts, sculpture, drawing, painting, and other creative activities. Art teachers have the opportunity to encourage creativity, self-expression, and cultural awareness in young learners, while supporting their overall development.
Special Educational Needs (SEN) Teacher: Graduates of the program are also well-equipped to work with children who have special educational needs. Special Educational Needs (SEN) teachers support children with physical or learning disabilities, providing tailored educational experiences that help them thrive in school. The creative skills gained through the arts component of the program can be particularly beneficial in adapting teaching methods to meet the needs of children with various learning challenges.
Education Support Roles: Aside from becoming a classroom teacher, graduates can also pursue roles as teaching assistants or educational support workers. These professionals work closely with teachers to support the learning and development of students, particularly those with additional learning needs or who require extra help in specific subjects. Graduates may also choose to work in after-school clubs, art workshops, or summer camps, where they can continue to promote creative learning outside the traditional classroom setting.
Art Education Coordinator or Manager: Some graduates may choose to take on leadership roles within schools or educational organizations, such as art education coordinators or curriculum managers. These professionals oversee the delivery of the arts curriculum, develop educational programs, and ensure that art education is effectively integrated across the school. Art education coordinators play a vital role in shaping the way art is taught and experienced within schools, often working closely with other staff members to ensure that art becomes an integral part of the school’s curriculum.
Educational Consultant or Advisor: With a deep understanding of the primary education sector and the importance of the arts, graduates may choose to work as educational consultants or advisors. These professionals work with schools and educational organizations to advise on curriculum development, teaching strategies, and the incorporation of creative subjects like art into the learning experience. Educational consultants are often called upon to help schools improve educational practices or develop new programs that enhance student engagement and achievement.
Curriculum Developer or Education Publisher: Graduates can also work in the development of educational materials, textbooks, or online learning resources. In this role, they would use their expertise in primary education and the arts to create engaging and informative content for use in schools. This may involve developing lesson plans, teaching guides, or interactive art-based learning tools that help both teachers and students achieve educational success.
Youth Worker or Community Educator: Some graduates may choose to work outside of traditional school settings, such as in youth centers or community education programs. In these roles, graduates use their skills to engage children and young people in creative activities, including art workshops, educational programs, and after-school clubs. Working as a community educator allows graduates to support the development of children in informal learning environments, helping them build confidence, creativity, and life skills.
Further Education and Postgraduate Study: For graduates who wish to specialize further in a particular area of education or the arts, the University of Reading provides opportunities for postgraduate study. Graduates may pursue a Master’s degree or other advanced qualifications in fields such as education leadership, special educational needs, or arts education. This can open up additional career opportunities in leadership, policy-making, or higher education.
Freelance Art Educator or Workshop Leader: Graduates with entrepreneurial inclinations may also consider a freelance career, offering art education workshops and programs in schools, community centers, or online. Freelance art educators often have the freedom to design their own creative curriculum, engaging children in various art forms, and bringing their passion for creativity to a wide range of learners.
