MA English Literature
The MA in English Literature at the University of Reading offers a comprehensive and im...
Reading
INTAKE: September
This three-year full-time program enables students to pursue their passion for music while training to be specialists in primary education. Graduates obtain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), preparing them for roles as primary school teachers with a focus on music.
Curriculum: The curriculum balances professional education modules with music specialization. Students study core National Curriculum subjects, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT), and develop essential teaching skills such as leadership, classroom management, and assessment. Simultaneously, they enhance their musical abilities through solo and ensemble performance, improvisation, composition, conducting, and ensemble directing. The program also emphasizes music history, analysis, and research into music education, equipping students to tackle challenges in the classroom.
Research Focus: Students engage in research on music teaching and learning, reflecting on personal experiences to deepen their understanding of effective educational strategies. This research component fosters critical thinking and the application of theory to teaching practice, particularly in the final year.
Industry Engagement: The University maintains strong partnerships with local schools, providing students with practical teaching experiences throughout the course. These placements allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, developing their skills as primary music teachers by working directly with children.
Global Perspective: While the program primarily focuses on the UK education system, the skills and knowledge acquired are transferable to international contexts. The emphasis on developing a strong professional identity and leadership skills prepares graduates to adapt and thrive in diverse educational environments.
Reading
IELTS 6.5
£ 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:
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.
The University of Reading, a renowned institution in the United Kingdom, offers the BA Primary Education with Music (QTS) program, which is designed for those passionate about teaching young learners and integrating music into primary education. Upon completion of this program, graduates are equipped to embark on various career paths within education, particularly in the intersection of primary education and music.
Primary School Teacher (Specializing in Music): The primary career option for graduates is to become a primary school teacher, specializing in music education. As part of the Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) program, graduates are eligible to teach across all subjects within the primary school curriculum, with a specialized focus on teaching music. Graduates are prepared to integrate music into the broader curriculum, enhancing students’ creativity and overall learning experience.
Music Coordinator/Lead Teacher: Graduates may also take on leadership roles within primary schools, such as becoming a Music Coordinator or Lead Teacher. In these positions, they would be responsible for overseeing the school’s music curriculum, developing teaching strategies, and training fellow staff members to implement best practices in music education. This role is crucial for ensuring that music education is delivered effectively across the school.
Private Music Tutor: For those interested in personalized teaching and working outside the traditional classroom, becoming a private music tutor is a viable career. Graduates can offer individual or small group lessons to students, focusing on a range of musical skills such as playing instruments, singing, or music theory. With the rise of online education, there are also opportunities to offer remote music tutoring sessions.
Educational Consultant in Music: Graduates with a passion for improving educational systems can consider working as educational consultants with a focus on music education. In this role, they provide advice and guidance to schools, education authorities, or music education organizations on the implementation of effective music teaching methods, curriculum development, and teacher training.
Music Specialist for Special Educational Needs (SEN): A graduate’s expertise in music education can also be applied to working with students who have Special Educational Needs (SEN). As an SEN music teacher, they could tailor music lessons to support the development of children with varying learning needs, helping to boost their cognitive, emotional, and social development through music.
Music and Arts Program Director: Graduates may also pursue careers as program directors or managers of extracurricular music and arts programs. Many schools and community centers run after-school or summer programs dedicated to the arts, and graduates can oversee these programs, providing music education outside of the formal curriculum.
Arts Education Administrator: For those interested in a more administrative career, graduates may pursue roles in arts education administration. In these positions, they oversee the logistical aspects of educational institutions or organizations focused on music and the arts, ensuring that programs run smoothly and meet educational standards. Roles can include working for local authorities or national arts organizations.
Educational Content Developer (Music): Graduates interested in the digital side of education can work as educational content developers, creating music-related learning materials and resources. This could involve writing textbooks, developing online courses, or creating music-focused teaching aids and educational tools for primary education. With the growing demand for online education platforms, there are abundant opportunities in this field.
Music Therapist: For graduates interested in pursuing a career that blends psychology and music, music therapy is a rewarding option. Music therapists use music to support mental health, emotional well-being, and cognitive development. Although this role typically requires additional specific training in therapy, a background in music education provides a strong foundation for this career.
Educational Researcher in Music Education: Graduates may also choose to pursue a career in educational research. By focusing on music education, they could conduct studies to explore innovative teaching practices, evaluate the impact of music on learning outcomes, or contribute to policy development regarding arts education. This role could be carried out within universities, think tanks, or governmental organizations.