BA Primary Education

Program Overview

Canterbury Christ Church University (CCCU) in the United Kingdom offers a highly regarded BA (Hons) Primary Education (with Qualified Teacher Status - QTS) program. This comprehensive degree is specifically designed to equip aspiring educators with the profound knowledge and essential practical skills required to become effective and inspiring primary school teachers in England. As the sole undergraduate teacher training provider in Kent, CCCU boasts a deep-rooted legacy in teacher education, emphasizing a research-based approach to primary education that ensures graduates are proficient in guiding and supporting children across the 3-11 age phase. The program champions sustainability, social justice, inclusion, and diversity, fostering adaptable and confident educators who can motivate and inspire young learners.

Curriculum: The BA Primary Education (QTS) curriculum at CCCU is meticulously structured to provide both academic depth and extensive professional practice. Students delve into every aspect of teaching, including child development and behavior, the primary curriculum across various subjects (e.g., English, mathematics, science, humanities, arts), effective planning and assessment strategies, and classroom management. The program integrates theoretical learning with significant practical experience through school placements in an extensive network of partner schools, including state and special schools. These placements, undertaken each year, allow students to gain confidence, develop observation and collaboration skills, and progressively work towards solo class teaching. The curriculum is further enhanced by modules that encourage critical reflection, helping students to integrate educational theory and research with their professional practice.

Research Focus: The BA Primary Education (QTS) program at Canterbury Christ Church University is delivered by a highly experienced team of academic staff, many of whom are former teachers and actively engaged in educational research. The School of Teacher Education has a strong reputation for its research-informed approach, with expertise spanning areas such as primary pedagogy, child development, inclusive practices (including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities - SEND), curriculum innovation, and social justice in education. This active research involvement ensures that the curriculum remains current, evidence-based, and responsive to evolving educational needs. Students are encouraged to engage with this research-led environment, developing their own critical inquiry skills through academic modules and often culminating in research-based projects.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a cornerstone of the BA Primary Education (QTS) program at CCCU, critical for producing highly sought-after graduates. The university boasts a large and diverse network of partner schools across Kent, Medway, South London, and Essex, where students undertake extensive school placements. These placements provide invaluable hands-on teaching experience, guided by experienced school-based mentors who work in close collaboration with university tutors. The program is shaped by ongoing dialogue with headteachers, school colleagues, and representatives from national educational organizations, ensuring the curriculum aligns with current professional standards and employer needs. This strong partnership approach means that graduates are highly valued by local headteachers for their deep knowledge, creativity, and professionalism, evidenced by high graduate employment rates in the education sector.

Global Perspective: The BA Primary Education (QTS) program at Canterbury Christ Church University implicitly incorporates a global perspective by fostering an understanding of diverse learning contexts and the universal principles of child development and effective pedagogy. While the program prepares students to teach within the English education system, the emphasis on sustainability, social justice, inclusion, and diversity equips graduates to teach in increasingly diverse classrooms and to understand the broader global educational landscape. Opportunities such as overseas study trips, when available, further broaden students' understanding of international educational systems and practices. The university's commitment to a critically engaged and reflective approach to education ensures that graduates are prepared to navigate and contribute to a globally interconnected world, understanding the varied influences on children's learning and development.