MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a highly regarded and intensive three-year undergraduate degree specifically designed to develop outstanding primary school teachers. This comprehensive program integrates rigorous academic study with extensive practical experience, leading to the achievement of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon graduation. Students delve into the principles of education, child development, and pedagogy, while also gaining a deep understanding of the primary school curriculum across all key subjects. St. Mary's has a long-standing reputation for excellence in teacher training, producing confident, reflective, and highly employable educators who are well-prepared to inspire and educate children from diverse backgrounds within the complexities of modern primary classrooms.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at St. Mary's is expertly structured to provide a holistic preparation for primary teaching, blending academic theory with essential practical application. Across the three years, students engage with core modules that cover key educational principles, child development, and effective pedagogical approaches. They also undertake in-depth study of all primary curriculum subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Art & Design, Computing, Modern Foreign Languages (MFL), Music, Physical Education (PE), and Religious Education (RE), ensuring comprehensive subject knowledge for teaching across Key Stages 1 and 2. A significant portion of the program is dedicated to professional placements in various primary school settings, where students gain hands-on experience in planning, delivering, and assessing lessons, managing classrooms, and working collaboratively with experienced teachers. The final year culminates in a research project, allowing students to specialise in an area of particular interest within primary education.
Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS program at St. Mary's University is underpinned by the active research interests and extensive professional expertise of its academic staff. Lecturers are engaged in a wide range of educational research, contributing to contemporary debates in pedagogy, curriculum development, assessment, inclusive education, and specific subject teaching methodologies. This research-informed teaching ensures that the curriculum remains current and relevant to the evolving landscape of primary education. Students are encouraged to develop their own research skills, particularly through their final-year professional project, which allows them to investigate a specific educational issue, policy, or practice in depth. This engagement with research fosters critical thinking and equips graduates with the ability to draw upon evidence-based practice throughout their teaching careers.
Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a fundamental and defining feature of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS program at St. Mary's University. A significant portion of the degree is dedicated to compulsory professional placements in diverse primary school settings, ranging from urban to suburban schools and covering different key stages. St. Mary's has established strong, long-standing partnerships with a wide network of primary schools across London and the surrounding areas. These partnerships provide invaluable opportunities for students to gain extensive hands-on teaching experience, observe experienced practitioners, develop their classroom management skills, and work collaboratively with mentors. The practical placements are meticulously structured and supported by university tutors, ensuring students meet the Teachers' Standards for Qualified Teacher Status and are fully prepared for the demands of a professional teaching career upon graduation.
Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS program at St. Mary's University incorporates a global perspective by encouraging students to consider the broader international contexts of education and the diverse backgrounds of children in today's classrooms. While the primary focus is on the English national curriculum and QTS standards, the program fosters an understanding of inclusive practices that cater to children from various cultural and linguistic backgrounds. Discussions on comparative education systems, international pedagogical approaches, and the challenges of global citizenship are woven into the curriculum. This prepares future teachers to work effectively in increasingly diverse school environments and to instill in their pupils a global awareness and understanding, equipping them to become responsible and engaged citizens of the world.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6
Tuition Fee
£ 17100
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 80.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 55.
- Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
The BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at St. Mary's University, Twickenham, is a highly respected three-year undergraduate degree designed to prepare students for a dynamic and impactful career as primary school teachers. This comprehensive program leads directly to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) upon graduation, building on St. Mary's long-standing reputation for excellence in teacher training, which has been consistently judged as 'outstanding' by Ofsted. The curriculum is rigorously aligned with the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (ITTCCF), ensuring graduates are equipped to teach all 13 primary subjects of the National Curriculum to children aged 5 to 11. The program's expert-led, hands-on approach, coupled with extensive practical experience, instills the confidence, resilience, and pedagogical knowledge essential for becoming effective educators and potential leaders in primary education.
Primary School Teacher (Classroom Teacher): This is the primary career path, directly enabled by the QTS qualification. Graduates teach all subjects of the National Curriculum to children aged 5-11, managing classrooms, assessing progress, and fostering a positive learning environment.
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) Coordinator (SENCO): With further experience and potentially specialised training, primary teachers can become a SENCO, leading and coordinating provision for children with special educational needs within a primary school setting.
Subject Leader / Curriculum Coordinator: Experienced primary teachers can take on leadership roles within their school, specialising in a particular curriculum area (e.g., English, Maths, Science, PE). They oversee curriculum development, assessment, and professional development for other staff in that subject.
Phase Leader (e.g., Early Years, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 Lead): These roles involve leading a specific age phase within the primary school, overseeing the curriculum, pastoral care, and staff development for that age group.
Deputy Headteacher / Headteacher: With significant teaching experience, leadership skills, and further professional development, graduates can progress to senior leadership positions, taking on broader management and strategic responsibilities for the entire school.
Private Tutor: Leveraging their QTS and deep understanding of the primary curriculum, graduates can offer private tutoring services to individual students or small groups, providing tailored support in specific subjects or areas of learning.
Education Consultant / School Improvement Adviser: Experienced teachers may transition into consultancy roles, advising schools, local authorities, or educational organisations on curriculum development, teaching methodologies, assessment practices, or overall school improvement strategies.
Education Officer (Museums, Galleries, Zoos): Graduates can work in cultural or environmental institutions, designing and delivering educational programs and workshops for primary school groups and families, utilising their pedagogical skills to engage children with various subjects.
Educational Content Developer / Textbook Writer: With their strong knowledge of the primary curriculum and child development, graduates can contribute to the creation of educational resources, textbooks, online learning materials, or assessment tools for publishing houses or EdTech companies.
University Lecturer / Initial Teacher Training Tutor: Graduates with further academic qualifications (e.g., a Master's or PhD in Education) and significant teaching experience may pursue careers in higher education, training future primary teachers or conducting research in educational theory and practice.
