BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS with Foundation Year Bachelor's degree at Birmingham City University
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS with Foundation Year at BCU leads to a nationally recognised Bachelor's degree and Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), enabling you to teach in primary schools across England.
About this course
BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS with Foundation Year is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at BCU, based in City South Campus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For Teacher training graduates from this provider, 89% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 79% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Education & Teaching, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 89% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 90% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year One 6 modules
- An Introduction to CoreCore40 credits
Module details
This module provides opportunities for trainee teachers to explore the nature of the core subjects (English, Mathematics and Science) and prime and specific areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) in the context of learning and teaching in the primary school and early years settings. The module provides substantial support for trainees' professional practice in such settings, assessed through the School-Based Training (SBT) modules. This module provides a strong philosophical underpinni
- The Developing ChildCore20 credits
Module details
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in primary and/or early years settings by responding to the developments in theory and practice relating to child development. It focuses on child development, planning and assessing so that all children can meet their potential. It will develop the link between theory and practice as part of the module will be delivered th
- The Emerging TeacherCore20 credits
Module details
The role of this module is to encourage you to consider in-depth your first experiences in your placement school. It will enable you to understand the complexity of the teacher's role and the importance of adopting a professional stance at all times. You will understand the importance of an effective learning environment where all children feel safe and can develop to their full potential. It will provide you with practical strategies to support you in managing children's behaviour.
- Understanding the Foundation CurriculumCore20 credits
Module details
This module is an introduction to all other subjects of the curriculum taught in primary schools besides the core subjects of English, Maths and Science. You will be introduced to key areas of learning for each of the subjects and supported to understand some of the frameworks and resources used by schools to deliver these subjects. You will understand the relevance of each subject and how they support one another, where appropriate.
- Subject Learning and TeachingCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides opportunities for trainee teachers to explore a chosen subject in greater depth. It will address the relevant curricular content and learning and teaching strategies appropriate to the subject in the context of learning and teaching in the primary school and early years settings. There will be a consideration of inclusive practice, assessment and an examination of the latest research developments. The module provides substantial support for your professional practice in such
- School Based Training 1Core
Module details
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, SBT 1, provides opportunities for you as a trainee teacher to meet the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment. You will be able to implement theory and evidence-
Year Two 6 modules
- Promoting Progress in CoreCore40 credits
Module details
This module builds on the skills and knowledge introduced in the Year 1 core module and links to the Y3 core module. It includes the study of English, Maths and Science in Key Stages 1 and 2 and the relevant Prime and Specific areas in the EYFS and links to the teaching of the core areas on School Experience modules.
- Assessing and ReportingCore20 credits
Module details
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course by responding to new initiatives in primary education. The focus will be upon developing your knowledge and understanding of the ways in which assessment and reporting are fundamental to learning and teaching in the primary school and EYFS settings. Through our commitment to inclusive values you will be empowered to address issues of equality, diversity and justice to optimise the life chance
- Special Educational Needs and Disability and InclusionCore20 credits
Module details
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the Teachers' Standards by responding to the changes and developments in legislation, policy and practice relating to Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). It explores the diverse needs of pupils in Early Years and Primary settings with a specific emphasis upon SEND. It explores the challenges for inclusive teachers within changing educational environments whilst providing o
- Developing the Foundation CurriculumCore20 credits
Module details
This module supports the programme philosophy and aims as it will engage you with a diverse and dynamic range of strategies to motivate and inspire children in their learning of the foundation subjects. You will be given opportunities to develop an understanding of outstanding practice in teaching the foundation subjects in primary and early years settings, through University sessions. You will be able to take risks within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice to develop your
- Subjects in ActionCore20 credits
Module details
This module will provide opportunities for you to develop your understanding and expertise in a specific subject area. You will develop professional skills and attributes through collaborative group work. You will: Plan collaboratively for a specific age group of children in the chosen subject with consideration of pupils' individual needs to differentiate and personalise the learning Develop inclusive practice Assess and monitor progress of children Consider intervention strategies to support p
- School Based Training 2Core
Module details
This module will provide you with the opportunity to develop within a professional, safe and supportive community of practice in order to help you to become a confident, creative and committed teacher and enable you to demonstrate a working understanding of and progress towards, the professional standards that underpin learning and teaching in a primary or early years settings. You will be assessed against the current professional competences for teaching through a learning, teaching and assessm
Year Three 5 modules
- Critical Issues in CoreCore40 credits
Module details
The module will develop students' understanding of both formative and summative assessment. Students will consider their own experiences, evaluate recent policy and research and complete practical tasks to embed and extend their understanding. The role, purpose and potential for effective assessment will be considered. Additionally, students will consider how to utilise new technologies to support and enhance learning and assessment. The potential of new technologies in supporting a range of lea
- Current Issues in EducationCore20 credits
Module details
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme by being responsive to new initiatives and developments in primary education to enable you to become a highly effective and reflective teacher. The module will complement and build upon your knowledge and understanding developed through school experiences. A strong commitment to inclusive values will be reinforced and will empower you to address issues of equality, diversity and justice to
- Creative Teaching in the Foundation CurriculumCore20 credits
Module details
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary & Early Years Education with QTS course by focusing upon opportunities to develop, support and enhance thinking and learning skills in the Early Years and Primary settings. This will be considered through statutory and non-statutory curriculum guidance, and theoretical perspectives. During your school based training this module will support you in developing creativity and cross-curricular opportunities, and evaluatin
- Research in EducationCore40 credits
Module details
This module aligns to the overall philosophy and aims of the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS programme and the Teachers' Standards by responding to the changes and developments in primary education. It will enable you to become a highly reflective teacher. It will also support you in becoming an innovative and resilient leader of learning with a personal commitment to shaping the future of the teaching profession. In this module, you will be supervised by an experienced tutor who will guide
- School Based Training 3Core
Module details
Working in partnership with schools over a sustained period of time in school, this module, School Based Training (SBT) 3, enables you to build on and demonstrate your mastery and achievement of the professional standards and expectations of teaching through practical, school-based experience. You will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced teachers and other education professionals to develop your knowledge, understanding and skill in the classroom and the wider school environment.
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course prepares you for primary teaching with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), combining academic study with sustained school placements. You'll usually begin with foundations of education and child development, how children learn from birth through the primary years. Early placements let you observe and support in real classrooms from the start. As you progress, you'll study curriculum planning, teaching and assessment across core subjects, alongside inclusion and special educational needs. The course typically moves toward specialist options such as early years, subject specialisms or education policy, with increasing responsibility in school settings. Your final year culminates in an extended placement where you lead classes and are assessed against the Teachers' Standards to achieve QTS. Throughout, you combine theory with practice-based learning.
Who it's for
This course suits graduates seeking to qualify as primary school teachers. Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent qualifications; recent accepted students typically had a UCAS tariff between 80 and 95 points. You'll need to meet the university's specific entry requirements and demonstrate commitment to working with primary-age children.
Careers & job market
Across Education & Teaching courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 70% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. National graduate earnings data shows starting salaries (at 15 months) typically range from £22,000 to £30,000, with variation reflecting different roles and locations. After five years, earnings typically range from £21,250 to £30,000. These are national figures from Graduate Outcomes and Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) data, not university-specific guarantees.
University & format
This is a 4-year full-time Bachelor's degree with QTS, run by Birmingham City University, a public university at City South Campus. The course is taught in English and leads to a BA (Hons) award, recognised as a UK degree-awarding body. The course holds Silver for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
See and book current events. Dates can fill or change.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 95% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
| an Access course | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students came in with a broad spread of qualifications and UCAS points. If you're worried about grades, this course has historically taken a wide range, and contextual offers may apply.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code X120). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at BCU →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
That does not mean no funding exists. Check the university directory for current amounts, eligibility and application dates.
National funding for this subject
- Teacher-training bursaries: Postgraduate bursaries and scholarships are available for selected shortage subjects. Official guidance
We only display a named award when its provider source identifies the award and who it is for.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Education & Teaching graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £30,000 – £31,000 | 60 |
| 3 years after | £26,500 | £22,000 – £27,500 | 280 |
| 5 years after | £32,000 | £24,500 – £34,500 | 265 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in education & teaching · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Education & Teaching nationally
National figures for Education & Teaching graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 60; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Education & Teaching courses at the same study level.
Compared with 515 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 79% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 150; response rate: 63%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Education & Teaching graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Education & Teaching graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Schools & academy trusts
- Local authorities
- Education charities
- Tutoring providers
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Education & Teaching graduates.
Education SEN MentorMacIntyreEducation Recruitment ConsultantAcademicsEducation Delivery Consultant - Fast Paced, Dynamic Organisation - WorcestershireAP EducationEducation Trustee - Lead Youth Careers & Outdoor LearningRacing to SchoolEducation Recruitment Consultant - Build Futures & Earn UncappedProtocol EducationEducation Recruitment Consultant: Grow Your Desk & ImpactEducation AssetsIs this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
89% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.8 out of 10: NSS 83.4% · in work or study 89% · continued 90%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Birmingham City University
Education and teaching across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around City South Campus
1,592 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Education & Teaching right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to BCU from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by BCU; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check BCU’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with BCU and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at BCU
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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