BA (Hons) Primary Education (2-year fast track) Bachelor's degree at the University of Plymouth
BA (Hons) Primary Education (2-year fast track) at University of Plymouth. You'll combine classroom-based learning with substantial school placements, building the subject knowledge, pedagogical understanding and practical skills that Year 1–6 teaching demands.
About this course
BA (Hons) Primary Education (2-year fast track) is a Bachelor's degree (BA (Hons)) at the University of Plymouth, based in University of Plymouth Campus. It runs 2 years, studied full-time.
For Education graduates from this provider, 85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 50% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £23,500. (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)
Limited evidence Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 85% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 85% (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 1 9 modules
- Introduction to Primary EducationCore20 credits
Module details
A series of lectures given by members of the BA in Primary Education team, focusing on their own research, interests and enthusiasms. Combined with weekly seminars, these sessions will introduce students to the wide range of areas of study which are part of Primary Education. In addition to discovering the diversity of interests and approaches introduced in lectures, students will have the opportunity to develop study skills and dispositions, with support from the learning team.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- How Children LearnCore20 credits
Module details
This module is all about how children learn and the social and political factors that influence the primary curriculum. Looking at key theorists in child development, both historical and current, students will develop their understanding of how theory relates to primary practice.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- The Primary Curriculum: Introduction to the Core SubjectsCore20 credits
Module details
An introduction to the primary curriculum where students will begin to explore the core subjects taught within primary settings. Students will learn how classroom practitioners establish a positive classroom ethos and engage children in the content of the curricula to promote holistic child development. A series of seminars/ workshops will immerse students in active learning to further their understanding of the primary curriculum and ways in which aspects of it may be taught.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Theorising Professional PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
This module is designed to help students develop their reflective abilities and skills, important attributes that will further assist in their continuing professional development. As well as building on their curriculum knowledge, students will be supported to begin to identify and develop skills of professional practice that will remain with them long after University.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Professional Practice in the ClassroomCore20 credits
Module details
This module will run simultaneously with Professional Practice within the Primary Classroom (campus-based) in order to align theory and practice within the primary setting. Off campus, students will have the opportunity to be immersed in primary stage (3 - 11 years) work-based settings and experience some of the theory that is being taught on campus. Students will be supported to arrange these placements, which may be attended on a paid or voluntary basis, enabling them to nominate a setting whi
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- The Primary Curriculum: Introduction to the Foundation SubjectsCore20 credits
Module details
This module will allow students to begin to explore the broader primary curriculum. A series of engaging seminars/ workshops will immerse students in active learning to further their understanding of the breadth of the primary curriculum and ways in which aspects of it may be taught.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- The Role of Technology in Primary PracticeCore20 credits
Module details
A lecture and seminar series which provides students with an understanding of the contribution of digital technology to learning in the primary environment. Students will practically explore technologies and engage in debates pertinent to themselves as professionals and the children within primary education.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- The Wider Role of the Primary ProfessionalCore20 credits
Module details
This module provides an opportunity to understand the wider role of the primary professional beyond the curriculum. It will encompass aspects such as safeguarding practices, well-being, and emotional development.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Learning Outside the Primary Classroom: Summer PlacementCore40 credits
Module details
Learning Outside the Primary Classroom: Summer Placement allows students to experience learning with primary-aged children outside of the traditional British classroom, such as a forest school, sports' or summer camp. Students may choose to complete this internationally, for example in an international camp or at a school or setting outside of the UK. Drawing on knowledge gained during the programme, students will be supported to reflect on how children can learn in a range of contexts.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
Year 2 7 modules
- An Introduction to International Primary EducationCore20 credits
Module details
This module gives students chance to research and explore primary education approaches from around the world. Through a series of lectures and seminars, we will compare, discuss and debate the similarities and differences between education systems, their merits and challenges. This will enable participants to begin to consider their own visions and values within primary education.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Deepening Understanding of Primary EducationCore20 credits
Module details
Through a series of further lectures given by members of the BA in Primary Education team, students will be encouraged to focus on areas which particularly interest them in Primary Education. Additional seminars and workshops will support the process of honing study and research skills in order for students to deepen their understanding.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- A Critical Analysis of Teaching PedagogyCore20 credits
Module details
This module deepens students' understanding of subjects taught within primary settings. This is achieved by enhancing their subject and pedagogic knowledge across the primary curriculum. A series of seminars/ workshops will immerse students in active learning to further their understanding of the primary curriculum and ways in which aspects of it may be taught.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- DissertationCore40 credits
Module details
This module enables students to use the skills, experience and specialist subject knowledge they have acquired previously to attempt a significant piece of original research. They will relate their research to an aspect of primary education.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in EducationCore20 credits
Module details
This module aims to give students opportunities to analyse principles which underpin effective teaching and learning, to consider their own attitudes and values and to develop an understanding of how to promote learning. This module will look at diversity amongst learners and look at aspects of difference such as LGBTQ+ and learners with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND).
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Developing Subject Specialist KnowledgeCore20 credits
Module details
For this module, students will select a specific area of focus from the primary curriculum. Through a series of seminars/ workshops, students will explore how practitioners advocate for their subjects, stages and aspects of primary education, both within their settings and wider contexts. Additionally, students will consider the progression of knowledge and key skills within their selected focus of study.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
- Sustainability in EducationCore20 credits
Module details
Preparing them for the ever-changing challenges in the natural world, this module develops students' critical thinking about how to promote children's learning in and about the environment. Through a combination of practical activities and critical examination of research in the area, students will be supported to educate the next generation about looking after our planet.
Assessment: 100% Coursework
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 fast-track degree compresses primary teacher education into two years, moving from foundational understanding of how children learn to sustained classroom practice and qualified teacher status. You'll usually begin with the principles of child development, how schools are organised, and early school placements. Year 2 progresses to curriculum design, pedagogy, and strategies for supporting learners with additional needs. Throughout, you combine theory with practical teaching experience in schools. Depending on the pathway you choose, you can specialise in areas such as early years, special educational needs and inclusion, or education policy. The course typically culminates in an extended school placement where you teach with increasing responsibility and work towards the Teachers' Standards.
Who it's for
This course suits you if you're motivated by the prospect of shaping young learners' development and you thrive in busy, dynamic environments. You'll need strong subject knowledge (or the capacity to build it quickly) and genuine enthusiasm for primary education, this is an intensive two-year commitment with substantial school-based work alongside university teaching. You're likely someone who welcomes structured reflection on your practice, takes feedback seriously and is ready to adapt your approach based on what your pupils need. If you've already completed a degree or significant work experience and want to channel that into teaching, this accelerated pathway offers a direct route into the profession.
Careers & job market
Across Education & Teaching courses nationally, 90% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Among those in employment, 70% work in highly skilled roles or continue studying. National graduate earnings data shows primary education graduates earned £22,000–£30,000 at the 15-month point; after five years, earnings typically ranged from £21,250 to £30,000. These figures reflect the national labour market for education graduates, not a guarantee for individual outcomes.
University & format
The BA (Hons) Primary Education is delivered full-time over 2 years at the University of Plymouth, a university located on campus in the South West. Taught in English, it leads to a Bachelor's degree with honours. The course is accredited as a recognised UK degree-awarding body, and the university holds a Gold award for teaching quality from the Office for Students' TEF 2023. The curriculum is designed to lead towards qualified teacher status (QTS) for those on QTS routes.
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.
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 | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 10% |
| a previous degree | 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. 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
Provider fee page (England 2026/27 cap where not stated).
Check fees at University of Plymouth →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 | £23,500 | £22,000 – £28,000 | 15 |
| 3 years after | £19,500 | £15,000 – £23,500 | 220 |
| 5 years after | £23,000 | £16,500 – £28,000 | 225 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. 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: 2022-23. Limited evidence. Published sample: 15; treat comparisons cautiously. 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 and Childcare Support OccupationDiscover Uni category · 20% of published destinations
- Teaching ProfessionalsSOC 2020 231 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £42,660
- Caring personal servicesSOC 2020 613 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £23,668
- Finance ProfessionalsSOC 2020 242 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £47,173
- Welfare and housing associate professionalsSOC 2020 322 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,937
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: 45; response rate: 75%. 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
85% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £23,500. 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 92.7% · in work or study 85% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
University of Plymouth
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 University of Plymouth Campus
3,218 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 University of Plymouth from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £21,500 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). 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 University of Plymouth’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 University of Plymouth and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Plymouth
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
Request information about BA (Hons) Primary Education (2-year fast track)
Prospectus, key dates, entry and funding, free to your inbox.