School of Education | BA Primary Education (with Foundation Year) 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Durham University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

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Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Education and Training

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

At Durham University, our vision is to be a leader in the development of high-quality teachers who, through their scholarly, reflective and inspirational practice, aspire to make a difference to the lives of their students, both now and in the future.


To achieve this vision, Durham’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) curriculum is co-designed and delivered in collaboration between university-based and school-based expert colleagues.


The Early Career Framework (ITTECF) outlines the areas of expertise trainees will learn during the ITT year, as a minimum entitlement. The careful integration of all elements of the ITTECF forms the core of Durham’s BA Primary Education curriculum. Durham’s ITT curriculum places great emphasis on enhancing trainees’ subject knowledge and teaching for understanding. The ITT curriculum also integrates additional analysis and critique of theory, research and expert practice that tutors and school expert partners consider appropriate.


Our BA in Primary Education ensures that what we teach is informed by a range of high-quality research evidence. If you're committed to a teaching career in a primary school, this course is for you. You will complete a minimum of 120 days of school experience, including training about whole-school issues that affect children’s learning environment. You will also engage in Intensive Training and Practice opportunities which strengthen links between evidence and classroom practice. The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University.


This course will help you develop the professional knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for effective teaching in a primary school. This includes:


  • An understanding of the responsibilities and roles of the primary teacher
  • An understanding of schools and the National Curriculum as the framework for children’s formal learning
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of core National Curriculum subjects
  • Knowledge and understanding of the foundation primary curriculum subjects
  • Classroom effectiveness, drawing upon the expertise of expert teachers
  • Personal educational philosophy
  • Development of a professional identity.


Durham Education 2027


The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.


Not got the grades?


International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.


Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.  

Programme overview

Main Subject

Education and Training

Degree

BA

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

At Durham University, our vision is to be a leader in the development of high-quality teachers who, through their scholarly, reflective and inspirational practice, aspire to make a difference to the lives of their students, both now and in the future.


To achieve this vision, Durham’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) curriculum is co-designed and delivered in collaboration between university-based and school-based expert colleagues.


The Early Career Framework (ITTECF) outlines the areas of expertise trainees will learn during the ITT year, as a minimum entitlement. The careful integration of all elements of the ITTECF forms the core of Durham’s BA Primary Education curriculum. Durham’s ITT curriculum places great emphasis on enhancing trainees’ subject knowledge and teaching for understanding. The ITT curriculum also integrates additional analysis and critique of theory, research and expert practice that tutors and school expert partners consider appropriate.


Our BA in Primary Education ensures that what we teach is informed by a range of high-quality research evidence. If you're committed to a teaching career in a primary school, this course is for you. You will complete a minimum of 120 days of school experience, including training about whole-school issues that affect children’s learning environment. You will also engage in Intensive Training and Practice opportunities which strengthen links between evidence and classroom practice. The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University.


This course will help you develop the professional knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for effective teaching in a primary school. This includes:


  • An understanding of the responsibilities and roles of the primary teacher
  • An understanding of schools and the National Curriculum as the framework for children’s formal learning
  • In-depth knowledge and understanding of core National Curriculum subjects
  • Knowledge and understanding of the foundation primary curriculum subjects
  • Classroom effectiveness, drawing upon the expertise of expert teachers
  • Personal educational philosophy
  • Development of a professional identity.


Durham Education 2027


The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.


Not got the grades?


International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.


Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.  

Admission Requirements

4.5+
120+
176+
6.5+
62+

4 Years
Sep

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