Course summary
Course details The BA Primary Education ensures that what we teach is informed by a range of high-quality research evidence. The Primary Education degree is ideal if you are committed to a teaching career in a primary school. You will complete a minimum of 120 days 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. Develop your expertise and deepen your knowledge at one of the UK’s leading Schools of Education. Gain all the knowledge, skills and experience you’ll need to become a first-rate primary teacher or choose a multidisciplinary course that takes a broader look at the role of education in society. The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and this is awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University. Why Durham University? At Durham University, our vision is to be a leader in the development of high-quality teachers who aspire, through their scholarly, reflective and inspirational practice, 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 Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) explains the areas of expertise that trainees need to 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 – trainees ‘learn that’ and ‘learn how to’. Central to our teaching qualifications is the partnership between the University and schools in the area. We work with a diverse network of schools covering a wide geographical area Rankings World Top 100 in the QS World University Subject Rankings 2024 1st in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 4th in The Complete University Guide 2025 Careers Opportunities Our students graduate with a broad range of transferable skills which open the door to careers across a wide range of sectors in the education sector and beyond. Our BA in Primary Education offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status with most graduates progressing directly into teaching. Graduates of the BA in Education Studies degrees move into a diverse range of roles including educational research, publishing, education administration, policy making and management as well as roles in the commercial or public sector. Some students choose further study, progressing to doctoral programmes, while others choose a Masters degree or a PGCE in primary or secondary education.
Modules
For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
Assessment method
Most taught modules are assessed by assignments, including essays, posters and portfolios. As part of the course curriculum, you will access the Government’s Core Content Framework (CCF) criteria. School-based activities will be observed, and by the end of the course you must demonstrate that you meet the Government’s Teachers’ Standards in order to be awarded QTS. In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Primary
How to apply
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- X101
- Institution code:
- D86
- Campus name:
- Durham City
- Campus code:
- O
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please visit: https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/ International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year. For further details please visit: https://www.durhamisc.com/programmes/international-foundation-year
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 128 points
GCSE/National 4/National 5
All offers are subject to successful interview and an enhanced DBS check. If your equivalent qualifications are from an overseas institution, you must apply for a Statement of Comparability from NARIC.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/primary-education-x101/
Additional entry requirements
Criminal records declaration (DBS/Disclosure Scotland)
Interview
English language requirements
Durham University welcomes applications from all students irrespective of background. We encourage the recruitment of academically well-qualified and highly motivated students, who are non-native speakers of English, whose full potential can be realised with a limited amount of English Language training either prior to entry or through pre-sessional and/or in-sessional courses. It is the normal expectation that candidates for admission should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by following the link provided.
English language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Student Outcomes
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
Channel Islands | £9535 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
EU | £26500 | Year 1 |
England | £9535 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £9535 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9535 | Year 1 |
International | £26500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE