Durham University has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
Course summary
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 Core Content Framework (CCF) 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 CCF 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’. The ITT curriculum also integrates additional analysis and critique of theory, research and expert practice that tutors and school expert partners consider appropriate. 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. The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and this is awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University. The degree develops the professional knowledge and understanding to provide a foundation for effective teaching in a primary school. This includes:
- An understanding of 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 foundation primary curriculum subjects
- Classroom effectiveness, drawing upon expertise of expert teachers
- Personal educational philosophy
- Development of a professional identity.
Modules
Year 1 Core modules: The Evidence Informed Primary Teacher 1 will help you develop an understanding of the Primary National Curriculum Framework and the key concepts underpinning primary learning. You will review relevant policy and legal requirements, and develop a critical appreciation of Foundation subject delivery in the primary context. Shifting the Focus develops your understanding of the key elements underpinning the primary curriculum and strengthens your knowledge of their connections. You will examine ways in which the core curriculum is taught and consider the issues involved in ensuring effective provision of the National Curriculum for all children. In Education in the Early Years, you will develop an understanding of key pedagogical issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in early years education. You will be introduced to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, considering areas of learning specified in the framework. There will be a particular focus on children’s development of early reading and phonics, and early mathematics. You will explore ways in which early years education supports preparation for formal schooling. Through Professional and School-Based Studies 1, you will begin to develop an understanding of some of the key professional requirements involved in teaching. You will be introduced to key issues related to teaching, learning and assessment in the primary classroom, including approaches required in foundation subjects. You will develop an understanding of the CCF and the Teachers’ Standards, and the approaches needed to fulfil these. You will develop an understanding of safeguarding roles and duties and consider issues related to the development of a professional identity. In recent years, optional modules have included: Intercultural and International Education Foundations of Psychology in Education Disability and Educational Needs: What’s so ‘Special’ about SEND?
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.
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
29Jan
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.https://www.dur.ac.uk/study/international/
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
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
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 | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £26500 | Year 1 |
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | 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
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees are subject to an annual inflationary increase. In deciding the annual level of increase the University will take into account inflationary pressures on the costs of delivery. Tuition fees will rise annually by up to the higher of 6% or the latest annual percentage increase in the Consumer Prices Index.
There may also be additional course costs for things like books (if you want to purchase them), field trips etc.
Sponsorship information
We're committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances. https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE