BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies

Why study Primary Education Studies at ARU?

• Study at a university ranked 13th in the UK for Education in the Guardian University Guide 2025, and in the top 10% in the country for graduate employment (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
• Join the only new accredited university provider of teacher training in the UK, with over 20 years’ experience of training education professionals.
• Develop your understanding of primary education and gain the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively in a range of educational settings, the wider education sector, cultural institutions and NGOs, or related fields such as health and social work.
• Gain a thorough understanding of classroom management, lesson planning, National Curriculum subjects, and the three Key Stages in primary education, as well as an insight into special educational needs provision.
• Become familiar with teaching approaches and how to make adjustments to suit learners of all abilities.
• Take part in live briefs to gain work experience and extend your professional network.
• Tailor your course to your circumstances by taking it as an accelerated degree over two years (on-campus or blended learning), or a four-year degree with foundation year.

If you’re looking for a career working with children aged 3-12 and their families, or you already work in education but want to learn more and progress your career, our BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies will give you a thorough understanding of classroom management, lesson planning, National Curriculum subjects, and the three Key Stages in primary education, as well as an insight into special educational needs provision.

You needn’t be limited to primary school teaching, though. You might have your sights set on a career in the wider education sector, cultural institutions and NGOs, or related fields such as health and social work. On this degree course you’ll gain the knowledge and skills you need to work collaboratively in a range of settings.

Our BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies is the first step on your career path to working with primary-aged children and their families.

If you’re interested in teaching, our degree will prepare you for postgraduate initial teacher training programmes. We work with local ITT providers who actively recruit our students to School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITTs), so you’ll be well prepared for interviews throughout your degree.

You might also want to continue on to a Masters course, such as one of our MA Education degrees, which include options to specialise in leadership and management, SEND, and Montessori settings, or our PGCE. Take advantage of our Alumni Scholarship to get 20% off your fees.

Employability and personal career development

Informed by employers, our courses support an integrated approach to employability. You’ll have opportunities to develop the skills and abilities they are looking for and gain a deeper understanding of how your academic learning relates to the world of work through Live Briefs and Ruskin Modules.

To amplify your career ambition, you will need to actively dedicate time outside of your studies, whether you choose to explore placements, internships or volunteering. Or you could make a social impact by collaborating with our partner organisations through our volunteer scheme Students at the Heart of Knowledge Exchange (SHoKE). These all give you an edge, providing you with experience that you will be able to evidence on your CV and talk about in interviews.

Our Employability and Careers Service offers a range of expert advice and support to build your unique professional profile, including tailored career appointments, advice on writing your CV, and help to complete job applications. You’ll have 24/7 access to the Careers Centre, our comprehensive online digital resource, which empowers you to start building a Personal Career Development Plan from the very start. Design your future at ARU.