Fast track your degree to gain a full BA (Hons) degree in two years
Save money in fees and maintenance
Accelerate access to graduate employment or postgraduate study
The fast-track BA Primary Education is innovative in both its delivery and content. The two-year structure enables students to gain a full BA (Hons) award, but at a faster pace than a traditional degree. Students will learn about both formal and informal education environments, while also having opportunities for real world experiences. As such, the course interweaves opportunities for work-based learning and student knowledge exchange, ensuring that employability is at its heart. Students will work with a team of lecturers who bring a wealth of educational and research experiences to enrich this dynamic course.
Professor Verity Campbell Barr
Director of Plymouth Institute of Education
Careers with this subject
- university based PGCE
- School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT)
- paid apprenticeship
- Education officer
- Education administrator
- Education consultant
- Education mental health practitioner
- Educational psychologist
- Social worker
- Engllsh as a foreign language teacher
- Further education teacher
- Early years teacher
- Special educational needs teacher
- Learning mentor
- Special educational needs coordinator (SENCO)
- Teaching assistant
Key features
Kickstart your career in primary education
Gain a broad view of primary education
Benefit from a specialist-led campus-based experience
Capitalise on Plymouth’s unique location
Placements that count
Enjoy
life as a student in Plymouth
100% coursework = no exams.
Course details
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Year 1
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Modules in this initial year will introduce you to the breadth of the primary curriculum and build your understanding of the latest evidence-informed professional practice. Through exploring the theories linked to learning and child development, you will begin to understand how children are currently supported to learn in primary settings. Participate in interactive seminars and a placement in a primary setting, enabling you to begin to link theory and practice.Summer block
During the summer months you will undertake a further extended placement, here or abroad depending on your choice. Alongside this, you will study an online professional skills module which will give you the flexibility to study with us here in Plymouth, at your home in the UK or internationally. Within the summer block, there are four weeks of holiday which you can organise flexibly around your chosen placement.Core modules
PRIM401
Introduction to Primary Education 20 creditsA 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM402
How Children Learn 20 creditsThis 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM403
The Primary Curriculum: Introduction to the Core Subjects 20 creditsAn 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM404
Theorising Professional Practice 20 creditsThis 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM405
Professional Practice in the Classroom 20 creditsThis 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 which best suits their interests. Like PRIM404, this module is designed to help students develop their reflective abilities and skills, important attributes that will further assist in their continuing professional development. Students will be supported to begin to identify and develop skills of professional practice that will remain with them long after University.
100% Coursework
PRIM406
The Primary Curriculum: Introduction to the Foundation Subjects 20 creditsThis 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM501
The Role of Technology in Primary Practice 20 creditsA 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM502
The Wider Role of the Primary Professional 20 creditsThis 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM503
Learning Outside the Primary Classroom: Summer Placement 40 credits'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.
100% Coursework
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Year 2
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Building on your theoretical and practical experiences, our final year gives you the scope to bespoke your degree further by selecting an aspect of primary practice to focus on in more detail. You will also be supported to carry out your own research on an aspect of primary practice for your dissertation. Built-in careers support will prepare you for your next steps in education or a professional role.
Core modules
PRIM504
An Introduction to International Primary Education 20 creditsThis 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM505
Deepening Understanding of Primary Education 20 creditsThrough 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM601
A Critical Analysis of Teaching Pedagogy 20 creditsThis 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM602
Dissertation 40 creditsThis 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM603
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in Education 20 creditsThis 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).
100% Coursework
PRIM604
Developing Subject Specialist Knowledge 20 creditsFor 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.
100% Coursework
PRIM605
Sustainability in Education 20 creditsPreparing 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.
100% Coursework
DBS assessments and other requirements
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff
112
Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.
Fees, costs and funding
New student | 2024-2025 | 2025-2026 * |
---|---|---|
Home | £11,100 | £11,440 |
International | £21,500 | £21,500 |
Part time (Home) | £620 | £635 |
* UK Government announcement on tuition fees
On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.
How to apply
Help & enquiries
- Admission enquiries
- admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
- +44 1752 585858
- PlymUniApply
Plymouth’s unique location
Working and studying
First-year placement
Boost your classroom experience
Summer term placement
Beyond the classroom
Your questions answered
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Jo Hawkes , Programme Co-ordinator -
Mrs Tamara Mortimer , Programme Co-ordinator
How many places are available on the course?
If I only apply to this course through UCAS Extra, which I can only use if I give up any existing offers, how could I increase my likelihood of being accepted?
Are there any links to other universities to do a PGCE in the third year or will I have to apply again in 2026 elsewhere on my own?
What are the benefits of the BA over a BEd?
- Flexibility to pause and gain graduate employment before embarking on QTS year
- Taking the PGCE route (post graduate one year course) gives you the opportunity to gain Master's Level credits.
- Having the BA (Hons) in Primary Education will give graduates additional skills, confidence and competencies as they undertake their professional practice and begin their teaching career; sadly there is a high drop-out rate amongst Early Career Teachers. We believe that this route will see our graduates better prepared and supported to enter the teaching profession on completion of a PGCE.
Your lecturers
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Jo Hawkes
Lecturer in Education (Primary PGCE and Primary BEd)
Programme Co-ordinator
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Mrs Tamara Mortimer
Lecturer in Education (Primary PGCE & Primary BEd)
Programme Co-ordinator
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Mrs Claire Brewer
Lecturer in Education (Primary PGCE and Primary BEd)
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Dr Jon Merrison
Lecturer in Education
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Dr Katherine Evans
Lecturer in Education (Early Childhood Studies)
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Mrs Emma Sime
Lecturer in Education (PE)