

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
PRIM401
Introduction to Primary Education
20 credits
A 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 credits
This 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 credits
An 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 credits
This 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 credits
This 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 credits
This 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 credits
A 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 credits
This 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
PRIM504
An Introduction to International Primary Education
20 credits
This 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 credits
Through 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 credits
This 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 credits
This 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 credits
This 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 credits
For 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 credits
Preparing 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
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.
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
Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.