BA (Hons) Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS

100% of our BA (Hons) Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS students were satisfied with their course _{National Student Survey 2023}

Have you always wanted to teach in a primary school and make a real and positive impact on the education of young people? Are you passionate about primary education and want to share your enthusiasm with others?

The course takes place in both university and primary school settings to provide authentic learning and teaching experiences which will effectively prepare student teachers to inspire learners to achieve the four purposes of the Curriculum for Wales.

We work in partnership with schools who have been selected for their excellent provision and sustained record of high-quality mentoring and involvement with initial teacher education. Many of our lead partnership schools play an active role in shaping the developing Curriculum for Wales, influencing policy, school-to-school improvement and raising standards.

The course focuses on the development of knowledge in the Areas of Learning and Experience, practical skills, wider skills and the professional competences required to become a highly effective teacher.

If you choose to study at least 80 credits of your course through the medium of Welsh, you can apply for the Coleg Cymraeg Main Scholarship, worth £3000 over 3 years. Click here for more information.

You can also apply for the USW Welsh Scholarship worth £1000 for studying at least 40 credits in Welsh.

Top in Wales for graduate prospects in Education (Complete University Guide 2023)

This course requires that you attend a Selection Event. Read more here.

* The accreditation of this degree is currently subject to conditions.

If you are a Welsh speaker, you can study to be Welsh Medium primary school teacher with us on our welsh language pathway X125, please follow the link.

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2024
2025

UCAS Code	Study Mode 2024	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
X121	Full-time	3 Years	September	Newport City	C

UCAS Code	Study Mode 2025	Duration	Start Date	Campus	Campus Code
X121	Full-time	3 Years	September	Newport City	C

This Initial Teacher Education course will provide you with excellent personal and professional learning opportunities which aim to meet the needs of individual student teachers and learners in schools.

Year One: Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS

Core Studies 1 - (20 credits) Core module
Professional and Pedagogical Studies 1 - (20 credits) Core module
Subject Studies 1A - (40 credits) Core module
Subject Studies 1B - (20 credits) Core module
Professional Learning and Development 1 - (20 credits) Core module

Year Two: Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS

Core Studies 2 - (20 credits) Core module
Professional and Pedagogical Studies 2- (20 credits) Core module
Subject Studies 2A - (40 credits) Core module
Subject Studies 2B - (20 credits) Core module
Professionalism Learning and Development 2 - (20 credits) Core module

Year Three: Primary Initial Teacher Education with QTS

Core Studies 3 - (20 credits) Core module
Professional and Pedagogical Studies 3 - (20 credits) Core module
Subject Studies 3A - (40 credits) Core module
Subject Studies 3B - (20 credits) Core module
Professional Learning and Development 3 - (20 credits) Core module

Featured modules

Core Studies
This module involves developing an understanding of the elected Area of Learning and Experience in the context of the role of the teacher. You will begin to establish links between theory and practice and acquire knowledge, skills and understanding in literacy, numeracy and digital competence as applied to a range of professional contexts. This module will provide you with a knowledge and understanding of Areas of Learning and Experience and opportunities to lead curriculum developments in school. It will ensure that you are highly-skilled in literacy, numeracy and the use of digital technology to enhance learning.

Professional and Pedagogical Studies
Across the three years, professional and pedagogical studies, will provide you with the foundations for the development of the knowledge and skills of an effective teacher. This module will introduce you to the relevant professional and pedagogical topics and themes and develop your knowledge and understanding of effective classroom practice. Content is underpinned by the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership (2017) which will enable you to critically reflect upon current educational issues in order to evaluate their impact on teaching and learning. There will be a focus upon teacher’s responsibilities including establishing relationships with all stakeholders. Aspects of leadership will become an additional focus towards the end of the course.

Subject Studies A
This module will enable you to gain subject knowledge of Mathematics and Numeracy; Languages, Literacy and Communication; Science and Technology and Welsh language development for the relevant stage of learning. The module will enable you to acquire and develop the skills for creative, effective delivery and assessment of experiential learning for the relevant stage of learning. You will develop an understanding and skill of an integrated approach (including development of the Cwricwlwm Cymreig), to curriculum subject delivery. You will work in genuinely progressive and collaborative relationships with others on a national and international level through the sharing of their own research-informed action enquiry. You will also further extend personal language skills, knowledge and understanding of the learning and teaching of Welsh.

Subject Studies B
Within Subject Studies B, you will begin to develop an understanding of how learners learn within and across the Areas of Learning and Experience of Expressive Arts; Health and Well-being and Humanities. As part of this module, you will begin to develop your knowledge and understanding of how to plan for authentic learning experiences with clear attention to the development of Cwricwlwm Cymreig. In addition, the importance of the development of literacy, numeracy and digital competence skills and how these will support learners’ progress within the Areas of Learning and Experience will also be explored.

Professional Learning and Development
This module will begin the process of student teachers becoming reflective, resilient, lifelong learners, purposefully engaged in professional learning and development and well-being. You will begin to develop the ability to adapt and use appropriate time management strategies in order to manage your workload effectively. You will begin to develop an understanding of the requirements of self and peer assessment practices and evaluate relevant concepts and approaches. In addition, you will begin to develop knowledge, understanding and skills in relation to your roles and responsibilities during your school experiences and contribute to the achievement of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) as identified in the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership (2017).

Teaching

This primary teaching degree offers:

• Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) on completion
• A relevant vocational degree that is embedded in classroom practice
• Immersive learning, simulation and authentic learning opportunities
• Research-informed practice where you will learn to integrate theory, research and practical experience to Inform your future planning and teaching
• Supportive student teacher groups, regular tutorials and a high level of pastoral care
• Strong collaborative partnerships between the university and high quality local primary schools
• Opportunity to undertake your final school experience in a British International School
• Teaching by a course team which has a breadth of experience of working with student teachers in a range of contexts and settings
• Access to excellent facilities – including simulated learning opportunities

Professional learning and development are key foci of the course. You will be supported to develop your research skills through action enquiry projects which will have impact upon teaching and learning in your school environments. You will share your findings and recommendations from these projects with school leaders.
You will also have the opportunity to engage with a range of school partners, external speakers and guest lecturers who are recognised as leading providers of education and professional learning.

Assessment

Assessment includes written coursework tasks, seminar presentations, projects and simulated learning using ‘cutting-edge’ technology which is assessed by USW staff and school partners. Progress will be assessed each year towards the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership (2017) for the award of Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).

Placements

You will undertake school experiences across the course where you work with school mentors and university tutors to develop your teaching skills and make progress towards achieving or exceeding the requirements for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), as outlined in the Professional Standards for Teaching and Leadership. These experiences will be spent working with different age groups across a diverse range of primary school settings within Communities of Learning delivered with our school partners.

There is also an opportunity to undertake a school experience in a range of international settings such as: Prague, Budapest, Maastricht and Qatar which provide additional, exciting experiences and opportunities for student teachers.

Watch this short video for more information on how placements can benefit you and your studies.

School Partners

You will also be taught and supported by a range of experienced colleagues in our partnership schools, based in South East Wales. These include:

Facilities

On campus, you will learn in an environment that fully prepares you for the world of work. We have specialist classrooms which simulate primary school settings, a science laboratory and a number of computer suites which will provide you with authentic learning opportunities. These learning spaces are designed to simulate the school environment, enabling you to develop confidence for the workplace in realistic settings.

Our Initial Teacher Education course makes use of range of technology. You will have access to the Hydra Minerva simulation suite where you will experience real situations, within a protected environment, and be involved in the discussion and resolution of scenarios that could occur in daily school life.

Lecturers

Our course team comprises dedicated, experienced professionals who will guide you on your journey to professional excellence. You will also be taught and supported by a range of experienced colleagues in our partnership schools, based in South East Wales.

We regularly revalidate courses for quality assurance and enhancement

At USW, we regularly review our courses in response to changing patterns of employment and skills demand to ensure we offer learning designed to reflect today’s student needs and tomorrow’s employer demands.

If during a review process course content is significantly changed, we’ll write to inform you and talk you through the changes for the coming year. But whatever the outcome, we aim to equip our students with the skillset and the mindset to succeed whatever tomorrow may bring. Your future, future-proofed.

Contextual offers

We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (where you live and the school or college that you attended for example), your experiences and individual circumstances (as a care leaver, for example). This is referred to as a contextual offer and we receive data from UCAS to support us in making these decisions. USW prides itself on its student experience and we support our students to achieve their goals and become a successful graduate. This approach helps us to support students who have the potential to succeed and who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Here is a link to our Contextual Admissions Policy.

Other qualifications and experience

To find out which qualifications have tariff points, please refer to the UCAS tariff calculator.

If you need more help or information or would like to speak to our friendly admissions team, please contact us here

We can also consider combinations of qualifications and other qualifications not listed here may also be acceptable. We can sometimes consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or advanced entry to year two or three of a course where this is possible. The exception to this, is that Welsh Government require that all candidates have a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C to include Mathematics at grade C (Numeracy OR Mathematics in Wales), Science at grade C and Grade C (or equivalent) in either English Language, English Literature, Welsh Language or Welsh Literature. For those taking GCSEs in England, grade 4 is considered equivalent to a C. Combinations of qualifications are acceptable and other qualifications not listed may also be acceptable.

If you do not have the GCSE grade C requirements in Mathematics, English Language and/or Science, but you hold a GCSE grade D, then you are able to gain equivalency of a grade C by successfully completing a module in Mathematics, English and/or Science. For further information, please visit this link

You can view the accepted Equivalencies to GCSE English Language or Welsh Language and Mathematics C grade for entry to Initial Teacher Training Education here.

Additional Requirements:

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check on the Child Workforce and Child Barring List and subscription to the DBS Update Service. (Overseas equivalent required for non-uk applicants)

For more information on the selection event please follow the link.

Typical A-Level Offer

BBC to exclude General Studies

(this is equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points).

Typical Welsh BACC Offer

Grade C and BB at A Level to exclude General Studies

(this is equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points).

Typical BTEC Offer

BTEC Extended Diploma Distinction Merit Merit

(this is equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points).

Typical Access to HE Offer

60 credits overall to include 45 level 3 credits equating to 18 Distinctions, 24 Merits and 3 Passes.

(this is equivalent to 112 UCAS tariff points).

Additional Requirements

GCSEs: The University requires a minimum of 5 GCSEs at Grade C to include Mathematics at grade C (Numeracy OR Mathematics in Wales), Science at grade C and Grade C (or equivalent) in either English Language, English Literature, Welsh Language or Welsh Literature. For those taking GCSEs in England, grade 4 is equivalent to a C.

International Entry Requirements

International applicants will also need to have achieved an overall IELTS grade of 6.5 with a minimum score of 6 in each component.

Full-time fees are per year. Part-time fees are per 20 credits. Once enrolled, the fee will remain at the same rate throughout the duration of your study on this course

August 2024 - July 2025 Fees

Full-time UK: £9000
Full-time International: £15260

August 2025 - July 2026 Fees

Full-time UK: TBC
Full-time International: TBC

Student Perks

At the University of South Wales, you’re investing in so much more than a degree. We strive to provide our students with the best possible experience, no matter what you chose to study. Whether it’s access to top of the range mac books and PCs, state-of-the-art facilities packed with industry-leading equipment and software, masterclasses and events led by industry experts, or a wide range of clubs and societies to meet likeminded people, better tomorrows start with extra perks.

Each course also has their own unique student benefits to prepare you for the real word, and details of these can be found on our course pages. From global field trips, integrated work experience and free course-related resources, to funded initiatives, projects working with real employers, and opportunities for extra qualifications and accreditations - at USW your future, is future-proofed.

Click here to learn more about student perks at USW.

Additional Costs

As a student of USW, you’ll have access to lots of free resources to support your study and learning, such as textbooks, publications, online journals, laptops, and plenty of remote-access resources. Whilst in most cases these resources are more than sufficient in supporting you with completing your course, additional costs, both obligatory and optional, may be required or requested for the likes of travel, memberships, experience days, stationery, printing, or equipment.

* Obligatory

Item	Cost
DBS *	£55.42	This fee includes £40 for the enhanced DBS certificate, the Post Office Administration fee and the online administration fee.
DBS Updating Service *	£13	Subscription required for each year of the course for a yearly fee of £13. Please note the service has to be joined within 30 days of receipt of your enhanced DBS certificate.
Other: Travel to and from placement and any additional costs levied by placements (compulsory) *		Years 1, 2 & 3 - Cost is dependent on placement location and is an additional cost to be met by students.
International placement (optional)		Students may choose to undertake an optional 4-week international placement in their final year of study that will provide an educational experience and cultural awareness that will assist in the acquisition of new skills and knowledge to be discovered in the immersion of an international placement experience.

Funding

Funding to help pay for (or cover) course tuition fees and living costs

Whilst you’re studying, you’ll have two main financial obligations – tuition fees and living costs. There’s lots of financial help available from the University of South Wales and external funding sources, that may provide loans (which have to be paid back) and grants, scholarships and bursaries (that don't).

To learn about course fees, funding options, and to see if you are eligible for financial support, visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Candidates are required to demonstrate in their application:
• a suitable GCSE profile and appropriate predicted grades at Level 3
• high-quality literacy skills, including Welsh, where studying through the medium of Welsh
• appropriate mind-set, values and motivation, as evidenced through the personal statement
• an understanding of the education sector in general, as evidenced through the personal statement

UK and EU students
Apply via UCAS if you are a UK/EU residing applicant, applying for year one of a full-time undergraduate degree, Foundation Year, Foundation Degree or HND and you have not applied through UCAS before. If you are applying to study part-time, to top up your Foundation Degree or HND, or to transfer to USW from another institution, please apply directly.

International students
Apply directly to the University if you live outside the UK/EU.

Admissions statement

This Initial Teacher Education course has been designed to reflect and address national drivers and provide the market with highly-desirable graduates who are equipped to meet the demands of the profession. The established primary team has a proven record of developing the highest standards of student teachers, many of whom have progressed into leadership roles or taken up posts at highly respected schools.

Upon graduation, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) which means you are qualified to teach in a primary school in a national or international setting. The majority of graduates secure teaching posts in Wales or England, but some graduates have been appointed in British schools internationally such as the Czech Republic, Slovakia, China and Kuwait.