Education Studies - Primary
This degree will give you a sound foundation for further study relevant to a range of roles within education. You'll develop your understanding of policy and practice in primary education, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively and equitably in a range of settings.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | |
| Awarding Body | Open University |
| NFQ Level |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor at UK Level 6 | Open University |
Duration
How long it takes
Part time – 6 years
Full time – 3 years
Time limit – 10 years
Study method: Distance learning.
How much time do I need?
• Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
• This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Entry Requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
You do not need to be employed in a primary school in order to study this qualification. However, if you're not working in a school on a regular basis you are advised to negotiate opportunities to spend some time in a formal educational setting for children aged 3-12 (this can be in a voluntary capacity) to observe teaching and learning, and gain exposure to a practice context. We suggest that you spend 10 days in school when studying Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) and Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209). Whilst studying Comparative and international studies in primary education (E309) you may wish to spend time in school or another educational setting. If you cannot spend time in practice settings, qualification materials provide examples of children’s learning across a range of phases and contexts..
It is your responsibility – not the OU’s – to ensure that you obtain the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent for the setting and country in which you’re working. You should contact the relevant agency in your country for more information if you are in any doubt about your eligibility or to find out more.
Careers / Further progression
Career relevance
An Education Studies (Primary) degree gives you a sound foundation for a range of roles relating to primary education, including helping you prepare to apply for teacher training. It is also relevant to other careers within childcare, health, education, play work, working with families and young people or work in the wider education sector, cultural institutions and NGOs. It will develop your understanding of practices and policies that affect children, and introduce you to many new aspects of the subject. If you’re considering teaching as a career, you’re strongly advised to check with your training provider about their entry policy for initial teacher education (ITE) programmes, as requirements vary between different providers.
Other careers
Many graduate-level jobs are open to graduates of any discipline, particularly in business, finance, management consultancy and the public sector. Some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree.
Exploring your options: see 'Course Web Page' link below for further information.
Further information
Register for this course.
Start dates
• October 2024: Registration closes 05/09/2024
• Credit transfer: apply by 08/08/2024
BA (Honours) Education Studies (Primary)
Are you interested in the education of children aged between 3 and 12? Are you thinking about pursuing a career within education or becoming a primary school teacher? This degree will give you a sound foundation for further study relevant to a range of roles within education. You'll develop your understanding of policy and practice in primary education, and gain the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively and equitably in a range of settings.
Key features of the course
• Practice-focused for professional learning about primary school education.
• Suitable for people working, volunteering or seeking to work in the wider education sector, cultural institutions and NGOs.
• Supports theory- and evidence-based practice and professional development.
• Enables you to collaborate with other students, and debate on teaching and learning from around the globe.
Please note that this course does not provide Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). For more details, see the Careers section.
We also offer a Diploma of Higher Education in Education Studies (Primary) (W54) that is the same in structure as the first two-thirds of this degree; similarly, our Certificate of Higher Education in Education Studies (Primary) (T29) corresponds to the first third.
This qualification has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
• In Stage 1, you’ll study two modules that will provide you with a broad introduction to primary education, childhood studies and child psychology.
• Then, in Stage 2, you’ll study a module that further develops your subject knowledge of the primary curriculum. You’ll follow this with one from a choice of four options.
• Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll complete your degree with two further modules – one that includes a comparative study of primary education in local, national and international contexts; and one that introduces you to the methods used, and the issues encountered, in research with children and young people.
See 'Course Web Page' link below for more information on modules.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
• Knowledge and understanding.
• Cognitive skills.
• Practical and professional skills.
• Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Tel: +353 1 678 5399
Our advisers are available to take your call Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 17:00, excluding public holidays.