Primary Education

Course details
The BA Primary Education ensures that what we teach is informed by a range of high-quality research evidence.
The Primary Education degree is ideal if you are committed to a teaching career in a primary school. You will complete a minimum of 120 days school experience, including training about whole-school issues that affect children’s learning environment. You will also engage in Intensive Training and Practice opportunities which strengthen links between evidence and classroom practice.
Develop your expertise and deepen your knowledge at one of the UK’s leading Schools of Education. Gain all the knowledge, skills and experience you’ll need to become a first-rate primary teacher or choose a multidisciplinary course that takes a broader look at the role of education in society.
The degree programme offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and this is awarded through an accredited provider, Newcastle University.

Why Durham University?
At Durham University, our vision is to be a leader in the development of high-quality teachers who aspire, through their scholarly, reflective and inspirational practice, to make a difference to the lives of their students, both now and in the future.
To achieve this vision, Durham’s Initial Teacher Training (ITT) curriculum is co-designed and delivered in collaboration between university-based and school-based expert colleagues.
The Initial Teacher Training and Early Career Framework (ITTECF) explains the areas of expertise that trainees need to learn during the ITT year, as a minimum entitlement.
The careful integration of all elements of the ITTECF forms the core of Durham’s BA Primary Education curriculum. Durham’s ITT curriculum places great emphasis on enhancing trainees’ subject knowledge and teaching for understanding – trainees ‘learn that’ and ‘learn how to’.
Central to our teaching qualifications is the partnership between the University and schools in the area. We work with a diverse network of schools covering a wide geographical area

Rankings
3rd in the UK Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026
5th in the Guardian University Guide 2026
5th in the UK Complete University Guide 2026
Top 100 in the QS World University Rankings 2026

Careers Opportunities
Our students graduate with a broad range of transferable skills which open the door to careers across a wide range of sectors in the education sector and beyond.
Our BA in Primary Education offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status with most graduates progressing directly into teaching. Graduates of the BA in Education Studies degrees move into a diverse range of roles including educational research, publishing, education administration, policy making and management as well as roles in the commercial or public sector.
Some students choose further study, progressing to doctoral programmes, while others choose a Masters degree or a PGCE in primary or secondary education.

Course Modules

Durham Education 2027

The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.

For current module information please visit our course page.

https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/courses/x101/

Most taught modules are assessed by assignments, including essays, posters and portfolios.

As part of the course curriculum, you will access the Government’s Core Content Framework (CCF) criteria.

School-based activities will be observed, and by the end of the course you must demonstrate that you meet the Government’s Teachers’ Standards in order to be awarded QTS.

In addition to the help provided by your subject lecturers, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/

To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:

• Has qualified teacher status