Primary Education with QTS

Train for a challenging and rewarding career as a primary school teacher in an ‘outstanding’ (Ofsted, 2024) department.

We’ve been training teachers for 175 years. Today, we offer one of the most comprehensive Primary Education degrees in the UK. Our method is simple: we’re expert-led, hands-on, and all about supporting your unique journey. With SMU, you’ll build the skills, resilience, and knowledge to become a future leader in education.

Become the complete primary teacher

At our university, we go beyond the ordinary. We proudly offer one of the most comprehensive, research-led Primary Education courses. By tackling all 13 primary subjects, you’ll gain the confidence and competence to make a difference across the curriculum – all while developing your specialisms. 
We include training on SEND, inclusivity and diversity in every module.

In your second year, you can dive deeper – taking on an enhanced placement in a SEND school, where you’ll make a real impact and build your expertise.
Alongside our exciting curriculum, you’ll learn in rooms that mirror real primary classrooms. Every session is interactive, hands-on, and filled with chances to reflect on the latest teaching methods and resources. As a result, you’ll become the complete primary teacher: well-rounded, specialist, unique.

School Experience in every year of your course

We’ll find you a range of school placements throughout your BA Primary Education with QTS. We’ll organise these with our partner schools and ensure you’re supported with detailed training plans, classroom mentors, and link tutors. Each year, placements become longer to help you take on the role of teacher.

Hear from our students

Alanagh, recent Primary Education QTS graduate – “The staff were incredibly dedicated, often going above and beyond to provide feedback and guidance, especially when assignments felt challenging. They made sure I understood the theory and how it linked to classroom practice.”

Connor, recent Primary Education QTS graduate – “I went from having no classroom experience to taking classes for most of the week and feeling fully equipped. The course is designed perfectly to gently progress your academic and practical experience at a comfortable rate.”

Modules

Course content is carefully designed to meet the requirements of the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (ITTCCF) and is underpinned by research-informed practice.

The first year of the course is an introduction to the skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach effectively in a primary school. Professional Studies and the core subjects of English, mathematics, science, physical education (PE) and modern foreign languages (MFL) are at the centre of the programme. So, you gain an understanding of the broad base of subjects currently taught in schools.
Second year continues to build the skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach effectively in a primary school. Alongside the core subjects, students choose four elective modules.

The third year completes the students' training as well-rounded classroom teachers. The students study the core subjects, one elective subject and complete a research project with a practical, class-based focus.

Qualified teacher status (QTS)

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:

• Primary

Why St Mary’s?

You will gain skills and support to make a positive impact – for yourself and for others – through high-quality teaching, real-world experience, and a community that lifts each other up. Our campus is a London oasis – blending city energy with open green spaces to think, connect, and grow.

The first year of the course is an introduction to the skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach effectively in a primary school. Professional Studies and the core subjects of English, mathematics, science, physical education (PE) and modern foreign languages (MFL) are at the centre of the programme. Students also have the opportunity to study all the foundation subjects of the National Curriculum to gain an understanding of the broad base of subjects currently taught in schools. Year Two continues to build the skills, knowledge and understanding required to teach effectively in a primary school. Alongside the core subjects, students choose four elective modules. The third year completes the students' training as well-rounded classroom teachers. The students study the core subjects, one elective subject and complete a research project with a practical, class-based focus.

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:

• Primary