Primary Education with QTS (work-based two year top-up)

Continue your teacher training journey to achieve Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with our Primary Education with QTS (Work-Based Route) BA.
Our Primary Education with QTS (Work-Based Route) BA is a top-up degree for people who have successfully completed a foundation degree in education and would like to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS).

The programme will run one day a week from 9am-4pm, so that you can continue to work up to four days a week in your school setting.

Learn from devoted tutors in a supportive environment
Our lecturers are committed to your personal and professional growth. As a result, teaching is completely face-to-face and you’ll get bespoke personal tutoring.

One of our students says "teaching at university has been inspiring, taught by knowledgeable and dedicated lecturers. They really could not have done anything more to make my experience amazing."

Ofsted graded St Mary’s ‘outstanding’ in all areas of teacher training in 2024.

Specialise in PE or Special Education Needs and Disability (SEND)
You can choose modules to specialise in either PE or SEND. All modules are core but you can elect to specialise and submit assignments to work towards a specialism. If you choose the SEND specialism, one of the school placements must be in a SEND unit or school. Our Partnership Office can support finding an appropriate placement.

Students choosing our SEND module said "studying this module has now given me the skills, knowledge, and understanding of how to support and teach any child with SEND within the classroom. It has also given me the confidence to advocate for this in my classroom and school."

Our students have also praised the PE specialism, saying it is "a fantastic module with so many resources offered. [They] loved the practical elements, getting involved and learning whilst trying out activities. Teaching elements of lessons inclusively was extremely useful to my practice and putting lesson plans into practice and receiving feedback developed my confidence to teach PE."

Training in Autism and ADHD
Regardless of your specialism, you will undergo essential training in autism – provided by the Autism Education Trust – and ADHD Embrace to help you confidently support pupils with neurodivergence in the classroom.

Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)
If you plan to teach in a Catholic or other Christian schools, you can complete our Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS). This is a requirement for those seeking a leadership position in Catholic schools.

Placements
You’ll complete school placements in both KS1 and KS2 to meet requirements set by the Department for Education (DfE). If you specialise in SEND, you’ll undergo one placement in a SEND setting.

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.

Course Modules

Year one - Assessment in Practice, Creativity in Education, Learning Outside the Classroom, Professional Studies One and Using and Applying ICT

All work is assessed by means of a course portfolio, which may include presentations and research undertaken at your place of work. Work-based school experience will be assessed through observations and the completion of a QTS portfolio.