Primary Education
Train to teach in Primary Education
Looking to become a primary school teacher? Our Primary Education courses offer a clear route into a rewarding teaching career, available at both undergraduate and postgraduate level. You’ll gain practical experience and develop specialist knowledge in teaching National Curriculum subjects, with a focus on child development across Early Years and Key Stages 1 and 2 (ages 3–11). Whether you're interested in early childhood education or teaching across the primary age range, our courses prepare you to make a lasting impact in the classroom.
What you'll gain from our Primary Education courses
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) - graduate with the professional qualification required to teach in UK schools.
- Real Classroom Experience - gain hands-on teaching experience through placements in at least two contrasting school settings.
- Practical Teaching Skills - gain insight into how students learn, plan effective lessons, and explore behaviour management and inclusive teaching.
- Supportive Professional Network - work closely with experienced mentors, tutors, and fellow trainees throughout your journey.
- Strong Career Prospects - enter a high-demand profession with excellent employment opportunities - many trainees secure roles before completing the course.
Undergraduate course routes
If you don’t yet hold a degree, you’ll need to take the undergraduate route into Primary Education.
Primary & Early Years Education with QTS BA(Hons)
This three-year course focuses on developing the skills you need to teach children from ages three to eleven. Upon successful completion, we’ll recommend Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Primary (Non QTS Accelerated Degree) BA(Hons)
This two-year course offers a fast-track route to completing a Primary Education degree, giving you the knowledge and skills required to then apply for a PGCE.
Postgraduate course routes
If you already have an undergraduate degree, you’ll need take the postgraduate PGCE route into Primary Education.
Primary and Early Years Education PGCE with QTS
This one-year course focuses on developing the skills you need to teach children from ages three to seven. Upon successful completion, we’ll recommend Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
Primary Education PGCE with QTS
This one-year course focuses on developing the skills you need to teach children from ages five to eleven. Upon successful completion, we’ll recommend Qualified Teacher Status (QTS).
We're Ofsted graded GOOD
2024 rankings
The Teacher Education provision within the School of Business, Education and Law at the University of Huddersfield has been graded as GOOD across all phases: Early Years, Primary, Secondary and Lifelong Learning.
Meet the Primary Education Team
Our Primary Education team consists of experienced academics who have worked in the sector themselves, ensuring you’re taught by professionals with real-world insight and practical expertise.
Emily Spence
Course Leader for PGCE Primary Education
Emily joined the University of Huddersfield after a successful primary teaching career. Since qualifying in 2012, she’s led in Oldham schools as Science Lead and KS1 Phase Lead, completed a Master’s in Primary Maths, and now leads the PGCE Primary course.
Elli Brickwood
Course Leader for BA(Hons) Primary Education
Elli is a Senior Lecturer and Course Leader for BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS at the University of Huddersfield. She holds an EdD focused on EAL inclusion and has a background in special education. Her research includes neurodiversity and inclusion.
Matt Borg
Senior Lecturer in Primary Education
Matt has 20+ years' experience in education, teaching at primary and university levels. He’s a Fellow of the HEA with QTS, a PGCert, and research interests in cognitive science and creativity. He's also a LEGO® Serious Play® facilitator and co-authored a book.
Hear from our graduates
Lauren Sculthorpe
Lauren is a Graduate from the Primary Education PGCE course - find out her experience by clicking below.
Joe Tymon
Joe is a Graduate from the Primary Education Studies BA (Hons) course - find out his experience by clicking below.
Find out more information
Why study Teacher Training at Huddersfield?
Our Teacher Training subject page discusses the benefits of training at Huddersfield and answers some common queries about our courses.
Fees and finance
Read more about our fees and finance options, including undergraduate and postgraduate advice to help you prepare for your Teacher Training course.
Attend an event to explore primary education
Meet staff, discover courses, and get your questions answered at our on-campus or online events. They're a great way to learn more about training as a teacher with us.