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Course type: Degree

Degree

Also known as an undergraduate or bachelors degree.

Internationally respected, universally understood.

An essential requirement for many high-level jobs.

Gain a thorough understanding of your subject – and the tools to investigate, think critically, form reasoned arguments, solve problems and communicate effectively in new contexts.

Progress to higher level study, such as a postgraduate diploma or masters degree.
Credits: 360

Credits

Credits measure the student workload required for the successful completion of a module or qualification.

One credit represents about 10 hours of study over the duration of the course.

You are awarded credits after you have successfully completed a module.

For example, if you study a 60-credit module and successfully pass it, you will be awarded 60 credits.
How long it takes
Study method: Distance learning
Entry requirements: Find out more about; Entry requirements

BA (Honours) Education Studies (Primary)

: Course code: Q94

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

Course details

Entry requirements

Fees and funding

How you'll study

Careers

How long it takes

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.

Course type

Degree

Credits

360

How long it takes

Full-time study – 3 years

Part-time study – 6 years

Time limit – 10 years

See How long it takes

Study method

Distance learning

Entry requirements

Find out more about Entry requirements

Ask a question

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.

Our modular study approach allows you the flexibility to complete your qualification at a pace that fits around your other commitments. Whether you prefer a fast track or want to work at a slower rate, you can tailor your study plan to suit your needs.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You’ll begin by exploring themes such as approaches to learning and teaching, inclusive education, play and creativity, learning in English, maths and science, the role of ICT, and home-school collaboration. You’ll then learn about broader perspectives on children's and young people's lives and explore their emotional, physical, intellectual, social and cultural development.


Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103)	60
Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104)	60

Stage 2 (120 credits)

At Stage 2, you’ll develop your understanding of four critical areas of the primary curriculum: English, maths, science and ICT. You’ll also choose from options exploring issues within childhood and youth and working with young people or the importance of listening to children and children’s participation in early childhood provision and practice.


Modules	Credits
You'll study the following:
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)	60
You’ll also choose one from:
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225) – planned for October 2025	60
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)	60
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)	60
Working with children and young people (KE207) - planned for October 2025	60

Stage 3 (120 credits)

At Stage 3, you’ll deepen your critical analysis skills by comparatively studying educational systems, practices, initiatives and experiences worldwide. You’ll finish by exploring issues in research with children and young people, including the challenges posed and the different methods available.


Modules	Credits
You'll study both of the following:
Comparative and international studies in primary education (E309)	60
Contemporary research with children and young people (E320)	60

If you'd like to complete your studies at a faster rate, you can choose to study at the equivalent of full-time intensity (120 credits per year over three years). With this option, you’ll study two 60-credit modules at the same time.

If your circumstances change, don't worry. You don’t have to stick to full-time study. You can adjust your study intensity each year to fit your evolving needs.

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll study both of the following:
Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103)	60
Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)	60
You’ll also choose one from:
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225) – planned for October 2025	60
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)	60
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)	60
Working with children and young people (KE207) - planned for October 2025	60
Stage 3 \| Year 3
You'll study both of the following:
Comparative and international studies in primary education (E309)	60
Contemporary research with children and young people (E320)	60

The below sets out what modules you’d complete each year if you choose to study at the equivalent of part-time (60 credits a year over six years).

Modules	Credits
Stage 1 \| Year 1
You'll start your degree with the following:
Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103)	60
Stage 1 \| Year 2
You'll study the following:
Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 3
You'll study the following:
Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)	60
Stage 2 \| Year 4
You’ll choose one from:
Child development: birth to adolescence (E225) – planned for October 2025	60
Exploring childhood and youth (E232)	60
Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)	60
Working with children and young people (KE207) - planned for October 2025	60
Stage 3 \| Year 5
You'll study the following:
Comparative and international studies in primary education (E309)	60
Stage 3 \| Year 6
You’ll complete your degree with:
Contemporary research with children and young people (E320)	60

We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 6 September 2024.

Accessibility

Our qualifications are as accessible as possible, and we have a comprehensive range of support services. Our BA (Honours) Education Studies (Primary) uses a variety of study materials and includes the following elements:

Online study – most modules are online; some have a mix of printed and online material. Online learning resources could include websites, audio/video, and interactive activities
Online tutorials
Mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
Group-work
Using and producing diagrams and screenshots
Practical work
Finding external/third-party material online
Accessing online catalogues and databases
Assessment in the form of short-answer questions, essays, and examinations
Feedback – continuous assessment includes feedback from your tutor and using this to improve your performance
Pre-determined schedules – we’ll help you to develop your time-management skills

Every module has its own Accessibility Statement with more detailed accessibility information – you’ll find these on individual module descriptions.

Visit our Disability support page to learn about our services.

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.

Read the detailed learning outcomes here

Credit transfer

If you have already studied at university level, you may be able to count it towards your Open University qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.

It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.

You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. We will need to know what you studied, where and when and you will need to provide evidence of your previous study.

For more details of when you will need to apply by and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.

Classification of your degree

On successfully completing this course, we’ll award you our BA (Honours) Education Studies (Primary).

The class of honours (first, upper-second, lower-second or third) will depend on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.

You’ll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.

International recognition

If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Find out more about international recognition of Open University qualifications.

Regulations

As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.

BA (Honours) Education Studies (Primary)

Compare this course

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

You do not need to be volunteering or 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. For the optional module Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229), you will have to arrange access to a young child for a short observation. See the module description for more details.

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.

Preparing for study with an Access module

Students who start their study with an Access module are more likely to be successful when they advance to Stage 1 of their qualification. They’re specially designed to give you a gentle introduction to OU study, boost confidence in your study skills, and help you gain a broad overview of your chosen subject area.

You’ll also benefit from:

feedback from your tutor through regular one-to-one phone tutorials
support from a dedicated team throughout your study
detailed written feedback on your work.

The Access module we’d recommend studying in preparation for this qualification is our:

Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

What you will study

This multidisciplinary module provides an excellent introduction to studying with The Open University; you'll get to cover a wide range of subject areas, including psychology, childhood and youth studies, health and social wellbeing, sport, education and social sciences.

View full details of Psychology, social science and wellbeing Access module

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Compare the cost of studying at the OU with other campus-based universities in England.

Qualification	Total cost at campus university*	Total cost at The Open University**	Saving with The Open University
Honours Degree	£27,750	£21,816	£5,934 (21%)
Diploma of Higher Education	£18,500	£14,544	£3,956 (21%)
Certificate of Higher Education	£9,250	£7,272	£1,978 (21%)

Honours Degree

Total cost at campus university* £27,750

Total cost at The Open University** £21,816

Saving with The Open University £5,934 (21%)

Diploma of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £18,500

Total cost at The Open University** £14,544

Saving with The Open University £3,956 (21%)

Certificate of Higher Education

Total cost at campus university* £9,250

Total cost at The Open University** £7,272

Saving with The Open University £1,978 (21%)

*Based on maximum chargeable fees for 24/25 academic year.

**The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2025. Fees typically increase annually. In England, fees are subject to the part-time fee limit, as set out in section C of the University's Fee Rules.

How will I study this course?

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

a week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
details of each assignment and their due dates
a tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
online versions of some printed module materials and resources.

If you have additional needs, we can also provide most module materials in alternative formats. Find out more about materials on our accessibility webpage.

Tutor support

You’ll have a tutor for each module, who will introduce themselves before the module begins.

Throughout the module, they will:

mark your assignments and give feedback to help you improve
guide you to learning resources
support you, whether with general study skills or help with a specific topic.

Tutorials

Tutorials usually take place online, and they’re always optional.

Online tutorials are live presentations with module tutors in dedicated online tutorial rooms and are sometimes recorded.

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or at an alternative location.
If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

Progressing to a point where I felt more comfortable writing my assignments, and having my scores reflecting that, made me quite happy because it showed the hard work was being rewarded.
Patrick ‘Ricky’ Skene, BSc (Hons) Sport, Fitness and Coaching

Other support and resources

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to our subject-specific Student Support Teams.

They’ll help you with any general questions about your study and updates to your OU account.

To help with your studies, you’ll also have access to:

our online library, with high-quality online resources to support your study
other university libraries in the UK and Ireland
the online Help Centre, which has general information about OU study and support, along with study skills advice
free Microsoft Office 365 software
IT and computing support from our Computing Helpdesk.

Find out more about student support and being a part of the OU community.

Skills for career development

This degree provides an effective foundation for a wide choice of career paths, in particular within education. It emphasises independent thinking, develops analytical and communication skills and will help you become a clear and confident writer – all attributes that are highly valued by employers. Specific skills you’ll develop include:

critically evaluating and effectively communicating information to others
retrieving, organising, synthesising and questioning arguments, opinions and qualitative and quantitative data
using a range of digital technologies effectively for study, online collaboration and to support your continuing professional development
planning and managing time and tasks and working to deadlines
identifying strengths and areas for development, and seeking and learning from feedback.

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

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):

primary teacher
museum education officer
teaching or learning assistant
play therapist

play worker
children’s centre manager
special needs coordinator, or additional learning needs coordinator (Wales)
learning mentor

educational psychologist
speech and language therapist
child protection officer
education administrator/manager
NGO role (e.g. fundraiser, caseworker)

You can study for this degree in as little as three years and have a maximum of 10 years to complete it. Our module-by-module approach allows you to adjust your study intensity each year based on your needs and commitments.

3-year degree

If you want to complete your qualification in three years at roughly the same rate as a student at a traditional university, you can choose to study at the equivalent of full-time intensity.

You'll study 120 credits a year.
You'll need to study around 32–36 hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, explore our 3-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

6-year degree

Part-time study is roughly equivalent to studying at half the rate of a student on a full-time course at a traditional university.

You'll study 60 credits a year.
You'll need to study around 16–18 hours per week.

For a year-by-year breakdown of modules, check our 6-year degree pathway in the Course details section.

Thinking of studying this course?

This course will next open for registration in March 2025. If you’d like us to keep you updated, register your interest.

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