Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Become a 10/10 teacher with one of the best Education training providers in the UK. Study in Cambridge, Chelmsford or Peterborough.
of universities in the country for graduates who agree their current activity is 'meaningful'.
Source: GOS 2025
Combine academic study with three high-quality assessed placements in primary schools and develop the experience, understanding and confidence you need to kick-start an exciting, successful career in teaching.
You’ll learn how to create a safe and happy classroom that supports pupils’ learning, and explore key issues affecting education today.
Our selective, individualised approach means you’ll be closely mentored and empowered to tailor your training to your individual needs and interests.
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Find out more about studying Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) at ARU.
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Get into teaching with the only new accredited university provider of teacher training in the UK.
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Join a course designed and taught by primary school teachers, for primary school teachers.
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Train at an institution with over 20 years’ experience of training education professionals.
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Study at a university ranked 8th in the country for UK undergraduates working as managers, directors or senior officials.
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Study at a university ranked 13th in the country for Education in the Guardian League Table 2025.
Study at an award-winning university
We were named Times Higher Education University of the Year 2023. We've also been awarded a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework – a reflection of the outstanding education we offer our students.
Careers
This is the course for you if you want to be a primary school teacher.
Once you graduate you’ll be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) and will be eligible to begin your Early Career Teacher journey.
While studying, you'll complete three placements that fully prepare you to take on your own class.
If you prefer to work outside of the classroom, you’ll be ready to take on various roles in education and training.
Teaching and modules
Develop a deep understanding of core and foundation curriculum subjects, how children learn, classroom management, and key issues such as inclusion and safeguarding.
You’ll continually critically reflect upon your learning and placement experiences, in order to improve your teaching practice. In Year 3, you’ll produce a detailed report on a professional issue that interests you, further demonstrating what you’ve learned.
Placements are integral to each year of your course. Each placement advances your role in the school setting, building up to 80% responsibility in the classroom in Year 3.
Modules are subject to change and availability, and may vary by location. If you have the choice of optional modules, these are indicated with a *.
- Key Professional Skills 1
- Core Curriculum 1
- The Wider Curriculum 1
- School Placement 1
- Into ARU
- Ruskin Module
- Key Professional Skills 2
- Core Curriculum 2
- The Wider Curriculum 2
- School Placement 2
- Key Professional Skills 3
- Core Curriculum 3
- The Wider Curriculum 3
- School Placement 3
Read profiles of teaching and research staff on this course.
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Jenny FogartyDirector of Initial Teacher Training
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Dr Leanne GrayLead for Initial Teacher Training
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Dr Rachel MinettLead for Initial Teacher Training
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Rachel FosseySenior Lecturer
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Karen TozerLead for Initial Teacher Training
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Muhamet HalilajSenior Lecturer Practitioner
Student experience
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"As soon as I walked in, saw them, saw how passionate they were about this new course which was starting – that instantly won out over all the other universities I’d looked at." Read Harry's Spotlight interview.
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"This course has been incredible to develop my professional identity. If becoming a teacher is what you want, this course will teach you everything you need to know." Read Meg's Spotlight interview.
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Karen Tozer, Lead for Initial Teacher Training in Peterborough, gives a few tips to help you prepare for our selection events.
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Gemma and Erika talk about working with Chelmsford Museum, Fitzwilliam Museum, and Scott Polar Museum to design lessons for primary school children.
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Our Primary Education Studies students, Kieran and Rachel, share their experiences and reflect on the best parts of their degree.
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“The ARU syllabus really piqued my interest. It was an excellent combination of key pedagogy (how to teach) alongside looking at why we teach what we do now – and why this changes.” Read Katrina's blog.
Facilities
Join our education community and learn from primary school teachers and leaders with a wealth of experience.
Benefit from:
- guidance and mentoring while on placement in primary schools that are hand selected to give you the widest range of practical experiences
- research-active lecturers who’ll support you carry out your own research in an area of interest
- learning facilities including extensive library and IT resources
- support, should you need it, with study skills, careers advice, health and wellbeing, and more.
Entry requirements
Fees and funding
Apply for Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)
Clearing places available
UK students, apply through Clearing for a September 2025 start
