BA Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS (with Foundation Year)
Foundation
- Start date
- –
- Study mode
- –
- Course length
- –
- UCAS Code
- –

Interested in a different start date?
Discover how professional development supports inclusive practice and classroom confidence.
The BA (Hons) Primary Education 3–11 with Recommendation for QTS at Birmingham Newman University offers an inspiring and values-led route into the teaching profession. If you are passionate about supporting children’s development and helping every learner flourish, this course provides both the academic grounding and practical experience you need. You will explore how children learn across the primary age range, while developing essential skills in lesson planning, classroom management and inclusive teaching. From your first day, you will be part of a university community that empowers you to grow, reflect and lead with integrity.
Birmingham Newman University offers a foundation year to complement our undergraduate degrees. The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year degree in Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS.
The foundation year provides an alternative route to studying Primary Education for those unable to meet the traditional entry requirements for this degree programme. Apply via UCAS for BA Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS (with Foundation Year) and after successfully completing the foundation year you will progress onto the remaining three years of the degree, dependent on meeting the progression requirements.
What is the Foundation Year?
The Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University is the first year of a four year degree. It is designed for students who do not have the qualifications or experience for direct entry onto a three-year undergraduate programme.
If you’re thinking about returning to education after a break or if you’ve had some tough times in education before, the Foundation Year at Birmingham Newman University will support you and help you succeed.
Why should I study a Foundation Year?
Birmingham Newman’s Foundation Year will provide you with opportunities to:
– Develop confidence in your skills and abilities
– Develop an understanding of what is needed to be a successful undergraduate student
– Gain knowledge of your academic discipline
What will I study during the Foundation Year?
The integrated foundation year focuses on helping you think critically and feel confident in your studies. It begins with an exploration of how you learn, and gives you the space to learn in your own way.
The goal of the Foundation Year is not just to get you ready for your next year of studies but to make sure you feel connected to your chosen subject and to the university community. You’ll explore interesting topics like identity, inequality, and think about what it means to be human in a digital world.
The combination of seminar discussions, active workshops, online activities and one-to-one support will enable you to develop the skills you’ll need to succeed in the rest of your degree.
Why study this course?
This course is ideal for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in children’s lives and want to pursue a meaningful and rewarding career in education. Whether you are just beginning your journey into teaching or returning to study with experience, the BA (Hons) Primary Education 3–11 with Recommendation for QTS offers a values-led and professionally grounded route into the classroom. It combines academic depth with practical experience, enabling you to develop the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to support all learners.
With a strong emphasis on inclusive practice, reflective teaching and real-world relevance, the course prepares you to thrive in a variety of educational settings and contribute positively to school communities.
‘Undertaking this programme will not only train you to become a competent and confident primary school teacher, but it will also train you to become a Birmingham Newman teacher. A Birmingham Newman teacher has the child at the centre of everything they say and do.
The programme will equip you with a deep understanding of how children develop and learn as well as providing you with a range of current and research-led pedagogy to use to provide the best possible education for the children you teach in your rewarding career in teaching.’ Steve Patrick B.Ed (Hons) M.Ed PGCHE FHEA), Undergraduate – Primary ITE Programme Lead
Explore the Foundations of Effective Teaching
Throughout the course, you will study the full primary curriculum, including English, Mathematics, Science and foundation subjects, alongside essential areas such as child development, safeguarding and professional standards. You will also engage with key educational frameworks, including the National Curriculum, the Early Years Foundation Stage and SEND guidance, developing strategies to support diverse learners with care and confidence. Practical experience is woven into your learning through school placements, ITAP weeks and interactive workshops that mirror the realities of classroom life. These opportunities help you to build your teaching toolkit, develop your professional identity and prepare for a wide range of roles in education.
Supportive and Personalised Learning
At Birmingham Newman University, you will be part of a close-knit and inclusive academic community that places your personal and professional development at the heart of everything we do. The course is delivered by experienced educators who are committed to supporting your growth as a reflective and confident practitioner.
With small group teaching, regular feedback and one-to-one mentoring, you will be encouraged to explore your strengths, overcome challenges and find your teaching voice. This supportive environment empowers you to take ownership of your learning and progress with clarity and purpose, whether you choose to work in mainstream, SEND or faith-based settings, or pursue further study or leadership roles.

Got a question you’d like to ask?
UK home students Students will ideally require 48 UCAS points to access the programme. Prior to enrolment students also require: – GCSE English Language, at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalent)* – GCSE Mathematics at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalent)* – GCSE Science at grade 4 (or C) or above (or recognised equivalent)* – DBS Clearance through Birmingham Newman University – Teacher Services Checklist – Fitness to Train to Teach clearance *Those who do not have the above GCSEs will be given the opportunity to take our in-house equivalency tests Candidates are required to attend an interview prior to starting the Foundation Year and an end of year interview in order to progress onto Year One. For further information about the Interview Process see our ITE Interview page. Students will also be required to be assured against a set of fundamental Maths and English skills by the end of their initial teacher training degree. If you require any further information or clarification of entry requirements please contact our friendly, helpful Admissions department, who will be happy to help.
The tuition fee for academic year 2025/26 is: £5,760
Additional costs
The University will review tuition fees and increase fees in line with any inflationary uplift as determined by the UK Government, if permitted by law or government policy, in subsequent years of your course. It is anticipated that such increases would be linked to RPI (the Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments).
Check out our blog/news/events

Birmingham Newman University Achieves Silver Award Recognition for Commitment to Defence Personnel
Over 100 guests gathered at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire to celebrate thirty-six regional…

Birmingham Newman University Named The Times University of the Year for Social Inclusion
Birmingham Newman University is delighted to announce that it has been named University of the…

Dr Emma Powell Named Finalist in Birmingham Awards 2025 – Contribution to Education
Dr. Emma Powell SFHEA, Senior Lecturer in Primary ITE at Birmingham Newman University, has been…

Birmingham Newman University Library Recognised as THE Award Finalist for Pioneering AI Support
Forward-thinking work to support the responsible and innovative use of AI in academia has landed…

Birmingham Newman University is delighting in the news that St John Henry Newman, our Patron, will be the newest Doctor of the Catholic Church
Pope Leo made the official announcement – Conferral of the Title of Doctor of the…

Book an open day
Find out about our next open day. Book now to secure your place.
Placement Information
Placements are a central part of your development on this course, giving you the opportunity to apply your learning in real classroom settings across the full primary age range, including 3 to 7, 5 to 11 and 7 to 11. Each year, you will undertake school placements that are carefully structured to build your confidence and competence over time.
You will be supported throughout by experienced school-based mentors and university tutors who offer personalised feedback and guidance. In addition to placements, undergraduate trainees take part in six Intensive Training and Practice (ITAP) weeks across the three years of study, with two ITAPs per year. These focus on key areas such as behaviour management, assessment for learning, SEND inclusion and phonics and early reading. These experiences are designed to deepen your understanding of effective teaching and prepare you for the realities of the profession.

Where This Course Can Take You. Upon successful completion, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), confirmed by the Department for Education. Birmingham Newman graduates are highly regarded across the UK for their creativity, commitment and sense of purpose.
Whether you choose to teach in mainstream, SEND or faith-based settings, or pursue leadership or further study, you will be equipped to make a meaningful difference in children’s lives. You’ll also join a dynamic network of educators who continue to support and inspire one another well beyond graduation.
Accreditations and Exemptions
Upon successful completion of the course and demonstration of the Teachers’ Standards, you will be awarded Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), confirmed by the Department for Education.
Birmingham Newman University is recognised by Ofsted as a GOOD provider of Initial Teacher Education (2024), reflecting the quality of its academic teaching and placement support. While the course does not offer exemptions from other professional bodies, it provides a strong foundation for continued professional development, including progression to postgraduate qualifications such as the MA Education. It also opens pathways into leadership roles and specialist areas within the education sector.
Courses we think you'll also like

BA Primary Education (3-7) with recommendation for QTS (with Foundation Year)
- Start date:
- September 2025

BA Primary Education (3-11) with recommendation for QTS
- Start date:
- September 2025

BA (Honours) Secondary Education Religious Education 11-16 with Post 16 enhancement (with recommendation for QTS)
- Start date:
- September 2025

BA Secondary Education Physical Education 11-16 with Post 16 enhancement (with recommendation for QTS)
- Start date:
- September 2025