School
Education
UCAS tariff points
64
Years of Entry
2024 2025
Location
Main Campus (Horsforth)
Study Mode
Full time (4 years)

Course overview

Do you want to play a major role in a crucial stage of the development of a child’s cognitive ability?

Children enter Key Stage 1 having experienced a range of different approaches and practical play-based learning opportunities in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). The Key Stage 1 curriculum for Years 1 and 2 is carefully planned to build on prior knowledge and skills learnt in the EYFS. In Key Stage 2, children are learning to use key skills such as working with others, problem-solving and communication. They need high quality learning opportunities to help them develop these skills effectively and prepare them for moving to secondary education and beyond.

As soon as you begin the programme, you start your journey of professional development towards becoming a qualified teacher.

This four-year course includes an initial full-time Foundation Year and offers an alternative route into university and gaining a degree.

This route is for you if you do not have the necessary qualifications or don’t yet feel ready to begin degree-level study, or are returning to education and would like some support to get up to speed with learning in a university setting.

The Foundation Year in Education and Childhood will allow you to develop your academic skills and confidence as well as introduce you to key concepts, debates and skills that will support and inform your subsequent years of undergraduate study.

Following successful completion of your Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto Year 1 of our Primary Education (Later Years 5-11) with QTS BA (Hons) degree.

The Student Contract

About this course

During your Foundation Year, you will undertake modules to enable you to enhance your academic skills and equip you with the tools you’ll need to study with confidence. You’ll carry out a personal project so you can study an area of interest related to your chosen future subject specialisation.

You’ll develop your understanding of the disciplines, issues and academic theories of working with children, young people and families and will be introduced to learning and teaching in an educational context, considering current trends and academic theories.

Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you’ll progress onto the first year of our Primary Education (Later Years 5-11) with QTS BA (Hons) degree.

Throughout this course, we give you the opportunity to specialise in training to teach children aged 5-11 years old, so that you can ensure all children access the learning they need during this key period.

You’ll learn how effective teaching and learning can impact a child’s educational progress, developing teaching skills informed by theory and subject knowledge. You’ll apply your knowledge in a classroom setting, working across all areas of the National Curriculum.

You’ll understand the roles and responsibilities of a teacher and develop the professional skills of planning, teaching and assessing learning, as well as how to build effective relationships with children and create positive classroom climates for learning.

School-based training

Over the course of the three-year programme, you will complete a minimum of 24 weeks of assessed school-based training, along with additional focus visits. In the first and second years your school-based training is eight weeks; in the final year, it’s ten weeks. At each stage of training, you will be mentored by expert colleagues in school and University settings.

In the first year, you will gradually take on some of the teacher’s role by working with small groups of children, setting activities in areas of provision, team teaching and moving on to teach whole group lessons.

Throughout the second and third year, you will increase the amount of time you spend planning, teaching and assessing children; building your confidence, independence and progress in meeting the Teacher Standards and preparing you for your Early Career development.

Why study with us?

  • Build your self-confidence, academic skills and core subject knowledge in preparation for progression onto degree-level study.
  • Learn how to deliver high-quality teaching and learning experiences from specialist tutors in all National Curriculum subject areas.  
  • Benefit from our strong partnerships with a wide range of schools through classroom experience and co-delivered training sessions and conferences.
  • Meet the Teachers' Standards and you'll be recommended for Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) when you complete your programme. 
  • Receive ongoing guidance and career development opportunities during the early stages of your teaching career after graduation. 

Course Modules

You will study a variety of modules across your programme of study. The module details given below are subject to change and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

Foundation Year

During your Foundation Year, you'll study four core modules.

Academic Skills and Studying with Confidence (Core)

We'll help you develop core academic skills such as using electronic resources, planning and note-taking, communication skills related to essay and report writing and delivering presentations.

You'll learn to manage your time, prioritise tasks and manage stress, and become more confident in engaging with collaborative learning, debates, discussions and critical reflection.

General Studies and Project (Core)

You’ll study topics that will allow you to expand your view of society and enhance your life skills.

Towards the end of the module, you’ll study an area of interest related to your chosen degree.

You’ll work individually on your project, whether that's a written report, a presentation and oral examination, a film or a series of blog posts.

You’ll undertake problem-solving learning, and formative feedback and support will be provided throughout, helping develop your self-confidence.

Introduction to Children and Families (Core)

Develop your understanding of the disciplines, issues and academic theories of working with children, young people and families.

You'll explore areas such as childhood development, socialisation, family diversity and the influence of poverty, and the support available in social and educational contexts.

We focus on collaborative learning, so you will be encouraged to share your thoughts and opinions in debates and work with your fellow students.

Introduction to Education: Learning and Teaching (Core)

You'll focus on how education is provided in the UK.

Explore the early year and primary education phases, studying concepts such as learning, pedagogy, and assessment.

You'll look at ways effective learning can be promoted in the context of equality and inclusion, covering creativity, play, problem-solving and the use of technology.

We'll also explore educational policies and frameworks such as teachers' standards in the UK.

Year 1

During your first year, you'll study five core modules and will be required to choose one option module.

Progression requirements: 120 credits from Foundation Year. In addition, students must meet the minimum entry requirements for progression to a linked degree programme with QTS:

  • GCSE English Language, Maths and Science at grade 4/C (or Equivalent)
  • Students will also be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for this programme including an interview, enhanced DBS check and 'fit to teach' assessment.

Students unable to meet the requirements for progression on to a linked Primary Education with QTS degree but have passed the foundation year, may opt to progress onto a linked Childhood and Education degree.

The Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework provides the foundation for our curriculum which has four overlapping strands which are revisited in different contexts and increase in complexity over your three years of study.

  • Subject Knowledge and Applied Pedagogy
  • Professional Studies
  • Research Literacy
  • School-based Training

Centre-based Training at University and School-based Training experiences are integrated to allow for reflective practice as you progress through each level.   

Students will study a range of core modules across their three years of study, designed to build phase expertise in Key Stage 1 and 2 where you will gain both theoretical and subject knowledge alongside practical experience in these phases of primary school.

Introduction to the Primary Curriculum (5-11) (Core)

We'll establish your subject knowledge and the teaching of English, mathematics, science and computing.

You'll get familiar with the level of subject knowledge necessary to teach key objectives across KS1 and KS2.

We'll also cover current national priorities in these subject areas, as identified by DfE and Ofsted.

You'll get an introduction to basic pedagogical theory for each subject area.

You'll also explore common teaching resources.

We work with school partners and evaluate a range of school policies and practices to inform the module content.

Introduction to the Teaching Profession (Core)

Reflect on the professional attributes of a teacher and your own academic and assessment expectations, making links between theory and practice. 

You'll get help to manage your time effectively using guided independent study time and to take responsibility for your professional and academic progress.

You'll have taught sessions exploring and evaluating professional practice issues.

These will include;

  • principles of teaching: planning, learning and assessment
  • child development
  • teachers’ professional attributes and conduct

You'll be expected to reflect on the content of these sessions in terms of how they relate to your understanding and performance in other modules on the programme and to your experiences in school, including school-based training.

Introduction to a Broad and Balanced Curriculum (Core)

You'll explore the Foundation Subjects to develop the pedagogical skills and curriculum knowledge you need to teach across the Key Stage 1 and 2 curriculum subjects.

You'll get an introduction to curriculum knowledge and basic pedagogical approaches related to all subject areas.

You'll look at the way relationships between all curriculum subjects provide quality educational experiences in primary settings.

Introduction to the Primary Curriculum (5-11) 2 (Core)

Build on your subject knowledge of teaching English, mathematics and science.

Get an understanding of subject knowledge and pedagogical approaches related to Physical Education.

We'll address national priorities in all subject areas, identified by DfE and Ofsted.

You'll develop your application of subject knowledge to plan, teach and assess individual lessons in each subject area.

You'll draw on practical experiences from Focus Day school visits to discuss and evaluate teaching and learning in each subject area in school settings.

Understanding Learners and Learning (Core)

Get an understanding of childhood, early socialisation and individual learning needs.

You'll examine the role of the teacher in creating and managing an effective learning environment.

Explore behaviours for learning and the implications for quality teaching and learning.

You'll consider how teachers can promote partnerships with colleagues, parents and other agencies.

You'll learn about the legal framework primary schools carry out their wider pastoral responsibilities in.

You'll also do professional learning visits to observe and evaluate practice in different learning environments.

We'll encourage you to reflect on and evaluate the impact of your learning on your professional practice.

School-Based Training 1 (Option)

You'll have school-based training (SBT) preparation sessions at the University to prepare you for becoming a professional in school.

These will help you get familiar with current policies, national priorities and best practices.

You'll attend 2 Induction visits in school and undertake activities supporting the university-based module.

You'll complete a further 40 days in school where you teach up to 50% of the teacher’s timetable.

Educational Project (Option)

You'll research a topic using theoretical frameworks and use primary and secondary sources.

You'll negotiate content with your supervisory tutor, but it'll be led by your own interests.

You're encouraged to draw on previous modules, extending your knowledge through deeper interrogation with literature.

Understanding ethical considerations is integral to understanding the module.

The content might include the changing education landscape, curriculum development, academisation, promoting good behaviour, diversity and inclusion or the use of feedback to promote pupil learning.

Students may request or be advised to enrol on this module as a replacement for the School-based training module in that year.

Year 2

During your second year, you'll study five core modules and will be required to choose one option module.

Developing the Primary Curriculum (5-11) 1 (Core)

Develop your subject knowledge and understanding in English, Mathematics, Science, Computing and PE, exploring teaching methods within each subject.

We'll address national priority areas and educational developments in each subject area.

Subject knowledge and understanding will underpin your capacity to plan and teach units of work, embedding assessments for formative and summative purposes as per relevant national frameworks and structures.

You'll get support to reflect on current practice in preparation for the assessment, and you'll seek to identify links and make connections between elements of the module.

Becoming a Teaching Professional (Core)

Develop your own professional practice and build on your reflective practice.

You'll reflect on key theories about the teaching and learning of children, including current national priority areas.

You'll make links to teachers’ professional standards in learning behaviours, metacognition, differentiation, and assessment processes.

You'll also complete a placement in a setting outside mainstream classrooms.

You'll develop knowledge and understanding within a particular area of interest such as special school provision, museum education, outdoor learning, international learning and spiritual and cultural retreats.

Developing the Primary Curriculum (5-11) 2 (Core)

Further develop your knowledge and understanding of pedagogical approaches and methods for teaching the full curriculum.

We'll cover current issues and evaluate sources relating to teaching and learning across foundation subjects.

You'll get a deeper understanding of pedagogical and assessment processes which underpin the high-quality delivery of foundation subjects.

You'll evaluate current approaches to curriculum-wide planning, teaching and assessing.

You'll also explore cross-curricular experiences, including outdoor learning.

Understanding Inclusion (Core)

Get an awareness of the barriers to learning experienced by children with identified specific additional needs.

These may be physical, medical, social/emotional/behavioural and linguistic, or specific learning needs such as Dyslexia, ADHD, Asperger’s Syndrome, gifted and talented.

Learn how these may manifest themselves in the classroom.

You'll find out how to identify needs and evaluate approaches or interventions to support specific needs.

These include the role and responsibilities of the SENCo, the use of the Code of Practice for SEND, IEPs/IBPs, the role of the teacher and other adults, and specialists.

Introducing Practitioner Enquiry (Core)

Carry out a small-scale enquiry and reflect on how this can influence your learning and development.

Get an introduction to the principles of evidence-based practice and the impact it can have on professional development for teachers and improved outcomes for children.

You'll link these principles to the role of practitioners as enquirers and the process of practitioner enquiry.

You'll get clear guidance on ethical requirements and expectations relating to Practitioner Enquiry.

You'll have to demonstrate how you'll meet these in your enquiry.

School-Based Training 2 (Option)

There is a prerequisite for this module.

You have School Based Training (SBT) preparation sessions at the University.

These support you to reflect on your experiences in PED4302 and support your development as a professional in school.

You'll become more familiar with current policies, National Priorities and best practice.

You'll complete a further 35 days in school where you teach up to 70% of the teacher’s timetable.

Educational Project (Option)

You'll research a topic using theoretical frameworks and use primary and secondary sources.

You'll negotiate content with your supervisory tutor, but it'll be led by your own interests.

You're encouraged to draw on previous modules, extending your knowledge through deeper interrogation with literature.

Understanding ethical considerations is integral to understanding the module.

The content might include the changing education landscape, curriculum development, academisation, promoting good behaviour, diversity and inclusion or the use of feedback to promote pupil learning.

Students may request or be advised to enrol on this module as a replacement for the School-based training module in that year.

Year 3

During your final year, you'll study three core modules and will be required to choose one option module.

Enhancing the Primary Curriculum (5-11) (Core)

Develop a critical understanding of different curricular models and designs.

You'll critically evaluate alternative curriculum design models.

Taking a creative and critical approach to curriculum design, you'll consider cross-curricular elements and how this type of delivery can impact pupil progress and engagement.

You'll be expected to evaluate both practical and theoretical understandings of contemporary curriculum issues.

Enhanced Enquiry Project (Core)

You'll independently carry out a small-scale research project and record your findings appropriately.

Develop your knowledge and understanding of ethical issues, carry out literature reviews, plan and conduct research, analyse evidence and draw conclusions.

You'll also critically evaluate the role of research in developing personal and professional practice.

Educational Debates (Core)

Explore current and key issues affecting primary education.

Indicative content includes the changing nature of schools and the different types of schools in the UK system.

You'll synthesise international evidence on successful school systems and school reform.

You'll critically appraise different pedagogical models and interrogate the evidence of ‘high-quality teaching’ and the science of learning.

Get an understanding of what determines evidence-based teaching and how to embed research into your pedagogical toolkit.

We'll examine the role of teachers in the 21st century, enabling your development in critical reflection, professional learning and teacher leadership.

School-Based Training 3 (Option)

There is a prerequisite for this module.

Students have School Based Training (SBT) preparation sessions at the University.

These embed detailed knowledge and support your critical understanding of the professional attributes necessary in an educational setting.

These are aligned with statutory guidance relating to professional standards.

You'll complete 45 days in school where you'll teach up to 70% of the teacher’s timetable demonstrating a depth of understanding of current policies, National Priorities and best practices.

Educational Project (Option)

You'll research a topic using theoretical frameworks and use primary and secondary sources.

You'll negotiate content with your supervisory tutor, but it'll be led by your own interests.

You're encouraged to draw on previous modules, extending your knowledge through deeper interrogation with literature.

Understanding ethical considerations is integral to understanding the module.

The content might include the changing education landscape, curriculum development, academisation, promoting good behaviour, diversity and inclusion or the use of feedback to promote pupil learning.

Students may request or be advised to enrol on this module as a replacement for the School-based training module in that year.

Learning and Teaching

At Leeds Trinity we aim to provide an excellent student experience and provide you with the tools and support to help you achieve your academic, personal and professional potential.

Our Learning, Teaching and Assessment Strategy delivers excellence by providing the framework for:

  • high quality teaching
  • an engaging and inclusive approach to learning, assessment and achievement
  • a clear structure through which you progress in your academic studies, your personal development and towards professional-level employment or further study.

We have a strong reputation for developing student employability, supporting your development towards graduate employment, with relevant skills embedded throughout your programme of study.

We endeavour to develop curiosity, confidence, courage, ambition and aspiration in all students through the key themes in our Learning and Teaching Strategy:

  • Student Involvement and Engagement
  • Inclusion
  • Integrated Programme and Assessment Experience
  • Digital Literacy and Skills
  • Employability and Enterprise

To help you achieve your potential we emphasise learning as a collaborative process, with a range of student-led and real-world activities. This approach ensures that you fully engage in shaping your own learning, developing your critical thinking and reflective skills so that you can identify your own strengths and weaknesses, and use the extensive learning support system we offer to shape your own development.

We believe the secret to great learning and teaching is simple: it is about creating an inclusive learning experience that allows all students to thrive through:

  • Personalised support
  • Expert lecturers
  • Strong connections with employers
  • An international outlook
  • Understanding how to use tools and technology to support learning and development

Programme delivery

Your time on campus, learning through in-person teaching, is at the heart of your academic experience and the way we deliver our programmes. This is supported and further enhanced by additional engagement activities and opportunities provided online and through digital teaching materials. This blended approach seeks to ensure a positive learning and teaching student experience.

Your programme of study has been carefully designed around a three-phase model of delivery:

  1. Preparation: You will be given clear tasks to support you in preparing for live teaching. This could include watching a short-pre-recorded lecture, reading a paper or text chapter or preparing other material for use in class.
  2.  Live: All your live teaching will be designed around active learning, providing you with valuable opportunities to build on preparation tasks, interact with staff and peers, and surface any misunderstandings.
  3. Post: Follow-up activities will include opportunities for you to check understanding, for staff to receive feedback from you and your peers to inform subsequent sessions, and for you to apply learning to new situations or context.

Preparation, Live and Post teaching and learning and the digital materials used will vary by course, but will be designed to help you structure your learning, take a full and active part in your course, and apply and test your developing knowledge and skills.

Assessment

A variety of assessment methods are used, matched to the learning outcomes for your programme, allowing you to apply and demonstrate the full range of knowledge and skills that you have developed.

For more details on specific assessment methods for this course contact hello@leedstrinity.ac.uk

Entry Requirements

Leeds Trinity University is committed to recruiting students with talent and potential and who we feel will benefit greatly from their academic and non-academic experiences here. We treat every application on its own merits; we value highly the experience you illustrate in your personal statement.

Information about the large range of qualifications we accept, including A-Levels, BTECs and T Levels, can be found on our entry requirements page. If you need additional advice or are taking qualifications that are not covered in the information supplied, please contact our Admissions Office.

Entry requirements for this course:
QualificationGrade
UCAS tariff64
GCSE requirementsGCSEs in English Language or English Literature, Maths and Science at grade C or 4 (or higher) will be required

Applications are welcome from mature students with few formal qualifications.

Any previous relevant work experience and learning will be assessed and, where appropriate, we may offer an alternative way to assess suitability to study.

This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.

Additional entry requirements

For entry onto this course, you will need to meet additional entry requirements set by the Department for Education (DfE) for selection. This includes completion of a declaration of Occupational Health Screening and a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. For further information, please visit our Initial Teacher Training additional entry requirements page.

Interview Information

Applicants who meet the entry criteria will be invited to interview. At the interview, a written assessment may be used to evaluate your strengths and needs. Once you have completed your interview we will be able to make a decision about your offer.

Fees and finance

Funding

UK Home Students:

Tuition fees cost £9,250 a year for this course in 2023/2024.

Part-time tuition fees will be prorated accordingly to the number of credits you're studying.

Depending on government policy, tuition fees may change in future years.

Living costs, e.g. accommodation, travel, food, will also need to be taken into consideration.

Leeds Trinity offers a range of bursaries and scholarships to help support students while you study.

Additional costs

We advise students that there may be additional course costs in addition to annual tuition fees. These include:

  • Books - recommended and required reading lists will be provided at the start of your course. All the books and e-books are available from our Library to borrow but you may choose to purchase your own.
  • Print costs - the University provides students with a £6 printing credit each academic year which can be topped up either on campus or online.

How to apply

For full-time undergraduate courses, you apply through UCAS. That's the University and Colleges Admissions Service.

On your application form, you'll need to know our institution code - it's L24 - and the course code. If you click through to the UCAS website using the button below, it'll take you to the right place with all the information you need.

You'll need to write a personal statement - we've prepared a guide to help you.

Although the equal consideration deadline has passed for 2024 entry there are still ways to apply now.

If you included five choices on your application, have received decisions from all five, and weren’t accepted, or if you declined the offers you received, you will be able to use Extra which opens on 28 February. If you use Extra to add another choice you cannot reverse this to go back to your original five choices.

If you did not use all your choices in your initial application, you don't need to use Extra, you can just sign in to your application and add another choice, as long as it’s before 30 June, and you’ve not accepted or declined any offers.

If you don’t hold any offers after 5 July, you will be able to add an additional choice using Clearing.

Applications are not yet open for courses starting in September 2025. You can register and start your application for 2025 from 14 May 2024, although you cannot submit it until later in the year. The UCAS application deadline for courses starting in September 2025 is 29 January 2025.

There's lots more information about the application process on the UCAS website, or you can get in touch with our admissions team who will be happy to help:

This course is not available to students on a Student Route Visa.

Graduate opportunities

Providing you with the opportunity to develop the professional skills and experience you need to launch your career is at the heart of everything we do at Leeds Trinity University.

As a qualified teacher, you’ll open the door to a wide range of career progression opportunities that will help you to make a difference at a much higher level. We’re really proud of our alumni, whose teaching careers have taken them across the UK and the world. They’re making their mark on the future generation as heads of departments, headteachers, pastoral care leaders and even as international school founders.

After you graduate, Careers and Placements will help you as you pursue your chosen career through our mentoring scheme, support with CV and interview preparation and access to graduate employability events.

To find out how we can help you make your career ambitions a reality, visit:

Careers

Chat with our students

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Ask our Student Ambassadors about what it’s like to be part of the Leeds Trinity University community, chat to them about your course(s) of interest and hear more about their Leeds Trinity University student experience.

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Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies (CCRS)

Achieve an additional qualification alongside your degree with the Catholic Certificate in Religious Studies

Although the CCRS isn't compulsory, it is recognised across the Catholic sector as a desirable qualification that can expand both your expertise and your vocational focus. The course aims to ensure you have the basic knowledge, understanding and appreciation of the beliefs and principles of the Catholic Faith while providing a basis for further study. 

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Discover Uni is the official, authoritative source of information and guidance on higher education in the UK. The website allows you to search for and compare data and information on university and college programmes from across the UK.

It helps you make sense of all the information out there by linking to other quality resources and explaining what can be found where. It also allows you to search for and compare information and data for individual undergraduate courses across the UK.

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