Program Overview
This BA Primary Education with Art Specialism (QTS) course develops students as skilled artists and educators, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to teach primary school art effectively. The program combines professional studies, curriculum subjects, and art development, with opportunities for practical placements in partnership primary schools. Graduates are highly sought after as specialist primary school teachers and subject leaders, with 97% of students reporting well-developed knowledge and skills for the future according to the National Student Survey 2023.
Program Outline
This course will enable you to get a job as a primary school teacher following graduation. There is a high demand for specialist primary school teachers and many of our graduates go on to become subject leaders. Furthermore, we are ranked 9th in the UK for Education (The Guardian University Guide, 2024) and have strong links with schools. You will divide your time between studying modules on professional skills and curriculum subjects, and developing your artistic skills and knowledge. The former will introduce you to the core National Curriculum subjects, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT). You will develop skills essential to the role of a teacher, including leadership, classroom management, and evaluation and assessment. You can then put these skills into practice through professional placements, which take place throughout the course. Additionally you will study professional legal requirements, and investigate the role of the teacher and how children develop. Your final year will involve research engagement, developing reflective critical thinking and application of theory into your teaching practice. You will also engage in professional studies, which include gaining school experience through teaching placements in partnership primary schools. In the National Student Survey 2023, 97% of our students said that their knowledge and skills for the future were developed well or very well (96.97% of respondents studying in the Institute of Education). The art specialism will develop you as a skilled artist by exploring a range of different media, materials and techniques. During your three years on the specialism, you will have access to a range of excellent facilities including a large print room, ceramic and kiln space, a dark room and, importantly, your own studio bay where you can develop and research your own art-making. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to investigate how to transfer your skills, knowledge and understanding of the subject of art into the primary classroom in order to influence and affect how children can learn with, and through, art. Through an examination of art education initiatives, you will identify and understand how art can contribute to the primary curriculum and education of all children. You will engage on a practical level in order to facilitate developing art practices as imaginative and innovative artist teachers. You will gain a critical insight and knowledge of contemporary art and its use in the classroom. Issue-based art education will be key to your studies, where you will consider art-based pedagogies linked to global citizenship, social justice, inclusion and diversity. In both your second and third years, you will develop practical projects, showcasing your developing skills as an art subject leader.
Outline:
Year 1
- Professional Studies and School Placement 1
- English in the Primary Curriculum 1
- Mathematics and Computing in the Primary Curriculum
- Teaching Practical Sessions in Science and Physical Education
- Global Inclusion and Social Justice for Education
- Art, Children and Education 1
Year 2
- Professional Studies and School Placement 2
- English in the Primary Curriculum 2
- Mathematics and Science in the Primary Curriculum
- The Foundation Subjects in the Primary Classroom 1
- Art, Children and Education 2
Year 3
- Professional Studies, Research and School Placement 3
- Refining Pedagogy in Core Subjects: English, Mathematics & Science
- Mental and Physical Health - Psychology of Education
- The Foundation Subjects in the Primary Classroom 2
Careers:
As a graduate of this course you will be able to work as a teacher or teaching assistant in a primary school, or move into nursery education. We will provide you with careers advice throughout the course, and can also give support when preparing for interviews. Overall, 98% of our students are in work or further study 15 months after finishing their course (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20 First Degree, Postgraduate (Taught) and Postgraduate (Research) responders from the Institute of Education).
Other:
- You will have the opportunity to carry out placements throughout this course. These will take place within local schools that the Institute of Education has active relationships with. Whilst there you will be mentored by a teacher and linked to a University tutor, who will provide you with additional support.
- During your first year you will attend a weekly placement, which will familiarise you with the daily routine of the classroom and link in with your professional modules.
- You will also complete a block placement during each year of the course. You will spend four weeks in a Key Stage 1 (KS1) setting during your first year, seven weeks in a KS2 setting in the second year, and an eight-week placement in a Key Stage of your choice during the final year.
- At the University of Reading we believe that climate and sustainability education is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we have set out our vision that all initial teacher trainees should be able to access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects as part of our National Climate Education Action Plan.
- how to translate knowledge and theory into change and personal action through building climate and sustainability education into your planning, teaching, and children’s learning.
- New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250
- New international students: £22,350
