Primary Education Studies - BA (Hons) Degree

The bilingual degree is focussed on developing your academic and practical understanding of primary education studies in a bilingual context.

Whilst most of the programme will be delivered through the medium of English, 40 credits per year of the bilingual course are available through the medium of Welsh. Welsh-medium personal tutor support and Welsh-medium placement opportunities also form part of the Welsh-medium provision on the bilingual programme.

Assessments can be submitted in English or in Welsh. The course is designed to meet the increasing demand for graduates who have bilingual capabilities and qualifications.

To graduate with the bilingual award, students must take at least 40 credits (33%) in each year through the medium of Welsh. Students following this route will also qualify for The Incentive Scholarship worth up to £1500 over the three years.

All modules marked* are also available to study through the medium of Welsh.

The Primary Education Studies' modules are:

Year One:

Studying Education [1]: Evolving Systems (20 credits)* 

This module provides an overview of the historical developments within the field of education since 1870, to help facilitate an understanding of the contemporary system. Furthermore, the module explores the relationships between education, society, politics, and the individual. Finally, the module aims to develop key transferrable skills relating to academic study and writing, to support the transition into Higher Education.

Studying Education [2]: Controversies and Debates (20 credits)*
This module builds upon 'Studying Education [1]: Evolving Systems' to develop students' knowledge of contemporary debates and controversies, to deepen your understanding of the key themes and strands that characterise the field of education studies. Moreover, the module highlights the cyclic nature of key issues, and reflects on the underlying explanations for the persistence of certain patterns.

Areas of Learning and Experience (I) Part 1 (20 credits)*
This module will explore current policy and practice related to the key areas of priority in primary education. Specifically, this module will outline differing definitions and theoretical perspectives of literacy and numeracy. There will also be and a demonstration of different approaches to teaching literacy and numeracy in primary education.

Areas of Learning and Experience (I) Part 2 (20 credits)*
This module builds upon 'Areas of Learning and Experience (I) Part 1' to explore differing theoretical perspectives of digital literacy. Moreover, this module will compare different approaches to embedding digital literacy within teaching and learning. Finally, this module will feature a compulsory placement, which will provide practical examples of cross- curricular and/or creative approaches to learning from placement experience.

Childhood Education: Learning and Teaching (20 credits)*
This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of the complex nature of children's education. Furthermore, it will explore a range of key pedagogical approaches related to the education of children within the UK and explore academic evidence relating to the 'effectiveness' of teaching and practitioners. 

Early Learning (20 credits)*

This module will identify a range of early learning principles and approaches drawing on best practice. Moreover, this module will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the use of real life, authentic contexts for play and learning drawing on policy and research whilst understanding theoretical perspectives of language acquisition and early mathematical development.

Year Two:

Developing your Research skills (40 credits)*

This module aims to provide you with an understanding of key concepts relating to academic research and the research process so that you will have the requisite knowledge to enable you to conduct the extended empirical research project in your final year. The module will examine a range of methodologies, innovative research tools and of data sources. In addition, the module will examine critical issues when undertaking research with children including ethical issues and informed consent/assent. 

Education and Equality (20 credits)*

This module will provide you with a critical understanding of contemporary research and practice in education and equality. You will examine key theories and concepts surrounding education and equality (e.g. gender, EAL, bullying, looked after children) and relate these to relevant examples.

Areas of Learning and Experience (II) Part 1 (20 credits)*
This module will equip you with relevant knowledge, concepts and skills relating to the teaching and learning of expressive arts, health and wellbeing. Moreover, the module will provide opportunities to develop the practical skills needed to plan inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary learning across the areas of learning.

Areas of Learning and Experience (II) Part 2 (20 credits)*
This module builds upon 'Areas of Learning and Experience (II) Part 2'  to equip you with relevant knowledge, concepts and skills relating to the teaching and learning of humanities, science and technology. Moreover, it will provide opportunities to develop cross-curricular learning and connections within and between areas of learning and experience. Finally, this module will feature a compulsory placement, which will provide practical examples of cross- curricular and/or creative approaches to learning from placement experience.

Community and Holistic Approaches in Primary Education Contexts (20 credits)*

This module will investigate sociological perspectives on the relationships between education and families, communities and society. In addition, you will explore the role of partnerships with outside agencies in primary education and beyond and examine key tensions between policy and practice relating to multi-agency working.

Year Three:

Alternative Approaches in Education (20 credits)*

This module will develop your critical understanding of a range of alternative approaches within education, examining them from a range of perspectives including political, philosophical and international perspectives. It will provide critical insight into a range of pedagogical practices and their underpinning principles and philosophies. Moreover, there will be a practical application of key concepts (e.g. creativity, innovation) and principles of alternative approaches.

Global and Comparative Education (20 credits)*

This module will enable you to apply knowledge and synthesise ideas encountered in a variety of comparative examples, major issues and settings to global education. The module will engage you in debates and arguments from competing perspectives and identification of possible new concepts in respect of Comparative Education. Moreover, you will develop a critical and systematic understanding of well-established theories and concepts in respect of Comparative Education in a globalised context.

Professional Practice and Well-Being (20 credits)*
This module will critically examine contemporary stresses and demands facing professionals working in and with the primary education sector and explore strategies for dealing with them. As part of the module, you will develop a detailed knowledge of professionalism and professional standards within a range of contexts in primary education

The Future of Education (20 credits)*
This module will critique contemporary and emerging issues within education and the relationship between education and other political, economic, social and technological issues or policies. You will explore contemporary and emerging initiatives within the UK and wider education sectors and display an ability to effectively communicate different perspectives.

Core Modules:

Independent Project (40 credits)*
The aim of this module is for students to complete an independent piece of research. Students should develop greater independence in their approach to research, improve their ability to critique and synthesise others' research, enhance their analytical and presentational abilities, gain time management and project planning experience and expand their reflective capabilities

Or 

Applied Work-Based learning (40 credits)*
This negotiated work based learning module provides the opportunity for students to develop their knowledge and critical understanding in an area of their choice within the chosen policy field. It also provides an opportunity to draw on knowledge and understanding gained throughout the programme, and in particular to develop and apply investigative skills.

We adopt innovative and engaging teaching approaches designed to accommodate a range of learning needs. This includes: workshops; seminars; research seminars; lectures; virtual learning environments; away days; work-based placements; field trips; and visits. All students get indoor and outdoor experiences of learning by spending time in classrooms and various outdoor settings including the University's outdoor learning centre. Pastoral and tutorial support is provided and integrated within course provision.

Learning and teaching methods emphasise and facilitate the development of your critical reasoning, and encourage the integration of practice and theory. Throughout your programme, you will experience both tutor-led learning and self-directed methods of learning, increasing independence and reflection and encouraging you to develop a positive attitude toward lifelong learning.

Our teaching and learning methods embed the Cardiff Met 'EDGE' (Ethical, Global, Digital & Entrepreneurial) skills and you will be well equipped to demonstrate graduate attributes expected of you in an increasingly competitive world of work. We aim to help you to develop into reflective professionals and critical scholars.

We are committed to innovative assessment practices that match identified learning outcomes for your module and degree, and a wide variety of assessment methods and techniques are used to assess and facilitate our students' learning. Assessments include practical assignments undertaken during work-based placements; creative group work projects; written work; poster presentations; portfolios; seminar presentations and role-play scenarios. The course also makes use of online platforms such as blogs, forums and video-conferencing as assessment tools and to further enhance learning. Students receive support for assessments throughout the course, for example academic support from tutors and Library & Information Services, and class-based peer assessment strategies are employed to engage students in their learning.

The course will cultivate a range of generic and transferable skills that meet the requirements of graduates seeking employment in the twenty-first century. This course will support students in their pursuit of careers in a variety of job markets and industries including: primary education; third sector roles; community education; media and communication services; publishing; health and well-being; government administration; the arts; tourism and leisure. Work-based experiences throughout the course give students the opportunity to gain experience within professional environments.

In their final year students will complete an independent research project in an area of their choice. Students may choose to apply to study at Cardiff Met at postgraduate level on our MA, MPhil and PhD courses. 

Progression to PGCE Teacher Training:

We are pleased to guarantee an interview for the PGCE Primary Course at Cardiff Met for all graduates of this programme (subject to the course being open with UCAS). An Honours degree minimum classification of a 2:2 is currently required, and the statutory entry requirements for training in Wales (​including Grade C / Grade 4 or equivalent at GCSE for English language or Welsh Language (First Language), Mathematics or Mathematics – Numeracy and Science) must also be met.​

Typical Offers

• Tariff points: 104
• Contextual offer: See our contextual offers page.
• GCSE: Preferably five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or above to include English Language / Welsh First Language, Mathematics / Mathematics – Numeracy.
• English Language Requirement: Academic IELTS 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in all elements, or equivalent.
• A level subjects: Minimum three A levels to include grades CCC. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject.
• BTEC National / Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: MMM
• T Level: Merit.
• Access to Higher Education Diploma: No specific subjects required.
• International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma: No specific subjects required.
• Irish Leaving Certificate: 2 x H2. No specific subjects required. Higher level subjects only considered with a minimum grade H4.
• Scottish Advanced Highers: Grade DD. No specific subjects required. Scottish Highers are also considered, either on their own or in combination with Advanced Highers.
• Other requirements: DBS.

Combinations of the above qualifications are accepted if they meet our minimum requirements. If your qualifications aren’t listed, please contact Admissions or refer to the UCAS Course Search.

Further information on Overseas qualifications can be found here.

If you are a mature applicant, have relevant experience or RPL that you would like us to consider, please contact Admissions.

How to Apply

Further information on how to apply can be found here.

For general enquiries please contact the Admissions Team on 029 2041 6044 or email askadmissions@cardiffmet.ac.uk.

For course specific enquiries, please contact, Sian Sarwar:

• Email: ssarwar@cardiffmet.ac.uk
• Tel: 029 2020 5599