The BEd Primary course has been specifically designed for intending primary school teachers and you will be qualified to teach in any sector of the primary school.  The programme fully embraces of the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum which has been introduced into schools recently.  The proposed new programme comprises the inter-related strands which are listed below but also offers a wide range of flexibility so that progress through the BEd is largely self-directed.

COURSE STRUCTURE

Education Studies

Curriculum Studies

Professional Studies and Placement

Years 1 and 2 of the course will be foundation years in which students will study compulsory modules in Education Studies, Curriculum Studies and Professional Studies.  Primary students will study all Areas of Learning (AoL) of the revised Northern Ireland Curriculum and the theoretical principles which underpin effective primary practice.  They will also undertake a module entitled 'The development of the learner' which is designed to equip them with transferable skills required to study at higher education level.

In Years 3 and 4 students will be given the opportunity to choose from a range of specialist modules.  This flexibility aims to give students an opportunity to develop expertise in a particular chosen area e.g. to specialise in an Area of Learning of the revised NI Curriculum or to study chosen educational areas in more depth.  Examples of the latter include Special Educational Needs, STEM, Assessment or Thinking Skills.

Throughout the four years of study students will undertake placement in a range of educational settings.

By the end of the course it is envisaged that graduates will enter the teaching profession having acquired the knowledge, skills and values associated with the best practitioners within the profession.