Education has the power to inspire and teachers are in a unique position to shape and change the lives of young people, their families and communities. Great teachers are visionaries, lifelong learners, leaders, communicators, collaborators, partners, innovators, creative thinkers, problem solvers, adaptors and role models. Our post-primary programmes help prepare you for that challenge and equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience to create a positive learning environment, inspiring young people to maximise their potential and believe in themselves.
The BEd (Hons) Post-primary Business and Enterprise course is a four-year programme designed to support your development as an educational professional and reflective practitioner. You will enjoy an academically stimulating and challenging course which affords you the opportunity to study a range of topics in Business and Enterprise. Throughout the course you will develop effective delivery methods of business-related subjects which are currently offered at Key Stage 4 and post-16 level. You will improve your critical awareness of the dynamic nature of the business world and the issues faced by changing practices and developments. You will extend your knowledge of a range of enterprising businesses and practices at a local and national level, and recognise the need to adopt an entrepreneurial attitude.
Subsidiary Subject
Alongside your Business and Enterprise main subject, you will also study a subsidiary subject. The subsidiary options you can choose from are: Computing and Computer Science, English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Religious Studies or Science. Click here for more information on your subsidiary subject options.
How will I study?
Learning and teaching are delivered through a dynamic and engaging curriculum using a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and independent study. You also will spend a significant amount of time on placement in a range of schools and educational settings. In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide. In Year 4, you will conduct research and complete a dissertation on a topic that you are passionate about.
Who will be teaching me?
In College and on your school-based professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-informed and experienced practitioners. As a small, specialist institution, you get to know your tutors and they get to know and support you to become a shaper of education.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays, individual and group projects and presentations, e-portfolios, formal examinations, assessment on placement and final dissertation.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available on the BEd Post-primary Business and Enterprise degree. However, modules are subject to change.
Year 1
- Introduction to Education Studies
- Personal and Professional Learning 1
- Introduction to Enterprising Ideas
- Marketing
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)
Year 2
- Learning and Assessment in Diverse Classrooms
- Personal and Professional Learning 2
- Contemporary Business
- Managing People
- Financial Accounting
- Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)
Year 3
- Children with Special and Additional Needs
- Post-primary Placement 3
- Education Research
- Operations Management
- General Business Decision Making
- Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)
Plus one of the following options:
- Essential Skills
- Sharing Education
Students undertaking Erasmus+ or International Study Abroad will take the following in semester 1: Children with Special Additional Needs, Aspects of Operations Management, Aspects of General Business Decision Making, Education Research and a half module of their Subsidiary Subject; plus European and International Mobility in Semester 2.
Year 4
- Post-primary Placement 4
- Dissertation (from main subject area or education)
And one of the following modules from your subject area if taking a subject dissertation or both of the modules if taking an education dissertation:
- Operations Management
- General Business Decision Making
And one from the following list, if not taking an education dissertation:
- Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Care
- Working with Disadvantaged Pupils/Children
- ASD and Sensory Issues
- Leadership in Diversity and Mutual Understanding
- Factors Affecting Literacy Development
- Contemporary Approaches to the Teaching of Language
- Pastoral Care, Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification
A level
BBC to include at least one of the following: Business Studies, Economics, Accounting.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM – Business
Access Course
Successful completion of Access course with an average of 65% in level 3 modules, to include 65% in a Business related module.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H3H4 to include English, Mathematics and either Business, Economics or Accounting.
The Admissions Process
Academic Registry receives applications directly from UCAS. Applications are considered on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that complete detail is provided. All applications must contain a reference otherwise they will not be considered. All fully completed applications submitted by the UCAS closing date of 31st January are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile
All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English and Mathematics. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be demonstrated in the UCAS application.
Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Application of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.
Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.
An Unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.
Applicants that have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, may still be shortlisted for interview, but will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, assuming required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.
Step 2 – Review of UCAS Personal Statement
All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their Personal Statement reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.
A personal desire and motivation for teaching must be evident in your Personal Statement. You will be required to demonstrate your commitment to teaching by providing examples of working with children in a structured environment. An Unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant that does not demonstrate this evidence in their Personal Statement.
Step 3 – Interview and Presentation
Applicants that pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in an interview and presentation. Applicants will be notified of their interview date at least one week beforehand. You will also be provided with the presentation topic at this time.
Interviews are held on various dates in February and March. The interview will be conducted by a panel of two, normally comprising a member of Academic staff from Stranmillis University College and a current/retired education professional. The presentation will be followed by a short interview during which the interviewers will ask you a number of set questions. The interview, including the presentation, will last approximately 20 minutes. Both the interview and the presentation are scored out of 20 giving a total possible score of 40.
Step 4 – Offers
Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview and presentation score and verification of qualifications. Academic Registry aims to have offers processed on UCAS before the 31st of March, however, the final UCAS deadline for ‘on time’ applications is 16th May.
All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which you will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.
Please note that due to the demand for places and the limited number of places available, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.
Step 5 – Confirmation and Clearing
Following publication of results in August, applicants that exactly meet or better the conditions of their offer will be accepted onto the course. Depending on the number of successful applicants and the number of vacancies still to be filled, it may be possible to offer places to applicants who have dropped slightly below the conditions of their offer. In the event of a small number of places being available, an applicant’s interview score and overall academic profile, such as GCSEs and AS Levels, will be assessed and decisions will be made on this basis.
Enhancing employability is a key part of the student experience. The transferable skills you develop on the BEd course, together with extensive hands-on professional placement, work experience and study abroad opportunities, ensure that our graduates are highly sought after. The most recent Graduate Outcome survey results report that 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.
Careers
Although most BEd graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching in schools and education settings, many use their transferable skills to develop careers in a wide range of other sectors including:
Youth Services
Charitable and Third Sector
Social Work and Community Development
Educational Centres
General Management
Local Government
Varied graduate programmes
Degree Enhancement
Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.
Tuition Fees
The fees below are dependent on the ‘residency’ status of each student as determined by their Local Education Authority.
| 2024 - 25 Tuition Fees | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEd Primary / Post Primary BSc Physical Education & Sport BA Early Childhood Studies | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,800 | £20,800 |
| PGCE | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,500 | £20,500 |
*EU Other – Students from the EU (excluding the Republic of Ireland), other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members.
All fees are normally subject to an annual inflationary increase.
For further information on fees and payments, please click here.
Additional Course Costs
All Students
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. However, if students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Students who undertake PE as a subsidiary module are required to purchase Stranmillis branded sports kit at an approximate cost of £35.
BEd
All BEd students undertake a compulsory placement of up to 9 weeks each year as part of the programme and should be aware that they will have to fund any associated travel and living costs. BEd students entering from September 2021 should note that Year 1 placements will be in Belfast unless there are exceptional circumstances. In your final year, there may be costs associated with transport and materials for your dissertation research project and additional costs for printing and binding. Students undertaking an Erasmus+ or international study abroad option as part of the programme should be aware that, although grants are available, they may have to fund or supplement travel and living costs.
Bursaries and Scholarships
Stranmillis offers a number of bursaries and can provide financial support to students who meet certain criteria. For further information on available support, please click here.
The Stranmillis motto is Docendo Discimus: ‘Through teaching we learn’. Our aim is deliver the highest quality teaching and learning environment to enable you to achieve your full academic potential and develop outstanding workplace competencel. Innovative thinking, pushing boundaries and creating new and better solutions to professional practice and global issues such as academic underachievement and special educational needs is in our DNA. Our students, like our staff, are inspired to be shapers of education rather than followers.
A Blended Approach
Our teaching staff have a passion, a desire to inspire you to learn, to question, to innovate. We know that doesn’t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.
Personal Tutor
Every student is assigned a personal tutor, who will take the time to get to know you and your learning needs, giving you personalised academic support throughout your degree.
Work-based Placements
An extensive programme of relevant work-based placements is a core element of the course, providing you with practical, hands-on experience in the workplace. Each year, you will spend up to 9 weeks in a school or educational setting, gaining experience in a range of classes.
Alternative Placement
To explore a broader career outlook, in year 4 of the degree you will undertake a two-week ‘alternative placement’ programme with one of our 250+ business partners.
Study Abroad
In year 3, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of 30+ partner institutions worldwide through our Erasmus+ and International Exchange programmes – a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on teaching and learning.
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification.
Certificate in Religious Education
The Certificate in Religious Education is a pre-requisite qualification for anyone applying for a permanent teaching position in a maintained primary school. In partnership with St. Mary’s University College, Stranmillis is able to offer the Certificate in Religious Education to students enrolled on our BEd programmes. For further information on the course, click here.
Education has the power to inspire and teachers are in a unique position to shape and change the lives of young people, their families and communities. Great teachers are visionaries, lifelong learners, leaders, communicators, collaborators, partners, innovators, creative thinkers, problem solvers, adaptors and role models. Our post-primary programmes help prepare you for that challenge and equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience to create a positive learning environment, inspiring young people to maximise their potential and believe in themselves.
The BEd (Hons) Post-primary Business and Enterprise course is a four-year programme designed to support your development as an educational professional and reflective practitioner. You will enjoy an academically stimulating and challenging course which affords you the opportunity to study a range of topics in Business and Enterprise. Throughout the course you will develop effective delivery methods of business-related subjects which are currently offered at Key Stage 4 and post-16 level. You will improve your critical awareness of the dynamic nature of the business world and the issues faced by changing practices and developments. You will extend your knowledge of a range of enterprising businesses and practices at a local and national level, and recognise the need to adopt an entrepreneurial attitude.
Subsidiary Subject
Alongside your Business and Enterprise main subject, you will also study a subsidiary subject. The subsidiary options you can choose from are: Computing and Computer Science, English, Mathematics, Physical Education, Religious Studies or Science. Click here for more information on your subsidiary subject options.
How will I study?
Learning and teaching are delivered through a dynamic and engaging curriculum using a combination of lectures, workshops, seminars and independent study. You also will spend a significant amount of time on placement in a range of schools and educational settings. In Year 3, you will have the opportunity to spend a semester studying abroad at one of our partner universities worldwide. In Year 4, you will conduct research and complete a dissertation on a topic that you are passionate about.
Who will be teaching me?
In College and on your school-based professional placements, you will be taught, assessed and supported by an exceptional team of internationally recognised, research-informed and experienced practitioners. As a small, specialist institution, you get to know your tutors and they get to know and support you to become a shaper of education.
How will I be assessed?
A variety of assessment methods are used, including critically reflective essays, individual and group projects and presentations, e-portfolios, formal examinations, assessment on placement and final dissertation.
The modules below illustrate the current curriculum available on the BEd Post-primary Business and Enterprise degree. However, modules are subject to change.
Year 1
- Introduction to Education Studies
- Personal and Professional Learning 1
- Introduction to Enterprising Ideas
- Marketing
- Introduction to Financial Accounting
- Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)
Year 2
- Learning and Assessment in Diverse Classrooms
- Personal and Professional Learning 2
- Contemporary Business
- Managing People
- Financial Accounting
- Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)
Year 3
- Children with Special and Additional Needs
- Post-primary Placement 3
- Education Research
- Operations Management
- General Business Decision Making
- Subsidiary Subject module (see subsidiary subjects)
Plus one of the following options:
- Essential Skills
- Sharing Education
Students undertaking Erasmus+ or International Study Abroad will take the following in semester 1: Children with Special Additional Needs, Aspects of Operations Management, Aspects of General Business Decision Making, Education Research and a half module of their Subsidiary Subject; plus European and International Mobility in Semester 2.
Year 4
- Post-primary Placement 4
- Dissertation (from main subject area or education)
And one of the following modules from your subject area if taking a subject dissertation or both of the modules if taking an education dissertation:
- Operations Management
- General Business Decision Making
And one from the following list, if not taking an education dissertation:
- Contemporary Issues in Pastoral Care
- Working with Disadvantaged Pupils/Children
- ASD and Sensory Issues
- Leadership in Diversity and Mutual Understanding
- Factors Affecting Literacy Development
- Contemporary Approaches to the Teaching of Language
- Pastoral Care, Emotional Health and Wellbeing
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification
A level
BBC to include at least one of the following: Business Studies, Economics, Accounting.
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM – Business
Access Course
Successful completion of Access course with an average of 65% in level 3 modules, to include 65% in a Business related module.
Irish Leaving Certificate
H3H3H3H3H4 to include English, Mathematics and either Business, Economics or Accounting.
The Admissions Process
Academic Registry receives applications directly from UCAS. Applications are considered on the basis of the information provided. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that complete detail is provided. All applications must contain a reference otherwise they will not be considered. All fully completed applications submitted by the UCAS closing date of 31st January are given equal consideration. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
Step 1 – Review of Academic Profile
All applicants must have a minimum C grade in GCSE English and Mathematics. If an applicant is attempting to achieve the GCSE subject requirements in the year of application, this must be demonstrated in the UCAS application.
Level 2 Essential Skills Numeracy and Application of Number is not acceptable in lieu of GCSE Mathematics.
Level 2 Essential Skills Communication is acceptable in lieu of GCSE English.
An Unsuccessful decision will be processed against an application that does not meet the GCSE requirements.
Applicants that have already completed A-levels (or equivalent Level 3 qualifications) but do not precisely meet or fall slightly below the entry requirements, may still be shortlisted for interview, but will not initially receive an offer. Such applicants may be reconsidered in August, assuming required interview score has been achieved and depending upon availability of places.
Step 2 – Review of UCAS Personal Statement
All applicants who meet the initial academic criteria will have their Personal Statement reviewed by a member of staff in Academic Registry.
A personal desire and motivation for teaching must be evident in your Personal Statement. You will be required to demonstrate your commitment to teaching by providing examples of working with children in a structured environment. An Unsuccessful decision will be processed for any applicant that does not demonstrate this evidence in their Personal Statement.
Step 3 – Interview and Presentation
Applicants that pass the first two steps of the process will be invited to take part in an interview and presentation. Applicants will be notified of their interview date at least one week beforehand. You will also be provided with the presentation topic at this time.
Interviews are held on various dates in February and March. The interview will be conducted by a panel of two, normally comprising a member of Academic staff from Stranmillis University College and a current/retired education professional. The presentation will be followed by a short interview during which the interviewers will ask you a number of set questions. The interview, including the presentation, will last approximately 20 minutes. Both the interview and the presentation are scored out of 20 giving a total possible score of 40.
Step 4 – Offers
Offers are made on the basis of ranked interview and presentation score and verification of qualifications. Academic Registry aims to have offers processed on UCAS before the 31st of March, however, the final UCAS deadline for ‘on time’ applications is 16th May.
All offers are subject to a satisfactory Access NI Enhanced Disclosure Check, which you will be asked to complete prior to commencing study.
Please note that due to the demand for places and the limited number of places available, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
Please email registry@stran.ac.uk if you require further information on entry requirements or the admissions process.
Step 5 – Confirmation and Clearing
Following publication of results in August, applicants that exactly meet or better the conditions of their offer will be accepted onto the course. Depending on the number of successful applicants and the number of vacancies still to be filled, it may be possible to offer places to applicants who have dropped slightly below the conditions of their offer. In the event of a small number of places being available, an applicant’s interview score and overall academic profile, such as GCSEs and AS Levels, will be assessed and decisions will be made on this basis.
Enhancing employability is a key part of the student experience. The transferable skills you develop on the BEd course, together with extensive hands-on professional placement, work experience and study abroad opportunities, ensure that our graduates are highly sought after. The most recent Graduate Outcome survey results report that 97% of our graduates are in employment or further study fifteen months after graduation.
Careers
Although most BEd graduates are interested in pursuing careers in teaching in schools and education settings, many use their transferable skills to develop careers in a wide range of other sectors including:
Youth Services
Charitable and Third Sector
Social Work and Community Development
Educational Centres
General Management
Local Government
Varied graduate programmes
Degree Enhancement
Our Degree Enhancement programme is designed to further help you to stand out from the crowd. The programme provides a range of opportunities to enhance your skillset through optional short courses, awards and volunteering opportunities in areas relevant to your chosen career path.
Tuition Fees
The fees below are dependent on the ‘residency’ status of each student as determined by their Local Education Authority.
| 2024 - 25 Tuition Fees | NI/ROI | GB | EU Other* | International |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEd Primary / Post Primary BSc Physical Education & Sport BA Early Childhood Studies | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,800 | £20,800 |
| PGCE | £4,750 | £9,250 | £20,500 | £20,500 |
*EU Other – Students from the EU (excluding the Republic of Ireland), other EEA and Swiss nationals and their family members.
All fees are normally subject to an annual inflationary increase.
For further information on fees and payments, please click here.
Additional Course Costs
All Students
There may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies. Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from the Library. However, if students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the Library, prices per text typically range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges. There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines. Students who undertake PE as a subsidiary module are required to purchase Stranmillis branded sports kit at an approximate cost of £35.
BEd
All BEd students undertake a compulsory placement of up to 9 weeks each year as part of the programme and should be aware that they will have to fund any associated travel and living costs. BEd students entering from September 2021 should note that Year 1 placements will be in Belfast unless there are exceptional circumstances. In your final year, there may be costs associated with transport and materials for your dissertation research project and additional costs for printing and binding. Students undertaking an Erasmus+ or international study abroad option as part of the programme should be aware that, although grants are available, they may have to fund or supplement travel and living costs.
Bursaries and Scholarships
Stranmillis offers a number of bursaries and can provide financial support to students who meet certain criteria. For further information on available support, please click here.
The Stranmillis motto is Docendo Discimus: ‘Through teaching we learn’. Our aim is deliver the highest quality teaching and learning environment to enable you to achieve your full academic potential and develop outstanding workplace competencel. Innovative thinking, pushing boundaries and creating new and better solutions to professional practice and global issues such as academic underachievement and special educational needs is in our DNA. Our students, like our staff, are inspired to be shapers of education rather than followers.
A Blended Approach
Our teaching staff have a passion, a desire to inspire you to learn, to question, to innovate. We know that doesn’t happen in the lecture theatre alone. Your teaching and learning experience is enriched through a blended learning approach of lectures, workshops, tutorials, group and individual projects and self-directed study.
Personal Tutor
Every student is assigned a personal tutor, who will take the time to get to know you and your learning needs, giving you personalised academic support throughout your degree.
Work-based Placements
An extensive programme of relevant work-based placements is a core element of the course, providing you with practical, hands-on experience in the workplace. Each year, you will spend up to 9 weeks in a school or educational setting, gaining experience in a range of classes.
Alternative Placement
To explore a broader career outlook, in year 4 of the degree you will undertake a two-week ‘alternative placement’ programme with one of our 250+ business partners.
Study Abroad
In year 3, you will have the opportunity to study abroad at one of 30+ partner institutions worldwide through our Erasmus+ and International Exchange programmes – a learning experience that our students find hugely enriching academically as well as personally: experiencing and sharing cultures; improving language skills; and acquiring new perspectives on teaching and learning.
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification.
Certificate in Religious Education
The Certificate in Religious Education is a pre-requisite qualification for anyone applying for a permanent teaching position in a maintained primary school. In partnership with St. Mary’s University College, Stranmillis is able to offer the Certificate in Religious Education to students enrolled on our BEd programmes. For further information on the course, click here.