How do children learn and develop? How do you unlock and maximise the potential of every child, inspiring, encouraging and nurturing learning to provide them with the foundations to build a better future? The BEd (Primary) is a four-year degree programme designed to support your development as an educational professional and reflective practitioner. Education Studies and Curriculum Studies provide the foundation for what you will be studying, providing an overview of education theory, policy and practice. In years one and two you will also choose a specialist area from the Northern Ireland curriculum. The leadership of your area of specialism will be studied in depth in Year 3 and in Year 4, plus you will conduct research and complete a dissertation on a topic that you are passionate about. The course is intellectually challenging, internationally relevant and informed by current educational research and scholarship.
How will I study?
In addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, you will undertake an extensive programme of school-based professional placements, gaining experience in Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and alternative education settings. In Year 3, you will also 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 (Primary) programme. However, these are subject to change.
Year 1
- Curriculum Studies – Arts, Physical Education, Religious Education / Personal Development, World Around Us
- Literacy and Communication
- Area of Specialism
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- ICT in the Primary Classroom
- Professional Studies and Placement 1
Year 2
- Curriculum Studies – Arts, Physical Education, RE/Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, World Around Us
- Reading and Writing
- Area of Specialism
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Learning & Assessment in Diverse Classrooms
- Professional Studies and Placement 2
Year 3
- Language and Learning
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Leadership in Learning and Teaching
- Children with Special and Additional Needs
- Education Research
- Professional Studies and Placement 3
plus one module from the following:
- The Arts: A Practical Approach
- Playful Approaches to Science across Foundation and Key Stage 1
- Fundamental Movement Skills
- Local Studies
- Learning through a Play Based Curriculum
- Factors Affecting Literacy Development
Students undertaking Erasmus+ or International Study Abroad will take the following in semester 1:
- Leadership in Learning and Teaching
- Children with Special and Additional Needs
- Education Research
- Aspects of Language and Learning
- Aspects of Mathematics & Numeracy
plus
- a European Outreach or International Mobility module in Semester 2.
Year 4
- Professional Studies and Placement 4
- Dissertation
plus one module from the following:
- Children’s Literature
- The Arts: A Practical Approach
- Contemporary Approaches to the Teaching of Primary Languages
- Playful Approaches to Science across Foundation and Key Stage 1
- Local Studies
- Fundamental Movement Skills
and one module from the following:
- Contemporary issues in Pastoral Care
- Working with Parents
- Working with Disadvantaged Pupils
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Leadership in Diversity and Mutual Understanding
- Factors affecting Literacy Development
- Writing, Popular Culture and the Child
- Playful Learning and Teaching in Practice
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification.
A level
AAB
BTEC Extended Diploma
D*D*D – Not all BTEC Extended Diplomas are considered, please check with Academic Registry.
Access Course
Successful completion of Access course with an average of 70% in level 3 modules.
Irish leaving certificate
H2H3H3H3H3H3 to include English and Mathematics.
THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
The BEd Primary degree at Stranmillis University College is very popular and each year the number of applicants greatly outweighs the number of places available. Academic Registry receives all applications for the BEd Primary degree 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, Mathematics and Science. 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. BTEC/OCN Level 2 Science is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.
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.
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 scores and verification of qualifications. We aim to have all BEd Primary 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 on the BEd Primary degree, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
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 and education-related fields, many use their transferable skills to develop careers in a wide range of other sectors including:
Schools
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 are also required to purchase Stranmillis branded sports kit at an approximate cost of £35 for Curriculum Studies PE module.
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 Financial Support
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 competence. 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.
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.
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification.
How do children learn and develop? How do you unlock and maximise the potential of every child, inspiring, encouraging and nurturing learning to provide them with the foundations to build a better future? The BEd (Primary) is a four-year degree programme designed to support your development as an educational professional and reflective practitioner. Education Studies and Curriculum Studies provide the foundation for what you will be studying, providing an overview of education theory, policy and practice. In years one and two you will also choose a specialist area from the Northern Ireland curriculum. The leadership of your area of specialism will be studied in depth in Year 3 and in Year 4, plus you will conduct research and complete a dissertation on a topic that you are passionate about. The course is intellectually challenging, internationally relevant and informed by current educational research and scholarship.
How will I study?
In addition to lectures, tutorials, workshops and individual/group projects, you will undertake an extensive programme of school-based professional placements, gaining experience in Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, Key Stage 2 and alternative education settings. In Year 3, you will also 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 (Primary) programme. However, these are subject to change.
Year 1
- Curriculum Studies – Arts, Physical Education, Religious Education / Personal Development, World Around Us
- Literacy and Communication
- Area of Specialism
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- ICT in the Primary Classroom
- Professional Studies and Placement 1
Year 2
- Curriculum Studies – Arts, Physical Education, RE/Personal Development and Mutual Understanding, World Around Us
- Reading and Writing
- Area of Specialism
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Learning & Assessment in Diverse Classrooms
- Professional Studies and Placement 2
Year 3
- Language and Learning
- Mathematics and Numeracy
- Leadership in Learning and Teaching
- Children with Special and Additional Needs
- Education Research
- Professional Studies and Placement 3
plus one module from the following:
- The Arts: A Practical Approach
- Playful Approaches to Science across Foundation and Key Stage 1
- Fundamental Movement Skills
- Local Studies
- Learning through a Play Based Curriculum
- Factors Affecting Literacy Development
Students undertaking Erasmus+ or International Study Abroad will take the following in semester 1:
- Leadership in Learning and Teaching
- Children with Special and Additional Needs
- Education Research
- Aspects of Language and Learning
- Aspects of Mathematics & Numeracy
plus
- a European Outreach or International Mobility module in Semester 2.
Year 4
- Professional Studies and Placement 4
- Dissertation
plus one module from the following:
- Children’s Literature
- The Arts: A Practical Approach
- Contemporary Approaches to the Teaching of Primary Languages
- Playful Approaches to Science across Foundation and Key Stage 1
- Local Studies
- Fundamental Movement Skills
and one module from the following:
- Contemporary issues in Pastoral Care
- Working with Parents
- Working with Disadvantaged Pupils
- Autistic Spectrum Disorders and Sensory Processing Difficulties
- Leadership in Diversity and Mutual Understanding
- Factors affecting Literacy Development
- Writing, Popular Culture and the Child
- Playful Learning and Teaching in Practice
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification.
A level
AAB
BTEC Extended Diploma
D*D*D – Not all BTEC Extended Diplomas are considered, please check with Academic Registry.
Access Course
Successful completion of Access course with an average of 70% in level 3 modules.
Irish leaving certificate
H2H3H3H3H3H3 to include English and Mathematics.
THE ADMISSIONS PROCESS
The BEd Primary degree at Stranmillis University College is very popular and each year the number of applicants greatly outweighs the number of places available. Academic Registry receives all applications for the BEd Primary degree 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, Mathematics and Science. 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. BTEC/OCN Level 2 Science is acceptable in lieu of GCSE Science.
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.
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 scores and verification of qualifications. We aim to have all BEd Primary 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 on the BEd Primary degree, applications for deferred entry will not be considered.
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 and education-related fields, many use their transferable skills to develop careers in a wide range of other sectors including:
Schools
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 are also required to purchase Stranmillis branded sports kit at an approximate cost of £35 for Curriculum Studies PE module.
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 Financial Support
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 competence. 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.
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.
Programme Specification
Click here for full programme specification.