Overview
Choose a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at the University of Stirling, and we’ll equip you with the necessary knowledge and skills to start a career in one of the most rewarding professions.
We’ll prepare you to teach across the whole curriculum and primary age range, and also enable you to develop a specialism in a particular area. You can choose from these subject specialisms:
- Early Years
- Environment
- Inclusive Practice
- Literacy
- Modern Languages
- Numeracy
You’ll be taught by world-leading academics and outstanding teachers who have strong partnerships with local schools. This ensures you can access cutting-edge practice and research throughout your primary teaching degree. Our pioneering approach of studying education with a subject specialism, gives you the time to excel in teaching, critically reflect and grow in confidence.
In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021, our Educational research ranked third highest in Scotland for quality of research outputs with 100% of our research impact and environment in Education classed as world leading or internationally excellent.
Top reasons to study with us
Professional accreditation
We’re accredited by the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS), meaning that on graduation you can apply for provisional registration as a primary teacher.
Entry requirements
Year 1 entry – Four-year honours
For all specialisms except Early Years
SQA Highers
ABBB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
30 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
Early Years specialism
SQA Highers
AAAB
GCE A-levels
BBB
IB Diploma
32 points
BTEC (Level 3)
DDM
The following English and Mathematics entry requirements apply for all specialisms:
- Higher English (C) or GCSE English Language and English Literature (C/4) or Communications 4 and Literature 1
- Mathematics or Application of Mathematics National 5 (C), Intermediate 2 (C), Standard Grade (2), GCSE (C/4) or equivalent.
There are additional requirements for some of our specialisms:
|
Specialism |
Additional requirements |
|
Inclusive Practice |
No additional requirements. |
|
Literacy |
No additional requirements. |
|
Numeracy |
To include SQA Higher (B), A-level (B) or equivalent in Mathematics. |
|
Early Years |
No additional requirements. |
|
Environment |
To include an SQA Higher (B), A-level (B) or equivalent in Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Mathematics or Physics. |
|
Modern Languages |
To include an SQA Higher (B), A-level (B) or equivalent in one of French or Spanish. |
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Widening access students
Widening access students may be eligible for an adjusted offer of entry. To find out if this applies to you go to our widening access pages.
Care-experienced applicants will be guaranteed an offer of a place if they meet the minimum entry requirements.
Other Scottish qualifications
Scottish HNC/HND
Year one minimum entry - Bs in graded units.
Access courses
University of Stirling access course - for mature students only. You must pass the course with 50% or above.
SWAP access course - for mature students only.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Foundation Apprenticeships
Considered to be equivalent to 1 Higher at Grade B
Essential subjects
As listed for Year 1 entry.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
Other qualifications
English, Welsh and Northern Irish HNC/HND
Merits and Distinctions
English, Welsh and Northern Irish access courses
Access to Higher Education - 60 credits, minimum 45 at QCF Level 3, pass at 60% or above.
Email our Admissions Team for advice about other access courses.
Essential subjects
As listed for Year 1 entry.
Essential subjects must have been taken within the last five years to ensure your required subject knowledge is current. Recent work experience can be taken into consideration in place of a formal qualification.
International entry requirements
Advanced entry
Advanced entry is not available for this course.
Additional information
Entry to our teaching degree course is provisional until the end of Year 1, and subject to an interview and a criminal record PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) check.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:
- IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
- Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
- IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.
See our information on English language requirements for more details on the language tests we accept and options to waive these requirements.
Pre-sessional English language courses
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this course, our partner INTO University of Stirling offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for entry to this degree.
Find out more about our pre-sessional English language courses
Course details
You’ll follow a course of eight semesters (four years). This will lead to an Honours degree in Professional Education (Primary). Alternatively, seven semesters (three and a half years) lead either to a General degree or to a Bachelors degree in Professional Education. General degree students may only be able to qualify in one teaching subject.
Year 1
You’ll develop your understanding of Education theory and practice alongside your subject specialism in Semesters 1-2. You’ll also undertake a self-organised placement in a nursery for primary students.
Year 2
In Semesters 3-4, you’ll continue to study Education alongside your subject specialism. Your knowledge and understanding of literacy and numeracy will develop, along with a range of teaching skills, before undertaking a six-week school placement.
Year 3
In Semesters 5-6, you’ll continue to develop your understanding of teaching literacy and numeracy. You will explore contemporary issues in primary education such as languages, science and learning for sustainability. To help you link theory and practice you will take a placement over 11 weeks (three days a week, Mon to Wed) and return to the University for two days to undertake an advanced education module with a focus on differences, identities and inclusion. You’ll also take a module that focuses on pedagogy, policy and practice in relation to your subject specialism.
Year 4
Semester 7 includes a 10-week school placement. In Semester 8, you’ll complete an Enquiry into Practice that’s closely related to your placement, and undertake an independent study of your choice, linked to your chosen specialism.
Modules
Course details
Teaching
Our course is taught through seminars, lectures and workshops. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake school placements to gain practical teaching experience.
Fieldwork
Students who choose to study the Environment subject specialism will undertake fieldwork, participate in field trips and work on campus with Grounds for Learning and local school groups.
Assessment
Assessment is by continuous assessment. School experience placements are supported by school-based teachers and through tutor engagement. There are no examinations in Primary Education.
Work placement opportunities
School work placements are an integral part of this course, culminating in a 10 week school experience where you can further draw on your specialism area.
Study abroad
If you’re taking a Bachelor of Education with specialism in Modern Languages, we’ll encourage you to undertake a non-assessed optional work placement abroad for one year between Semesters 4 and 5 to improve your language skills.
Contact
Course Director
Fees and funding
Fees and costs
| Academic year: | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish students | £1,820 | £1,820 |
| Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | £9,535 |
| International students (including EU) | £17,200 | £18,400 |
Scottish students
This fee is set by the Scottish Government and is subject to change.
Although you’re liable for annual tuition fees, if you are domiciled in Scotland you can apply to the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish Government on your behalf.
You will be charged the annual tuition fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
This tuition fee may be subject to change depending on guidance provided by the UK Government.
You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees, from your relevant funding body. Students from the Republic of Ireland are eligible for a tuition fee loan of up to £9,535 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS).
We also offer additional funding – such as our Honours Year Scholarship – for students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland. See our funding opportunities section below for more information.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy and terms and conditions.
International students (including EU)
Eligible students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. See our range of generous scholarships for international undergraduate students.
You will be charged the annual fee each year when you enrol. Your fees will be held at the same level throughout your course.
If you need to take additional modules or resit modules, you will be liable for an additional fee.
For more information on courses invoiced on an annual fee basis, please read our tuition fee policy.
Additional costs
There are some instances where additional fees may apply. Depending on your chosen course, you may need to pay additional costs, for example for field trips. Learn more about additional fees.
Funding
See what funding opportunities and loans are available to help you with tuition and living costs.
Students from Scotland
Find funding opportunities for Scottish students.
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland
Eligible students will automatically receive our Undergraduate Welcome Scholarship, Undergraduate Merit Scholarship, and our Honours Year Scholarship, which are worth between £1,000 and £9,250.
International students
Eligible international students will automatically receive a scholarship worth between £8,000-£30,000 over the duration of your course. Find funding opportunities for international students.
Cost of living
If you’re domiciled in the UK, you can typically apply to your relevant funding body for help with living costs. This usually takes the form of student loans, grants or bursaries, and the amount awarded depends upon your personal circumstances and household income.
International (including EU) students won’t normally be able to claim living support through SAAS or other UK public funding bodies. You should contact the relevant authority in your country to find out if you’re eligible to receive support.
Payment options
We aim to be as flexible as possible, and offer a wide range of payment methods - including the option to pay fees by instalments. Learn more about how to pay.
After you graduate
The majority of our graduates enter the Scottish Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS), which guarantees you employment for one year as a newly qualified teacher in a Scottish Local Authority school.
Alternatively, you may choose to continue your education with a postgraduate degree or undertake doctoral research, leading to the award of a PhD.
Teacher Induction Scheme
Participation in the Teacher Induction Scheme (TIS) is not compulsory, and some students may choose to follow the alternative Flexible Route – which is less structured and may better suit their personal circumstances.
Students from Scotland, the rest of the UK and the Republic of Ireland who are studying at a Scottish Higher Education Institution are eligible to join the TIS.
Students from other countries are ineligible for the TIS scheme but can follow the Flexible Route to complete probationary service if they plan to teach in Scotland following their studies.
Read the Scottish Government’s detailed guidance regarding students and the Teacher Induction Scheme.
Companies we work with
We work in close partnership with Local Authorities, schools, Education Scotland and GTCS to ensure we support you throughout your studies, so you can become an effective educator. A number of teachers are seconded to us from local schools to provide practical and up-to-date experience and knowledge.
