Discover the teacher you want to be with our Primary Education degree. Every St Mary’s trainee brings their own stories and talents – what will yours be?
We’ve been training teachers for 175 years. Today, we offer one of the most comprehensive Primary Education degrees in the UK. Our method is simple: we’re expert-led, hands-on, and all about supporting your unique journey. With SMU, you’ll build the skills, resilience, and knowledge to become a future leader in education.
Why St Mary’s?
The complete primary teacher
At our university, we go beyond the ordinary. We proudly offer one of the most comprehensive, research-led Primary Education courses. By tackling all 13 primary subjects, you’ll gain the confidence and competence to make a difference across the curriculum – all while developing your specialisms.
We include training on SEND, inclusivity and diversity in every module. In your second year, you can dive deeper – taking on an enhanced placement in a SEND school, where you’ll make a real impact and build your expertise.
Alongside our exciting curriculum, you’ll learn in rooms that mirror real primary classrooms. Every session is interactive, hands-on, and filled with chances to reflect on the latest teaching methods and resources.
As a result, you’ll become the complete primary teacher: well-rounded, specialist, unique.
High-quality, celebrated teacher training
We’re experts informed by contemporary research – and it shows. We’ve been Ofsted outstanding since 2011 and we’re the UK’s Number 1 education course (Daily Mail University Guide).
Not only that, we’re committed to your journey. We’ll get to know what makes you “you” and offer one-to-one support whenever you need. That’s why we’re also 1st in London for Academic Support (NSS, 2024).
"The staff were incredibly dedicated, often going above and beyond to provide feedback and guidance, especially when assignments felt challenging. They made sure I understood the theory and how it linked to classroom practice." – Alanagh, recent graduate
School placements: build practical experience right from the start
"From the start of my course, I had the chance to work in a variety of school settings, gaining hands-on experience that allowed me to grow in confidence and refine my teaching skills." – Alanagh, recent graduate
We’ll find you a range of school placements throughout your BA Primary Education with QTS. We’ll organise these with our partner schools and ensure you’re supported with detailed training plans, classroom mentors, and link tutors. Each year, placements become longer to help you take on the role of teacher.
"I went from having no classroom experience to taking classes for most of the week and feeling fully equipped. The course is designed perfectly to gently progress your academic and practical experience at a comfortable rate." – Connor, recent graduate
Course content
Modules
Course content is carefully designed to meet the requirements of the Initial Teacher Training Core Content Framework (ITTCCF) and is underpinned by research-informed practice.
Most of our modules are core. The optional modules listed will be available to students from 2023/24.
Please note: it is possible that a module listed on the website will not be able to run due to reasons beyond our control. For more information please refer to our course information disclaimer.
How the degree is taught
Teaching methods
You'll be taught on our beautiful and historic campus located in Twickenham, London.
Please note: contact time includes 14% of guided learning, and 22% of placement.
Teaching takes place in purpose-built classrooms that mirror those found in primary schools. Tutors model good practice in the use of technology and use lectures, seminars, and workshops to stimulate and encourage you to become reflective practitioners.
Class sizes are usually around 25 students.
Assessment methods
You will be assessed through essays, rationales, portfolios, lesson plans, presentations, resource innovation and a research project. School experience is assessed against the government’s Teachers’ Standards for the award of Qualified Teacher Status.
Feedback
We adhere to the university’s policy of providing feedback on assessments within 15 working days.
Entry requirements
112
UCAS points
We are committed to recruiting trainee teachers who have the 'ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and wellbeing of children and young people.' The interview process will cover the suitability of applicants to work with children and young people.
We understand that sometimes barriers you can't control get in the way of academic achievement. You are more than just your grades. We'll consider your application as a whole, taking into account things like:
- subjects studied at Level 3
- your GCSEs (or equivalent) profile
- non-academic achievements you mention in your personal statement
- your references and motivation.
GCSE
Grade 4/C in GCSE English, mathematics and science (or equivalent) are required.
We offer GCSE equivalency tests for those who need to improve their GCSE grades.
International requirements
International students should check our country-specific pages for equivalents. If English is not your first language you will need to achieve an IELTS score of 6 overall with no less than 5.5 in any section (or equivalent).
Interview
You need to attend and pass an interview. This is a government requirement for a QTS course. As a default, the interview will be held in person on campus.
If you are an international student or cannot travel to campus, this can be discussed with the Admissions and Recruitment team.
Fitness to teach and DBS check
Successful completion of a physical and mental fitness to teach and a satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check with barred lists, which shows the same as an enhanced check plus whether the applicant is on the list of people barred from doing the role are required.
Fundamental skills in English and numeracy
Teacher training providers are responsible for assuring trainee teachers have met an appropriate level of skills in numeracy and English.
At St Mary's University you must demonstrate you are competent in English and mathematics by the end of your teacher training programme. This is part of the recommendation for QTS. We will ensure that you have opportunities to develop and consolidate these skills during the programme.
BA Primary Education with QTS (with a Foundation Year)
We offer this programme with a foundation year, providing you with an alternative route onto this degree if you don’t have the grades to join the BA course. For this course, you will need between 48 – 72 UCAS points. On successful completion of the foundation year and an interview, you are able to progress onto the full undergraduate degree.
Equality Act 2010
St Mary's is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and nurturing an inclusive and diverse student population. As such, we welcome applications from all those interested in pursuing an academic programme of study. Throughout the application process and while a student is enrolled at St Mary's, we will ensure that individuals will not be discriminated against based on any of the characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010.
UCAS Personal statement support
Create your UCAS personal statement through our online builder and we'll email you a copy of your completed version at the end.
Further Information
For more information about entry requirements please email apply@stmarys.ac.uk.
How many UCAS points my grades are worth
A levels
A*
56 pts
A
48 pts
B
40 pts
C
32 pts
D
24 pts
E
16 pts
My qualification isn't listed:
If you can't find your qualification in this list please check the full list of UCAS tariff tables.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees
Home
£9,250
International
£17,100
*Please note: these fees are annual and may increase in line with inflation each year subject to the Government's review of Higher Education Funding.
Information about tuition fees, student loans, and funding your studies can be found within our fees and funding section.
Additional costs
Your tuition fees will cover the cost of all mandatory elements of your programme.
Whilst on school placement, you can claim help with your travelling expenses from the university.
You pay the first £3.10 of additional travel costs each day (i.e on top of what it normally costs you to travel to University) and you must take the cheapest mode of transport. The amount of £3.10 is set by the University and reviewed annually.
In Year 1 there are few additional costs. You are encouraged to buy a textbook in Maths (£9) and a display board for English and professional studies assignments (£5-10).
In Year 2 and 3 electives, we take you out on some trips to museums and galleries in London, and out into local schools. You are only expected to pay your travel costs on these trips, which would be unlikely to exceed £50 per year. Art and design and technology students are asked to buy sketchbooks (£5-10) and some students buy display boards and provide some additional materials for presentations.
Scholarships
Find out more about our range of scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students .
Living costs
A guide to your living costs has been created by our Student Funding Team.
Accommodation costs vary depending on whether you opt for an en suite room and on-site catering. Take a look at our accommodation options and the prices you can expect to pay.
Career opportunities
St Mary’s graduates are very successful in securing teaching appointments at the end of their studies. Many take up employment in one of our partnership schools and go on to inspire and mentor students who follow them through St Mary’s.
Some students return to study one of our master's degrees in education.
The Careers Service (careers@stmarys.ac.uk) has more information on careers and postgraduate study options available to Primary Education students who have started their studies at St Mary’s.
More from St Mary's
Thinking about whether St Mary's is the right place for you? Come and visit it us on campus.
Find out more about the extensive support system available to you at St Mary’s.
Discover the many areas in which our academies are currently researching.
Discover what life is like on our London campus.