Primary and Early Years Education (3-11) with QTS
Primary and early years education is one of the most fundamental and socially important areas of teaching, concerned with how children aged three to eleven learn, develop, and begin to make sense of the world. Teaching at this stage requires an unusually broad range of subject knowledge across the full National Curriculum, combined with a deep understanding of child development, pedagogy, classroom management, and the particular responsibilities of working with young children and their families.
At the University of Cumbria, this three-year full-time programme leads to Qualified Teacher Status and is designed for those who are passionate about shaping the development and education journey of children aged three to eleven. You will develop the subject knowledge and pedagogical skills needed to teach effectively across all National Curriculum subjects at this age range, blending academic theory with substantial practical training and school experience. The programme is structured to ensure that you graduate not only with the academic qualification but with the professional capability and confidence to step immediately into a teaching role.
QTS means you can pursue teaching positions in state-funded schools from the moment you graduate.
Graduates from primary and early years education programmes with QTS are qualified to teach in maintained primary schools across England, and the qualification is widely recognised elsewhere in the UK and in many international contexts. Career pathways include class teaching across the primary phase, roles as early years specialists, special educational needs teaching, literacy and numeracy coordination, and progression into school leadership and management. Teaching is a profession that offers significant job security, genuine social impact, and a wide range of professional development opportunities.
Postgraduate qualifications, including master's level study in education, SEND, or educational leadership, are available for those who wish to develop further expertise.