Education Studies - Primary

If you’re passionate about children’s learning and considering a career as a primary school teacher or within education, this practice-focused diploma will help you take the next step.

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification. You do not need to be volunteering or employed in a primary school to study this qualification. However, if you're not working in a school regularly, you are advised to negotiate opportunities to spend some time in a formal educational setting for children aged 3-12, which can be on a voluntary basis, in order to observe teaching and learning and gain experience in a practice environment. We suggest that you try to spend between five and 10 days in school when studying Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103) and Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209). If you cannot spend time in practice settings, qualification materials provide examples of children’s learning across a range of phases and contexts. For the optional module Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229), you will have to arrange access to a young child for a short observation. Refer to the module description for more information. It is your responsibility – not the OU’s – to ensure that you obtain the necessary Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent for the setting and country in which you’re working or volunteering. You should contact the relevant agency in your country for more information if you are in any doubt about your eligibility or to find out more.