Education Studies (Primary)

Key features of the course

• Designed for people working with, or interested in the development and education of, children aged between 3 and 12
• Offers a practice-focused qualification suitable for people working, volunteering or seeking to work in schools or in the wider education sector
• Supports theory and evidence-based practice and professional development
• Opportunity to choose from a range of option modules according to your needs or interests
• Prepares you for further study, enquiry and research; and for careers in teaching and other roles within education

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements to study this qualification.

You do not need to be employed in a primary school in order to study this qualification. However, if you're not working in a school on a regular basis you are advised to negotiate opportunities to spend some time in a formal educational setting for children aged 3-12 (this can be in a voluntary capacity) to observe teaching and learning, and gain exposure to a practice context. We suggest that you spend 10 days in school when studying E103 and E209. If you cannot spend time in practice settings, the study materials provide examples of children’s learning across a range of phases and contexts.

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. 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.

Skills for career development

This diploma provides an effective foundation for further study that may lead to a wide choice of career paths, in particular within education. It emphasises independent thinking, develops analytical and communication skills and will help you become a clear and confident writer – all attributes that are highly valued by employers. Specific skills you’ll develop include:

• critically evaluating and effectively communicating information to others
• retrieving, organising, synthesising and questioning arguments, opinions and qualitative and quantitative data
• using a range of digital technologies effectively for study, online collaboration and to support your continuing professional development
• planning and managing time and tasks and working to deadlines
• identifying strengths and areas for development, and seeking and learning from feedback.

Career relevance

A Diploma of Higher Education in Education Studies (Primary) gives you a sound foundation for a range of roles relating to primary education, including helping you prepare to apply for teacher training. It is also relevant to other careers within childcare, health, education, play work and working with families and young people. It will develop your understanding of practices and policies that affect children, and introduce you to many new aspects of the subject. If you’re considering teaching as a career, you’re strongly advised to check with your training provider about their entry policy for initial teacher education (ITE) programmes, as requirements vary between different universities.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience):

 

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