BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS (Teacher Degree Apprenticeship)

Gain hands-on experience in primary education while earning Qualified Teacher Status (QTS). This apprenticeship will prepare you for professional recognition and success within a primary school setting.

Primary school students sitting at a table working together

Start date/study mode:

Course codeCID1606

Duration3 years

Course summary

We've designed this apprenticeship course in collaboration with local primary schools. It allows you to gain valuable classroom experience while you study for a degree. You’ll develop a strong understanding of how children learn and combine practical teaching with the theory behind effective education.

This course is ideal if you’re already working in a school or want to build a career in primary education. As a teacher apprentice, you’ll work in a school while you study. There are opportunities available in a rage of settings, including academy and maintained schools.

During the course, you’ll develop the knowledge and skills needed to plan, design, and deliver engaging lessons. You’ll also learn how to adapt your teaching to meet the needs of all students.

We'll encourage you to reflect on your practice throughout the course. This will help you develop as a confident, thoughtful teacher, committed to continuous improvement.

Our experienced lecturers will support you in exploring key teaching and learning theories. With their help, you'll then apply those theories at work in the classroom.

You'll also discover how to design and assess learning in an effective way. You'll build your confidence in teaching across the Early Years Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1, and Key Stage 2 (ages 3-11).

As well as this undergraduate teaching apprenticeship, we offer a postgraduate teaching route – the PGCE Primary Education with QTS (Teacher Apprenticeship).

Why Sunderland for Higher and Degree Apprenticeships

What you'll study

Undergraduate module credits should total 120 credits per academic year. If optional modules are available, choose an amount that totals 120 credits.

How you'll learn

As well as on-the-job training, you'll attend university-taught sessions, on campus and online. This is usually two days a week in blocks during non-assessed weeks, coupled with self-directed study.

You'll learn through a blended approach that includes:

Lectures
Workshops
E-learning
Research
Directed study.

Your teaching practice will take place in the school setting that you currently work in, and one other school setting. Meetings with your Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) and school mentor will help support you and review your progress.

Assessment methods include:

Written assignments
Case studies
Presentations
E-portfolios of practical evidence
Formal, observed teaching observations in the workplace.

Entry requirements

You'll need to be employed for a minimum of 30 hours per week for the duration of the course in a Department for Education (DfE) compliant primary setting. You must be able to secure a school willing to support you to meet the requirements of the apprenticeship and the requirements for teaching practice set by the DfE.

Our typical offer is 104-120 UCAS Tariff points, from a combination of acceptable Level 3 qualifications which may include:

A Levels
T Levels
BTEC Diplomas/Extended Diplomas
Scottish and Irish Highers
Access to HE Diplomas
International Baccalaureate.

If you don't meet the requirements but have at least 80 UCAS Tariff points alongside relevant work experience, you may still apply. You must include a 1,500 word statement in your application outlining how your existing knowledge, skills, and experience demonstrate your eligibility for the course.

You must have a grade C or above in mathematics, science, and English language, or equivalent qualifications. If you've studied for a GCSE which has a numerical grade, you'll need to achieve a grade 4 or above. We'll only accept GCSE equivalencies from equivalencytesting.com(opens in new tab).

If English isn't your first language, you'll also need International English Language Testing System (IELTS) at a score of 6.5, with at least 6.5 in writing, and no section below 6.0.

In addition to academic qualifications, you must:

Have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
Complete a medical pro forma (based on DFEE Circular 8/92).

All shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview. An assessment will also be carried out to determine your existing knowledge and skills.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

You'll only be offered a place on the course if APL is approved for 120 credits at Higher Education (HE) level (Stage 1) for entry into Stage 2. Successful APL may reduce the duration of the course.

Fees and finance support

Larger organisations can use their apprenticeship levy and government top-up to pay tuition and professional fees of higher apprenticeships. For smaller employers, the government pays 95%, with the remainder co-invested by the business.

For a discussion around your specific requirements please call 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Apply now

Start date/study mode:

UK students

Apprenticeship September 2026
Application deadline is 8 June 2026

To apply for a higher or degree apprenticeship, you must have an employer in place to support you on the course. If you're interested in applying and have an employer in place, please email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab) and we'll send you the relevant application link.

To search for apprenticeships offered by employers in your area go to: gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship(opens in new tab).

For a discussion around your specific requirements, or if you're an employer interested in creating a vacancy, please call us on 0191 515 3361(opens in new tab) or email apprenticeships@sunderland.ac.uk(opens in new tab).

Disclaimer

We want to make sure you have clear and accurate information about our courses. Our website always shows the latest updates. If you’ve applied and you're offered a place, we’ll contact you in writing if anything important changes.

For more information, view our programme specifications. These include course content, learning outcomes, and the skills you'll gain.