Diploma of Higher Education in Education Studies (Primary)

The qualification provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, practical and professional skills in the following areas:

Knowledge and understanding

On completion of this degree, you will have knowledge and understanding of:

• The main factors, principles, issues, theories and research that influence and relate to children’s development and learning, and how these underpin and inform education policy and practices for primary-aged children
• Curricula for primary-age children and related approaches to assessment that support progression in learning
• The main ways in which ethnicity, religion, class, gender, and sexual orientation can impact children’s learning and development, and the importance of creating inclusive learning environments
• The needs of all pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs, disabilities, those of high ability and those learning an additional language, and knowledge of provision to engage and support them
• The importance of subject knowledge in supporting children’s learning in the core subjects of literacy and language, mathematics and numeracy, science and ICT, and some of the key principles, concepts and approaches relating to children’s learning in these curriculum areas
• The main political, legal, ethical and rights frameworks that guide practice with children and support their health, safety, well-being and achievement
• The roles and responsibilities of stakeholders within educational settings, and the central importance of engaging with children’s voices and perspectives.

Cognitive skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Critically analyse and evaluate concepts, theories, policy and practice relating to child development and children’s learning
• Recognise a range of theories and concepts applied in practical teaching and learning contexts, and reflect on the nature of the relationship between educational theory, policy and practice
• Consider different perspectives on educational issues and consider evidence to develop and present arguments and proposals for practice
• Identify and reflect on their own attitudes, experiences and perspectives and those of others, and consider the implications for practice.

Practical and/or professional skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Work independently and collaboratively as part of a team, carry out roles allocated by the team and value the contributions of others
• Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of how to design, implement, monitor, assess and evaluate activities for children’s learning and development
• Demonstrate knowledge and awareness of some of the skills needed for teaching and learning, including the promotion of mutually respectful relationships with children, families, colleagues, other professionals and the wider community
• Demonstrate sensitivity and awareness of some of the contextual factors that influence children’s learning and behaviour
• Demonstrate personal and professional conduct based on mutual respect and with regard to appropriate ethical considerations, and develop knowledge of professional standards relevant to their context
• Plan and manage time and tasks, work to deadlines, and articulate their own approaches to learning
• Identify strengths and areas for development, and seek and learn from feedback.

Key skills

On completion of this diploma, you will be able to:

• Read independently and purposefully to identify and critically evaluate relevant information from a range of sources
• Communicate and write accurately and clearly, using the conventions of academic writing for a range of purposes
• Articulate the knowledge, skills and understanding that underpin effective practice in the education of primary-aged children
• Retrieve, organise and synthesise arguments, opinions and qualitative and quantitative data, and present findings and conclusions in a variety of formats
• Use a range of digital technologies for study, participate in online discussions and recognise the role of ICT in supporting practice and continuing professional development
• Engage in enquiry and research in the area of primary education including the importance of ethical considerations.

This qualification has two stages, each comprising 120 credits.

• In Stage 1, you'll study two modules that will provide you with a broad introduction to primary education, childhood studies and child psychology.
• Then, in Stage 2, you’ll study a module that further develops your subject knowledge of the primary curriculum. You'll follow this with one module from a choice of options.

Stage 1 (120 credits)

You'll study both of the following:

• Learning and teaching in the primary years (E103)
• Introduction to childhood studies and child psychology (E104)

Stage 2 (120 credits)

You'll study the following:

• Developing subject knowledge for the primary years (E209)

You’ll also choose one from:

• Exploring childhood and youth (E232)
• Psychology of childhood and youth (E219)
• Making a difference: working with children and young people (KE206)
• Listening to young children: critical reflections (E229)

Assessment

Our assessments are all designed to reinforce your learning and help you show your understanding of the topics. The mix of assessment methods will vary between modules.

Computer-Marked Assignments

• Usually, a series of online, multiple-choice questions.

Tutor-Marked Assignments

• You’ll have a number of these throughout each module, each with a submission deadline.
• They can be made up of essays, questions, experiments or something else to test your understanding of what you have learned.
• Your tutor will mark and return them to you with detailed feedback.

End-of-Module Assessments

• The final, marked piece of work on most modules.
• Modules with an end-of-module assessment won’t usually have an exam.

Exams

• Some modules end with an exam. You’ll be given time to revise and prepare.
• You’ll be given your exam date at least 5 months in advance.
• Most exams take place remotely, and you will complete them at home or an alternative location.
• If a module requires you to take a face-to-face exam, this will be made clear in the module description, and you will be required to take your exam in person at one of our exam centres.

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, and 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.

• Primary Teacher
• Museum Education Officer
• Teaching or Learning Assistant
• Play Therapist
• Play Worker
• Children’s Centre Manager
• Special Needs Coordinator, or Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (Wales)
• Learning Mentor
• Educational Psychologist
• Speech and Language Therapist
• Child Protection Officer
• Education Administrator

With our unique approach to distance learning, you can study from home, work or on the move.

You’ll have some assessment deadlines to meet, but otherwise, you’ll be free to study at the times that suit you, fitting your learning around work, family, and social life.

For each of your modules, you’ll use either just online resources or a mix of online and printed materials.

Each module you study will have a module website with

• A week-by-week study planner, giving you a step-by-step guide through your studies
• Course materials such as reading, videos, recordings, and self-assessed activities
• Module forums for discussions and collaborative activities with other students
• Details of each assignment and their due dates
• A tutorial booking system, online tutorial rooms, and your tutor’s contact details
• Online versions of some printed module materials and resources.