Primary Education with Music (QTS)

Overview

At the University of Reading studying Primary Education with Music (QTS) will enable you to get a job as a primary school teacher following graduation. There is a high demand for specialist primary school teachers and many of our graduates go on to become subject leaders. Furthermore, the Institute of Education is one of the top departments in the UK and has strong links with local schools.

Education

You will divide your time between studying modules on professional skills and curriculum subjects, and developing your skills as a musician. The former will introduce you to the core National Curriculum subjects, including Information and Communications Technology (ICT). 

You will develop skills essential to the role of a teacher, including leadership, classroom management, and evaluation and assessment. You can then put these skills into practice through professional placements, which take place throughout the course. Additionally you will study professional legal requirements, and investigate the role of the teacher and how children develop.

In music you will develop your skills as a solo and ensemble performer, including improvising, composing, conducting and ensemble directing. Additionally, you will develop your theoretical knowledge through modules on music history, analysis and research into music education. 

This will provide you with a thorough knowledge of music alongside a grounding in tackling the key issues and challenges that you may face within the classroom. Finally, there is a key component within the Music Specialism for you to develop leadership skills in order to lead music in primary schools.

You will have the opportunity to carry out placements throughout this course. These will take place within local schools that the Institute of Education has active relationships with. Whilst there you will be mentored by a teacher and assigned a University tutor, who will provide you with additional support.

During your first year you will attend a weekly placement, which will familiarise you with the daily routine of the classroom and link in with your professional modules. For example, you may have to complete an observation for an assignment.

You will also complete a block placement during each year of the course. You will spend 4 weeks in a Key Stage 1 (KS1) setting during your first year, 7 weeks in a KS2 setting in the second year, and an 8-week placement in a Key Stage of your choice during the final year.