Program Overview

A Pathway in Humanities and Education is designed to develop strong foundations in design, critical thinking, and research.

In the First Year Pathway students complete the ARU first year of the degree, undertaking the same modules, in the same classes as students entering the University directly. Alongside the ARU modules, students entering through the First Year Pathway will have additional support and tuition from ARU College.

First Year

A First Year pathway is available for students who:

• Don’t meet the entry requirements to enter university level study directly (but hold equivalent to AS/A level studies)
• Feel that additional support at the start of university studies will help them stand a better chance of success
• Have been away from studies for a period of time
• Come from a different academic environment to that of the UK

If you fall into any of the above categories, choosing an undergraduate pathway at ARU College is the right decision. Depending on your academic needs here at ARU College we have two pathway entry points available, foundation and first year pathway.

Progressing from First Year

At ARU College we offer a first year or stage 2 level study. Either students will enter this pathway following completion of the foundation, or for students that have completed equivalent of A level study we also have an entry point at first year of a bachelor’s degree.

Upon completion of the first year, or Stage 2, you will seamlessly progress to the second year of your chosen degree with the University, and no longer be registered with ARU College.

BA (Hons) Primary Education Studies

Our education courses take a progressive approach and will teach you transferable skills, relevant across early years, primary teaching and beyond. We’ll help you see the potential in others. Education goes beyond the classroom, and you’ll discover the social issues that impact on children’s and young people’s learning.
Choose a humanities course to learn more about how history has shaped modern times; explore politics, social issues and public services; or tackle the philosophical questions that have captivated humanity for millenia.
At ARU College and ARU, you’ll develop your thinking, while gaining real-life experience through work placements.

Do you dream of educating the next generation? If you’re passionate about helping children to reach their potential, our Primary Education Studies degree is for you.
Based in Cambridge, Chelmsford or Peterborough (two-year accelerated degree) our course will prepare you to join postgraduate Initial Teacher Training.
You needn’t be limited to primary school teaching, though. You might have your sights set on a career in the wider education sector, cultural institutions and NGOs, or related fields such as health and social work. On this degree course you’ll develop your understanding of primary education, and gain the knowledge and skills to work collaboratively in a range of settings.
At ARU, we're proud to be ranked number 1 in the country for Education in the Guardian League Table 2021. Our Primary Education Studies degree also scored over 90% for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2020.
Our Primary Education Studies course is designed for those looking for a career working with children aged 3-12 and their families. It’s also a great option if you already work in education but want to learn more about the subject or progress in your career.
We focus on education history, policy and the way children are taught today. You’ll graduate with a thorough understanding of classroom management, lesson planning, National Curriculum subjects, and the three Key Stages in primary education. We’ll also touch on special educational needs provision.
Throughout the course there’s a strong focus on the core subjects that all primary-aged pupils study: reading, writing, maths and science. You’ll become familiar with teaching approaches and how to make adjustments to suit learners of all abilities.
Of course, anyone working with children and families knows that it’s important to support the ‘whole child’ and so, as well as looking at education and teaching, we’ll explore related areas such as health, welfare, child psychology and children’s rights.
While studying at ARU, you’ll have opportunities to observe teaching in local schools. We offer our Primary Education Studies course as a three-year degree or an accelerated degree, which you’ll complete in two years. When you graduate, you’ll be ideally placed to join a postgraduate teacher training course with one of our partners and return to us to complete your PGCE.