BA Primary Education with Music (QTS)
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UCAS code
X1W3 -
A level offer
BBB -
Year of entry
2026/27 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
-
Year of entry
2026/27 -
Course duration
Full Time: 3 Years
Train as a subject lead in primary music, while developing your own musical skills, with BA Primary Education with Music Specialism (QTS).
This course 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.
Choose Reading
- We have excellent links with our partnership schools, where our students develop their skills as primary music teachers by working with children.
- We have the 16th highest score for graduate prospects in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026 – 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). Your final year will involve research engagement, developing reflective critical thinking and application of theory into your teaching practice.
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. You will engage in professional studies, which include gaining school experience through teaching placements in partnership primary schools.
This is a practical course that encourages you to be a musician in the classroom. In music modules, you will develop your classroom musicianship skills so that you can devise and deliver creative and inclusive music lessons for all children. This includes:
- performing
- improvising
- composing
- conducting
- ensemble directing.
You will develop your theoretical knowledge of music, and research into music education, by investigating music teaching and learning, and reflecting on your own experiences as a student. You will also be encouraged to develop your leadership skills as a musician to help you develop a strong professional identity to help you plan your career as a primary music specialist.
Placement
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 four weeks in a Key Stage 1 (KS1) setting during your first year, seven weeks in a KS2 setting in the second year, and an eight-week placement in a Key Stage of your choice during the final year.
Climate and sustainability education
At the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ we believe that climate and sustainability education is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we have set out our vision that all initial teacher trainees should be able to access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects as part of our National Climate Education Action Plan.
Across all of our ITT programmes at the Institute of Education, you will learn about:
- what is happening to our climate, how to help children learn about climate and sustainability in an age-appropriate and accessible way, and how to develop your own positioning as a teacher
- climate justice, the impact of current and future changes to our environment and climate on ourselves and others and implications for teachers
- how to translate knowledge and theory into change and personal action through building climate and sustainability education into your planning, teaching, and children’s learning.
Visit our Partnering for the Planet to find out more about the Âé¶¹´«Ã½’s world-leading work in climate science.
For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.
Overview
Train as a subject lead in primary music, while developing your own musical skills, with BA Primary Education with Music Specialism (QTS).
This course 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.
Choose Reading
- We have excellent links with our partnership schools, where our students develop their skills as primary music teachers by working with children.
- We have the 16th highest score for graduate prospects in the UK (Complete University Guide 2026 – 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). Your final year will involve research engagement, developing reflective critical thinking and application of theory into your teaching practice.
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. You will engage in professional studies, which include gaining school experience through teaching placements in partnership primary schools.
This is a practical course that encourages you to be a musician in the classroom. In music modules, you will develop your classroom musicianship skills so that you can devise and deliver creative and inclusive music lessons for all children. This includes:
- performing
- improvising
- composing
- conducting
- ensemble directing.
You will develop your theoretical knowledge of music, and research into music education, by investigating music teaching and learning, and reflecting on your own experiences as a student. You will also be encouraged to develop your leadership skills as a musician to help you develop a strong professional identity to help you plan your career as a primary music specialist.
Learning
Placement
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 four weeks in a Key Stage 1 (KS1) setting during your first year, seven weeks in a KS2 setting in the second year, and an eight-week placement in a Key Stage of your choice during the final year.
Climate and sustainability education
At the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ we believe that climate and sustainability education is everyone’s responsibility. This is why we have set out our vision that all initial teacher trainees should be able to access training that empowers them to effectively incorporate climate education within their teaching across all levels and subjects as part of our National Climate Education Action Plan.
Across all of our ITT programmes at the Institute of Education, you will learn about:
- what is happening to our climate, how to help children learn about climate and sustainability in an age-appropriate and accessible way, and how to develop your own positioning as a teacher
- climate justice, the impact of current and future changes to our environment and climate on ourselves and others and implications for teachers
- how to translate knowledge and theory into change and personal action through building climate and sustainability education into your planning, teaching, and children’s learning.
Visit our Partnering for the Planet to find out more about the Âé¶¹´«Ã½’s world-leading work in climate science.
For more information, please visit the Institute of Education website.
Entry requirements A Level BBB
This degree is not included in our firm choice scheme.
Our typical offers are expressed in terms of A level, BTEC and International Baccalaureate requirements. However, we also accept many other qualifications.
Typical offer
BBB including Music or related subject (Music Technology or Performing Arts with a music focus. Practical Music at Grade 8 or equivalent may be considered).
As part of the application process for this programme, you will be required to attend an interview.
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall including 5 in Music or related subject at higher level
Extended Project Qualification
In recognition of the excellent preparation that the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) provides to students for University study, we can now include achievement in the EPQ as part of a formal offer.
GCSE
Grade C (4) or equivalent in English, Maths and a Science
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM (modules taken must be comparable to subject-specific requirement)
Other information
It is an ongoing requirement for all teacher training students to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check to ensure they are able to work with children and/or vulnerable adults. If you are offered a place on the BA (QTS) course and you accept that offer, you will need to undertake this process. There is a charge for the , which is set by the Disclosure Service.
You will be required to undertake a criminal record and occupational health check. You will also need to demonstrate competence in Fundamental English and mathematics by the end of the course. This is a new DfE requirement which replaces the QTS skills tests in literacy and numeracy. Information can be found on the .
Candidates must have a GCSE grade C or equivalent in English, Maths and a science. A face-to-face interview is an essential part of the application process.
You should be grade 6 standard, or above, on your main instrument (or voice) and have at least basic piano skills. We also accept BTEC level 3 in music related subjects.
Where possible, it is recommended that candidates spend at least 5 days before the start of the course gaining relevant experience in a state primary school in the UK to further support their application and prepare them for the course.
Please contact the Admissions Office on +44118 378 2622 should you have any questions.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5
For information on other English language qualifications, please visit our international student pages.
Alternative entry requirements for International and EU students
For country specific entry requirements look at entry requirements by country.
Pre-sessional English language programme
If you need to improve your English language score you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| ED1AC3 | The Arts, Children and Education 1 : Music | DR Rebecca Berkley |
| ED1EC1 | English and Communication in the Primary Curriculum 1 | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
| ED1EFI | The Primary Classroom: Education for Inclusion | PROF Catherine Tissot |
| ED1MP1 | Mathematics in the Primary School | MRS Sarah Marston |
| ED1PS1 | Professional Studies 1 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
| ED1SP1 | Teaching Practical Sessions in Science and Physical Education | MRS Gwenda Lappin |
| ED1SX1 | School Experience 1 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| ED2AC3 | The Arts, Children and Education 2 : Music | DR Rebecca Berkley |
| ED2EC1 | English and Communication in The Primary Curriculum 2 | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
| ED2GCP | Global Citizenship in the Primary Classroom | MRS Emily Yearsley |
| ED2MS1 | Enabling Progress in Mathematics and Science | MR James Davies |
| ED2PF1 | The Foundation Subjects in the Primary Curriculum | MRS Gwenda Lappin |
| ED2PS1 | Professional Studies 2 | MRS Laura Purser |
| ED2SX1 | School Experience 2 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Compulsory modules include:
| Code | Module | Convenor |
|---|---|---|
| ED3AC3 | The Arts, Children And Education 3 : Music | MR Mark Aitchison |
| ED3EM1 | Refining Pedagogy in English and Mathematics | MRS Stephanie Sharp |
| ED3PI1 | Professional Studies and Inclusion | MRS Laura Purser |
| ED3SM1 | Subject Specialism 3 : Music | MR Mark Aitchison |
| ED3SP1 | Formative Assessment In Science And Physical Education | MR Phil Smith-Stevenson |
| ED3SX1 | School Experience 3 | MISS Cara Broadhurst |
These are the modules that we currently offer. They may change for your year of study as we regularly review our module offerings to ensure they’re informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: The home tuition fee for 2026 entry is £9,790. The home tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study.
New international students: £25,850 for 2026/27. The International tuition fee is subject to annual increases in subsequent years of study as set out in your student contract. For more details, please visit our Fees for International Students page.
Tuition fees
To find out more about how the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ sets its tuition fees, see our fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Some courses will require additional payments for field trips and extra resources. You will also need to budget for your accommodation and living costs. See our information on living costs for more details.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Become a Global Sustainability Leaders Scholar
This exciting new undergraduate scholarship scheme is focused on creating a community of global sustainability leaders of the future. We are offering up to 400 scholarships per year, for high-achieving students from the UK and overseas.
Each scholar will receive £6,000 a year for maintenance and living costs, for up to four years of full-time study on their course (subject to terms and conditions).
Âé¶¹´«Ã½ about the Global Sustainability Leaders Scholarship scheme.
Careers
As a graduate of this course you will be able to work as a teacher or teaching assistant in a primary school, or move into nursery education or music tutoring. We will provide you with careers advice throughout the course, and can also give support when preparing for interviews.
Overall, 100% of our graduates are in work and/or study 15 months after the end of their course (based on our analysis of HESA data (c) HESA 2025, Graduate Outcomes Survey 2022/23, based on first degree responders from the Institute of Education). We also have the joint 5th highest score for graduate prospects in the UK (Complete University Guide 2025 – Education).
Build the skills to succeed in your career – and contribute to a sustainable future
At the Âé¶¹´«Ã½, we help you turn your environmental and sustainability values into opportunities that make a difference to your career and the wider world.
Employers are already reshaping their businesses to respond to climate change, and they increasingly value graduates with expertise in environmental stewardship – one of the fastest-growing skill areas (World Economic Forum, Future of Jobs Report 2025).
During your time at Reading, you’ll have access to a wide range of opportunities and support. This will help you graduate with the knowledge and confidence to tackle environmental and sustainability challenges in your career.
In 2025, the Âé¶¹´«Ã½ won the Green Careers Award. Judges highlighted the impact of our Careers service and the positive outcomes our students achieve.
Explore climate and sustainability initiatives you can get involved with as a student at Reading.

