BA Primary Education - anyone got any experience they can share please?

[Madmentalbint]

Hello

Just wondered if anybody here has done a BA in Primary Education as a mature student. If so, what is the timetable like? How soon do placements start? Is it possible to have a good study/home balance whilst on the course if you have children?

I realise it will vary to a certain degree from one uni to the next so I'm just trying to get a general idea.

Thank you!

I'm a second year BA Education Studies student. My placements didn't start till year two.

I only have 8 contact hours a week but spend at least another 20 hours of independent study (much more when assignments are due). Plus my placement is one day a week on top of that

Dd is almost 4 and I'm a single mum so it can be hard fitting it all in. You do need to be organised and try not to leave assignments till the last minute.

Like you say the degrees can vary hugely between unis but I hope that gives you some general idea.

Good luck

Thanks for the reply Mia :-)

Doing one day of placement each week sounds great. I think it must be nice (motivating) to have regular contact with children in a classroom setting if you're training to teach.

Will your course give you QTS? I just ask as I'm also considering Education studies but the one I've seen doesn't give you QTS, so has to be followed up with a PGCE. I've heard so many PGCE horror stories it has put me off somewhat! I also don't think it includes a placement of any kind so your course sounds fab.

I am doing a BA in Primary Education part time. The course is 4 years and leads to reccomendation for QTS. I am in uni all day Monday, Thursday evening for 3 hours and placements vary from year to year. I am in 1st year where we do 2 weeks in Jan/Feb and 4 weeks in summer term (every day). Next year I think there is only 2 weeks all year but the placements get longer in 3rd and 4th year. On a normal week it is easy to manage childcare etc but when on placement it is a bit of a nightmare! I am lucky though that DH has room for a little flexibility is his work and my childminder can help me out a bit extra when on placement. I have no family nearby - if I did t would be easier but I do love the course and enjoy the coursework although it can be a little stressful at times.

Thanks Schneebly. I've only just noticed your reply.

Your course sounds ideal - I wish there was something like that available near me. The course I've been looking at is 4 years full time with no option to go part time. It's amazing how much the courses differ from uni to uni. I still can't make up my mind what I want to do - I'm still going around in circles!