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Education courses

If you're thinking of pursuing a career in education with children aged 3–11 or taking the first steps to becoming a primary school teacher, choosing an Open University education course is a smart move. Find out more about our education qualifications below.

Children with teacher in allotment garden

EducationDegrees 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Stage 3120 credits
Total of 360 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 6 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 3 years


EducationDiplomas 

Stage 1120 credits
Stage 2120 credits
Total of 240 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 4 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 2 years


EducationCertificates 

Stage 1120 credits
Total of 120 credits 

How long will it take?

Part time: 16–18 hours per week for 2 years
Full time: 32–36 hours per week for 1 year

Why study Education with The Open University?

You'll gain a sound foundation of further study relevant for a range of roles within education. Our primary education courses are suitable if you're working, volunteering or seeking to work in schools or in the wider education sector.

The benefits of studying an education qualification with us are:

  • You'll collaborate with other students and debate teaching and learning from around the globe.
  • Your learning about primary school education is practice-focused.
  • You can gain entry into a PGCE/PGDE as most HE providers consider the BA (Hons) Education Studies (Primary) suitable.
  • You can fit our flexible study around your work and other commitments.

Careers in Education

Our education qualifications will give you a foundation for a range of roles relating to primary education, including helping you prepare to apply for teacher training. They're also relevant to other careers within childcare, health, education, play work and working with families and young people.

Our courses in education can help you start or progress your career in:

  • Primary teaching and learning support
  • Museum education
  • Play work
  • Children’s centre management
  • Special or additional learning needs coordination

Looking for something other than a qualification?

The majority of our modules can be studied by themselves, on a stand-alone basis. If you later choose to work towards a qualification, you may be able to count your study towards it.

See our full list of Education modules

All Education courses

Browse all the Education courses we offer – certificates, diplomas and degrees.

See our full list of Education courses

Interested in postgraduate study?

We also offer a range of postgraduate Education courses.

See our full list of postgraduate Education courses