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Is this a pointless degree?

Im currently torn between 2 degrees, one of them is BA(Hons) Primary Education Studies.
This course doesn't come with a QTS so I would need to do a PGCE afterwards. The reason why I like this course is because the modules are really interesting, plus their Subject Knowledge for Teaching modules can ease me into a PGCE. But im worried that this course may seem useless just because I will have to do a PGCE which will already cover stuff in that degree, so I feel like I might as well choose a different course (my other option BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies) which is more broad & varied in terms of their modules and can lead to various careers too. What do you think?
(edited 7 years ago)
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Pierson
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The Primary Education Studies course is surely broader as it lacks the early years/KS1 specialism?

Ultimately, it depends on how certain you are that you want to teach that age range. If there is a chance you may become more interested in teaching KS2 or even go down a completely different career path altogether then the Primary Education Studies may be the better route. If you are sure EYFS/KS1 is for your age range and you definitely want to teach, the Early Childhood Studies course will get you there faster and cost significantly less.
Original post by Pierson
The Primary Education Studies course is surely broader as it lacks the early years/KS1 specialism?

Ultimately, it depends on how certain you are that you want to teach that age range. If there is a chance you may become more interested in teaching KS2 or even go down a completely different career path altogether then the Primary Education Studies may be the better route. If you are sure EYFS/KS1 is for your age range and you definitely want to teach, the Early Childhood Studies course will get you there faster and cost significantly less.


I've never done work experience with KS2 before so I'm not sure if I would like that age range which is why I like the idea of exploring/trying KS2 work in Primary education studies. (It includes bits of EYFS to KS2).
But I also like the idea of doing Early childhood studies as I get to specialize in them. It doesn't come with EYTS so I would have to do a PGCE for that as well.
Sounds useless to me. It sounds like doing an unqualifying law degree BA instead of the LLB and having to then do the GDL conversion course.
Original post by Abstract_Prism
Sounds useless to me. It sounds like doing an unqualifying law degree BA instead of the LLB and having to then do the GDL conversion course.


So you're saying that I should do early childhood studies instead?
Original post by 1secondsofvamps
So you're saying that I should do early childhood studies instead?

They sound very similar. I'd say just go with the one you'd enjoy more. I doubt there are very many more things you can do with BA Early Childhood Studies that you can't do with BA Primary Education Studies.
As Abstract_Prism said, the BA in Primary Education is a bit pointless in that it's literally an unqualifying degree. However, it's not pointless if it's the one you would prefer out of the two. The most literal pointless thing you could do is take up a degree you don't want to do.

I would suggest the BA in Childhood Studies as, ironically, it's broader. There's not a lot that you won't learn from the PGCE anyway!
Original post by Abstract_Prism
They sound very similar. I'd say just go with the one you'd enjoy more. I doubt there are very many more things you can do with BA Early Childhood Studies that you can't do with BA Primary Education Studies.


Well I know the early childhood studies course has practitioner modules to allow me to gain a level 3 qualification in childcare so i can work in nurseries and preschools if i decide not to go into teaching. The degree itself can allow me to become an early years leader and even a nursery manager. Some people even go into careers like childrens advocacy so I know I have those options.
Original post by ShannyMorrison
As Abstract_Prism said, the BA in Primary Education is a bit pointless in that it's literally an unqualifying degree. However, it's not pointless if it's the one you would prefer out of the two. The most literal pointless thing you could do is take up a degree you don't want to do.

I would suggest the BA in Childhood Studies as, ironically, it's broader. There's not a lot that you won't learn from the PGCE anyway!


Yeah I probably will choose Early Childhood Studies instead then. The only down side about choosing it though is that I will be living at home as its literally only 10-15 mins drive so there's no point me living in their accommodation, because of that im worried about the social side of things e.g. not making as many friends, not going out when I want.
Original post by 1secondsofvamps
im worried about the social side of things e.g. not making as many friends, not going out when I want.


Ah, this makes sense. Just to clarify, I have been in student accommodation for two years now and in all honesty, the greatest friends to party with or even chill with for the day (if they have a curfew) are often the ones who aren't in accommodation. If people think you're fun they won't mind where you stay - honestly. A lot of the socialising is done in class but if you're that nervous, try and make friends on your course with someone who stays in accommodation, you'll meet a lot of people through them probably.

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