Primary Education- BA (Hons)

The undergraduate programme in Primary Education- BA (Hons)* aims at the creation of a supportive and modern learning environment that promotes the development of pedagogical and professional skills. It seeks to shape educators with critical thinking, creativity and a strong theoretical background, capable of responding to contemporary educational challenges. The graduates acquire the necessary knowledge and skills for effective employment in public and private primary education.

Key benefits of the programme

Development of the ability of systematic educational planning, organizing and implementing curricula of teaching and educational material in primary education 

Focus on developmental needs of the students, the differentiated needs and the context of the school classroom, applying appropriate pedagogical and teaching approaches

Acquirement of both theoretical training and practical skills in the assessment of learning progress, methods and tools of measurement

         Systematic practical training in public and private primary schools at all levels of primary education.

UNIVERSITY

Keele University

DURATION IN YEARS

4 Years (FT)

 

Language

Greek

Study at Keele Greece

Programme Description

The undergraduate programme in Primary Education has been designed so as to offer a supportive and academically enriched learning environment, which contributes to the development of capable, autonomous and reflective teachers of primary education. Its aim is the cultivation of creativity, motivation and a solid pedagogical background, as well as the development of sensitivity towards contemporary educational issues.

The programme provides a wide and balanced range of subject fields, equipping the students with the necessary knowledge and skills for the provision of quality teaching in a variety of learning environments, while at the same time strengthening the formation of a strong professional identity as educators.
Throughout the duration of the studies, a student-centered and research-documented approach is adopted, with emphasis on reflection and critical investigation, preparing the graduates to apply effectively their knowledge in the educational practice and to evolve into reflective professionals.

MODULES PER YEAR

Year 1 (semester 1)

  • Educational Identities and Spaces
    The course examines how the identities of students and teachers are shaped within different social and school contexts, giving emphasis to the role of space, culture and interpersonal relationships in the learning experience. At the same time, it highlights issues of inclusion and active participation in school life.
    • Concept of identity in education
    • Role of the school environment
    • Socio-cultural factors
    • Student–teacher relationships
    • Inclusion and exclusion
    • Intercultural education
    • Participation in learning
  • Developmental Psychology in Primary Education
    The course studies the stages of development of children in their cognitive, emotional and social dimension, connecting basic psychological theories with school practice. The aim is the understanding of the needs of students and the effective support of learning.
    • Cognitive development
    • Emotional development
    • Social development
    • Theories of Piaget, Vygotsky
    • Personality development
    • Learning needs
    • Connection of theory–practice
  • Language and Literacy in Primary Education
    It focuses on the development of oral and written speech, as well as on the cultivation of basic literacy skills. It presents strategies for the enhancement of reading, writing and critical comprehension of speech.
    • Oral speech
    • Written speech
    • Reading and comprehension
    • Production of written speech
    • Critical literacy
    • Teaching approaches
    • Language development
  • Study Skills
    The course develops strategies of effective learning, focusing on time organization, comprehension and self-regulation. The aim is the enhancement of autonomous and active study of the students.
    • Time organization
    • Study techniques
    • Memory strategies
    • Text comprehension
    • Self-regulation
    • Goal setting
    • Active learning

Year 1 (semester 2)

  • Mathematics and Geometry in Primary Education
    It presents basic concepts of arithmetic and geometry and examines ways of teaching that enhance the understanding of mathematical concepts. Emphasis is given to the connection of theory and practical activities.
    • Arithmetic
    • Geometric shapes
    • Problem solving
    • Teaching strategies
    • Understanding of concepts
    • Use of visual aids
    • Classroom activities
  • Understanding of the Learning Process in the Classroom
    Τhe course analyses the way in which students acquire and process knowledge, examining factors such as motivation and the learning environment. At the same time, it proposes practices for effective teaching.
    • Learning theories
    • Learning motivation
    • Role of the environment
    • Learning strategies
    • Differentiation of teaching
    • Assessment of learning
    • Active participation
  • Modern Greek History
    The course examines basic events of modern and contemporary Greek history, analysing political, social and cultural developments. It strengthens historical thinking and the critical approach of sources.
    • Historical periods
    • Political events
    • Social changes
    • Cultural developments
    • Analysis of sources
    • Historical thinking
    • Critical approach

Year 2 (semester 1)

  • Natural Sciences I: Physics
    The course introduces basic concepts of physics, such as energy, motion and forces, connecting theory with simple experiments and experiential activities. Emphasis is given to the teaching approach of natural concepts in primary school.
    • Energy
    • Motion
    • Forces
    • Experimentation
    • Observation
    • Scientific thinking
    • Teaching practices
  • Modern Greek Literature
    The course studies important works and authors of modern Greek literature, analysing themes, narrative techniques and their historical context. The aim is the development of critical reading and interpretation.
    • Literary genres
    • Text analysis
    • Themes
    • Authors
    • Narrative techniques
    • Historical context
    • Critical reading
  • Instructional Design and Innovation
    The course examines the design of lessons and the formation of curricula, with emphasis on innovative teaching approaches. The aim is the connection of theory with educational practice.
    • Lesson design
    • Curricula
    • Innovative practices
    • Teaching methods
    • Educational tools
    • Assessment
    • Connection of theory–practice

Year 2 (semester 2)

  • New Technologies in Primary Education
    The course analyses the use of digital tools and technologies in the learning process, focusing on pedagogical approaches for their integration in teaching.
    • Digital tools
    • Educational platforms
    • Interactive learning
    • Digital literacy
    • Multimedia
    • Internet safety
    • Innovative practices
  • Drama in Education
    The course shows the use of theatre as a pedagogical tool, enhancing creative expression, collaboration and communication of students through experiential activities.
    • Roles and improvisation
    • Creative expression
    • Collaboration
    • Dramatization
    • Communication
    • Development of imagination
    • Experiential learning
  • Natural Sciences II: Biology
    Basic concepts of biology, such as ecosystems and the human body, are presented connecting theory with experiential activities and school teaching.
    • Ecosystems
    • Human body
    • Living organisms
    • Environment
    • Observation
    • Experimentation
    • Teaching approaches
  • Professional Practice in Primary Education I
    The course offers introductory experience in the school environment through observation and participation, aiming at the understanding of the function of the classroom and the role of the teacher.
    • Classroom observation
    • Role of the teacher
    • School organization
    • Interaction of students
    • Participation in activities
    • Reflection
    • First contact with teaching

Year 3 (semester 1)

  • Teaching of Literature
    The course examines methods of teaching literary texts and the development of reading engagement, giving emphasis to the creative and critical approach.
    • Methods of teaching
    • Analysis of texts
    • Reading engagement
    • Creative approach
    • Critical thinking
    • Activities
    • Interpretation
  • Natural Sciences III: Geography
    Through this course, basic geographical concepts and their connection with everyday life are analyzed, giving emphasis to the teaching approach of geography in primary school.
    • Environment
    • Space
    • Maps
    • Human activity
    • Sustainability
    • Connection with everyday life
    • Teaching of geography
  • Inequalities in Education
    The course studies the social and educational inequalities, analyzing factors that affect access and success in education.
    • Social inequalities
    • Gender
    • Social class
    • Cultural background
    • Educational opportunities
    • Inclusion
    • Educational policies
  • Educational and Cognitive Psychology in Primary Education
    The course examines the cognitive processes related to learning and teaching, connecting theory with practical applications in the classroom.
    • Memory
    • Attention
    • Learning
    • Problem solving
    • Cognitive processes
    • Teaching applications
    • Learning difficulties

Year 3 (semester 2)

  • Teaching of Mathematics
    It presents contemporary methods of teaching mathematics, with emphasis on the understanding of concepts and the development of problem-solving skills.
    • Methods of teaching
    • Problem solving
    • Understanding of concepts
    • Learning difficulties
    • Strategies
    • Assessment
    • Activities
  • Diversity and Inclusion in Education
    The course focuses on the management of diversity and on the application of inclusive education practices, aiming at the equal participation of all students.
    • Inclusion
    • Diversity
    • Special educational needs
    • Equality
    • Teaching adaptations
    • Participation
    • Educational practices
  • Strengthening Communication between School, Family and Community
    The courses analyses the importance of cooperation between school, family and community for the support of learning and development of students.
    • School–family cooperation
    • Communication
    • Parents’ participation
    • Community
    • Support of students
    • Interpersonal relationships
    • Networks of cooperation
  • Professional Practice II
    The course includes active participation in teaching and the design of lessons, with application of pedagogical theories in practice.
    • Teaching
    • Design of lessons
    • Application
    • Classroom management
    • Reflection
    • Assessment
    • Professional development

Year 4 (semester 1)

  • Teaching of Modern Greek Language
    The course examines contemporary methods of teaching the language, aiming at the development of communication and language skills of students.
    • Teaching of language
    • Comprehension of speech
    • Production of speech
    • Communication
    • Literacy
    • Teaching methods
    • Assessment
  • Sociology of Education
    The course studies the relationship between education and society, analyzing the role of the school in shaping social structures and the reproduction or reduction of inequalities.
    • Education and society
    • Social structures
    • Inequalities
    • Role of the school
    • Culture
    • Social change
    • Theoretical approaches
  • Educational Leadership and Operation of School Units
    The course examines the administration and organization of school units, with emphasis on the role of leadership in the improvement of the educational process.
    • School administration
    • Leadership
    • Organization
    • Decision making
    • Cooperation
    • Educational policies
    • Resource management

Year 4 (semester 2)

  • Comparative Pedagogy
    Educational systems of different countries are compared through this course, analysing policies, practices and international trends in education.
    • Educational systems
    • International practices
    • Educational policies
    • Comparisons
    • Reforms
    • Global trends
    • Data analysis
  • Teaching of Natural Sciences
    The course focuses on contemporary teaching approaches of natural sciences, giving emphasis to inquiry-based learning and the use of experiments.
    • Inquiry-based learning
    • Experiments
    • Observation
    • Scientific thinking
    • Teaching methods
    • Application in the classroom
    • Assessment
  • Independent Research Project
    The course includes the design and completion of a research project, with application of methodological tools and development of academic skills.
    • Research design
    • Methodology
    • Data collection
    • Analysis
    • Writing
    • Critical thinking
    • Presentation
  • Professional Practice III
    This course constitutes the final phase of practical training, with full undertaking of teaching role and development of professional autonomy.
    • Full teaching
    • Lesson planning
    • Classroom management
    • Autonomy
    • Assessment
    • Professional development
    • Reflection

Career Prospects

Graduates of the programme possess strong qualification to undertake positions of responsibility in the educational system and work as:

Teachers of primary/elementary education in private and public schools [through the ASEP (Supreme Council for Civil Personnel Selection) recruitment process]English Language Teachers in private foreign language centres and public primary and secondary schools.

Teachers in primary/elementary special education with the addition of a postgraduate programme in Special Education

Principals of private and public primary schools

Educational staff at Study Centers, Tutorial Centers 

Postgraduate Studies

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Primary Education programme acquire a strong scientific and pedagogical background that allows them to continue to postgraduate studies in a variety of subject fields such as Pedagogical Science, Educational Psychology, Special Education, Leadership in Education, as well as New Technologies in Education.

Admission Requirements

Supporting Documents

High School Certificate (or other equivalent document) with a grade of 12 or higher

An average grade in the four nationally examined subjects that is equal to or higher than the minimum admission grade. The minimum admission grade is calculated as 80% of the lowest average grade across all examined subjects within the relevant scientific field for the year in which the student sat the exams.

Letters of Recommendation

Copy of Identity Card

Passport photos

Keele Greece Enrolment Application

The evaluation of the supporting documents is complemented by a personal interview with the candidates.

Equivalent Level 4 secondary education qualifications, as well as international baccalaureates granting access to universities in the country of graduation, are also accepted.

For graduates before 2021–2022 or holders of A’ cycle degrees, the criteria of the parent institution apply.

* The programme of study has been submitted to the Hellenic Authority for Higher Education (HAHE) and, subject to approval, is expected to launch in the academic year 2026-2027.