BEd (Hons) Primary with Music

St Mary's University College, Belfast

Music is offered for subject study as part of the BEd Primary course. Music courses are school-focused and offer a balanced programme that aims to develop teaching skills, practical performance, and knowledge and understanding of musical styles and compositional techniques. Opportunities are provided from the outset for students to apply newly acquired skills in the classroom environment. The use of computers for music sequencing and composition and for the development of multimedia materials is promoted. Opportunities are provided for participation as vocalists and instrumentalists in College events and departmental recitals in association with the College Music Society.

Course Content

This is a four-year honours degree programme leading to registration with the GTCNI and full recognition to teach by the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. In the first three years of the programme, students take courses in the following five strands: Education Studies, Curriculum Studies, Key Skills (Literacy, Numeracy, UICT), Professional Development and School Experience, Subject Study and Subject Application. In the final year of the programme, Subject Study and Subject Application are replaced with the Capstone Module. This is an integrative and culminating module which allows the students to demonstrate the high-level skills and knowledge required to earn the BEd Honours qualification.

Teaching & Learning

We aim to provide a high quality learning environment that embeds intellectual curiosity, innovation and best practice in learning, teaching and student support to enable students to achieve their full academic potential. We do this by providing a range of learning experiences which enable our students to engage with subject and professional experts.

Assessment

The way in which you are assessed will vary according to the Learning Objectives of each module. Some modules are assessed solely through project work or written assignments. Some are assessed through a combination of coursework and end of semester examinations, while assessment of others may include a presentation or submission of a portfolio. School-based work is assessed through observation by College tutors with an input from school staff. Details of how each module is assessed are shown in course handbooks which are provided to all students at the start of the year.