Guía sobre las asignaturas del Grado en Educación Primaria

An overview of the degree programme’s curriculum

Before analysing the modules year by year, it is essential to understand how the degree programme is organised. Its structure is not random; it is designed to shape your professional profile in line with the guidelines of the current education system, as set out in the LOMLOE (Organic Law 3/2020). This law defines the curriculum taught in the classroom, and the degree programme organises its modules into three broad areas of knowledge to ensure that, as a future teacher , you acquire all the necessary skills for the role. Successfully completing this programme is, of course, an essential requirement for practising as a primary school teacher.

The three types of modules: core, compulsory and optional

To give you a clear overview from the outset, the following comparative table summarises the role of each type of module in your curriculum.

First year: the foundations of modern pedagogy

The first year is your introduction to the course. Its aim is to help you build a solid foundation upon which all your future knowledge will be based. Here you will discover what ‘teaching’ really means and begin to view the core subjects through the eyes of a future teacher.

The foundations of pedagogical knowledge: Psychology, Didactics and Innovation

In this block of core modules, you’ll delve into the ‘why’ behind education. You’ll study subjects such as Developmental Psychology to understand how children develop cognitively and emotionally, or Theory of Education to analyse the major pedagogical models throughout history. You’ll also explore the Sociology of Education and the principles of inclusive education, a fundamental pillar for ensuring that no pupil is left behind. The aim is for you to develop a critical and well-founded perspective on teaching.

The fundamentals of the core subjects: Language, Maths and Science

You probably think you’ve already mastered these subjects, but the approach here is radically different. It’s not about learning to add, but about understanding the mental processes a child goes through to learn how to do so. You will analyse language teaching methods, the most common difficulties in learning to read and write, the fundamentals of logical-mathematical thinking, and the keys to sparking scientific curiosity in young children.

Second year: Learning to teach and first experience in the classroom

With the foundations already in place, the second year takes things a step further: it is time to start building the rest. The focus shifts from ‘what’ to ‘how’, and you will have your first real-world experience in a school.

Subject-specific teaching methods: Strategies for teaching core subjects

This is the heart of the primary teacher training programme. In this year, you will delve deeper into the specific teaching methodologies for the main subject areas: Mathematics, Language and Literature, Social Sciences and Natural Sciences. You will learn to:

• Design engaging and coherent teaching units.
• Create resources and materials tailored to different levels.
• Develop assessment strategies that go beyond simple examinations.
• Manage diversity in the classroom and cater for different learning needs .

External Teaching Practice I

One of the most eagerly awaited moments is here: your first teaching placement at a school. During this initial experience, your role will mainly involve observation and supporting your mentor. You will familiarise yourself with the day-to-day running of the school, take part in classroom activities and begin to link the theory you have studied with the complex and exciting reality of a primary school classroom.

Third year: in-depth study and the start of specialisation

In the third year, the degree programme asks you to expand your toolkit as a teacher and to start shaping your profile around your interests. The training becomes more specific and the placements take on a new dimension.

New teaching tools: English, Music and Social Sciences

A modern teacher must be versatile. Therefore, this year introduces subjects that will equip you with skills in key areas for children’s holistic development. You will learn how to teach a foreign language (English), which is essential in a globalised world. You will explore the power of musical and visual expression as vehicles for creativity and emotion. Furthermore, you will study the teaching of social sciences in depth, learning to teach Geography and History in a meaningful way. In this context, you will understand the impact of ICT on education and familiarising yourself with AI tools for teachers becomes an indispensable complement.

The role of optional modules and external placements II

Now is the time to start personalising your degree. Through the elective modules, you’ll be able to explore areas that interest you. These choices are the first step towards the specialisation you’ll complete in your fourth year. At the same time, you’ll undertake External Placements II, where you’ll be more actively involved: you’ll start to design and lead certain activities under the supervision of your tutor, putting your own ideas and strategies to the test.

Fourth year: specialisation, advanced practical training and final-year project

The final year is the culmination of all your learning. It is time to demonstrate that you have integrated all the skills and to take the final step towards becoming an independent and reflective professional.

External Placements III and Final Year Project

External Placements III, often referred to as the Practicum, represent your full immersion in the profession. For several months, you will be a full member of the school’s teaching team, taking on increasing responsibilities in planning and teaching.

At the same time, you will undertake your Final-Year Project (FYP). This project serves as your professional calling card. It may consist of research into an educational topic you are passionate about or the design of a proposal for pedagogical innovation to be implemented in the classroom.

Elective modules and specialisations

As mentioned, optional modules allow you to specialise. By completing a specific set of these modules, you can obtain a specialisation, which is official recognition of your expertise in a particular area. What is a specialisation and how do you choose one? is a key decision in the final stage of your degree. Some of the most common specialisations are:

• Therapeutic Pedagogy (Special Education): For working with pupils with special educational needs.
• Hearing and Language: To specialise in speech and communication difficulties.
• Foreign Language (English or French): To teach language classes.
• Physical Education.
• Music Education.

UAX’s online methodology: Studying without barriers

We know you have other commitments in your life. That’s why the UAX Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education is delivered via an flexible online approach , designed so that you can set the pace of your own learning without compromising on the highest quality of education.

What is our approach like?

Our approach is based on an intuitive and comprehensive virtual campus, where you’ll have access to all course materials, live and recorded lectures, and a system of personalised tutoring. We encourage active learning through case studies, discussion forums and collaborative projects that will connect you with your fellow students and lecturers, preparing you for the realities of the teaching profession from day one.

Your roadmap to becoming a 21st-century teacher

Working through the modules of the Bachelor’s Degree in Primary Education is about much more than just passing exams. It is a process of personal and professional growth that will equip you with the skills, sensitivity and passion needed to tackle one of the most rewarding and far-reaching challenges: educating the citizens of tomorrow. Every subject, every teaching placement and every assignment is designed to give you the tools you need on this roadmap to becoming a primary school teacher.

Summary

We have broken down the curriculum year by year, explaining the purpose of the core, compulsory and optional modules. You have discovered how you will progress from the theoretical foundations of pedagogy in the first year, through learning subject-specific teaching methods and your first teaching placements in the second and third years, to the culmination of your training with your specialisation, the Practicum and your Final Year Project in the fourth year. Finally, we have highlighted the importance of specialisations in tailoring your professional profile and how UAX’s online methodology makes this journey easier for you.

Sources Used

Curriculum and modules for Primary Education (UAX)

LOMLOE (Organic Law 3/2020) – amending Organic Law 2/2006 of 3 May on Education.