Education Studies - BA (Hons)
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Education is central to the development of our society, and to study education is to study the way that society develops. Our BA (Hons) Education Studies course covers theoretical and practical aspects of education across the lifespan (from birth to lifelong learning), and from a variety of perspectives.
- Level Undergraduate
- Study mode Full Time
- Location City Centre / City South
- Award BA (Hons)
- Start date September 2024
- Fees View course fees
- School School of Education and Social Work
- Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences
This course is:
Open to International Students
Overview
Education is central to the development of our society, and to study education is to study the way that society develops. Our BA (Hons) Education Studies course covers theoretical and practical aspects of education across the lifespan (from birth to lifelong learning), and from a variety of perspectives.
What's covered in this course?
Throughout the course, you will critically reflect on the aims, values, principles, and policies of the UK education system, as well as educational systems around the world. The course draws from a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, law, history, philosophy, and politics to investigate issues and debates that are relevant to education, and to explore the ways in which these academic fields have contributed to the development of education in the UK and beyond. This multi-disciplinary approach to education is designed to enhance the breadth and depth of your knowledge and equip you to take a variety of different career paths.
At the heart of the course are four key themes:
- a commitment to recognising education as a positive power for social justice, equity, and inclusion
- the role of education in an increasingly globalised world
- the role of technology in education and considering how changes and developments in technology drive changes to education
- a commitment to developing your employability through building a strong portfolio of academic and professional skills.
Through the course you will use your developing knowledge to build and justify your own educational value system and evaluate how education is influenced by international practices. You will also have experiences of working with educational technology and consider how educational practices can adapt to a changing world.
You will also complete a practical placement during the second year of your degree, giving you first-hand experience of working in the world of education and developing important employability skills as you prepare for your next steps beyond graduation.
We are committed to creating a supportive and challenging learning environment in which you can thrive and develop. You will be provided with lots of opportunities to explore and debate ideas.
The course is designed to promote independence so that you become a more confident, autonomous, creative lifelong learner as you go through the course.
We will challenge you to not only develop your own areas of interest within education and feel confident to learn about these in a meaningful way, but will also challenge you to discover your full potential while at university.
Danielle Williams
Nine years ago, Danielle first came to her current place of work on a placement and never looked back. She’s now thriving as a teacher where she’s helping to shape futures and being a role model for current Education Studies students.
Read in fullWhy Choose Us?
- Our teaching is based around a commitment to social justice and examining the role of education in tackling social injustice.
- ‘Cradle to grave’ teaching focus – you will learn about the role of education throughout life, from the first stages of infancy right through to lifelong learning.
- Expert staff team - our experienced, passionate and dedicated staff team will guide you through the course to maximise your learning opportunities and future employability.
- Opens the doors for a wide range of careers in the field of education.
- Flexible placement opportunity to help you build the skills you need for your future career.
Similar Courses
Open Days
Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to learn about this course in detail, chat to students, explore our campus and tour accommodation.
Next Open Day: 19 October 2024
Entry Requirements
These entry requirements apply for entry in 2024/25.
All required qualifications/grades must have been achieved and evidenced at the earliest opportunity after accepting an offer to help confirm admission and allow for on-time enrolment. This can also include other requirements, like a fee status form and relevant documents. Applicants can track their application and outstanding information requests through their BCU mySRS account.
Essential requirements
104 UCAS tariff points
Please note: If you qualify for our BCU Accelerate scheme, you could receive an offer that is two grades below our normal entry requirements. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)
Successful candidates will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS check via the Faculty prior to enrolling on this course. If you have any queries please refer to DBS Frequently Asked Questions or contact admissions@bcu.ac.uk.
If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.
Fees & How to Apply
UK students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £9,250 in 2024/25
- Apply via Clearing
International students
Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.
Award: BA (Hons)
Starting: Sep 2024
- Mode
- Duration
- Fees
- Full Time
- 3 years
- £16,085 in 2024/25
Guidance for UK students
UK students applying for most undergraduate degree courses in the UK will need to apply through UCAS.
The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) is a UK organisation responsible for managing applications to university and college.
Applying through UCAS
Register with UCAS
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Complete your details
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Write a personal statement
Get a reference
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Our advice for applying to a health care course
Applying for a course and preparing for an interview can be a daunting process, so we have created a series of films to help you through the process, including what to put in your personal statement.
Guidance for International students
There are three ways to apply:
1) Direct to the University
You will need to complete our International Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form, and submit them together with scan copies of your original academic transcripts and certificates.
2) Through a country representative
Our in-country representatives can help you make your application and apply for a visa. They can also offer advice on travel, living in the UK and studying abroad.
3) Through UCAS
If you are applying for an undergraduate degree or a Higher National Diploma (HND), you can apply through the UK’s Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
You can request a printed form from your school or nearest British Council office. You will be charged for applying through UCAS. Birmingham City University’s UCAS code is B25 BCITY.
Personal statement
Your personal statement is a highly important part of your application. It gives you a crucial opportunity to say why you’re applying and why the institution should accept you.
Here are the key areas you’ll need to address:
Course choice
Why does this course appeal? What areas are of particular interest?
Career plans
If you have a specific career in mind, say how your chosen course will help you pursue this goal.
Work experience
Mention any work that is relevant to your subject, highlighting the skills and experience gained.
School or college experience
Highlight skills gained at school/college, eg summer schools or mentoring activities.
Non-accredited skills or achievement
eg Duke of Edinburgh Award, Young Enterprise scheme.
You should also mention your future plans – if you’re planning to take a year out, don't forget to give your reasons. Talk about any subjects you’re studying that don’t have a formal assessment and any sponsorships or placements you’ve applied for. And don't be scared to add in details about your social, sports or leisure interests.
Get more information on writing personal statements.
Course in Depth
Year One
In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).
Exploring Learning and Development 20 credits
Introduction to Education Studies 20 credits
Preparing to Study in Higher Education 20 credits
Introduction to the Philosophy of Education 20 credits
Education, Equity and Social Justice 20 credits
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:
Exploring Creativity in Education 20 credits
- How do children learn in the early years?
- What are the curricular expectations for the Early Years Foundation Stage?
- How and why does child-initiated play contribute to children’s learning and development?
- What is the role of the adult in supporting children’s learning?
- How can we create an enabling learning environment?
In this optional module you will explore the early years curriculum and its expectations for children from birth to 5 years. The emphasis is on learning through free play and exploration, and the development of children’s ‘characteristics of effective learning’ which include playing and exploring, active learning and thinking creatively and critically
You will learn to plan for learning across the early years curriculum using a cycle of observation, assessment and planning for children’s next steps. You will be introduced to the online resource ‘Birth to 5 Matters’ and be able to use this key document, as well as key academic texts, to support your own planning and professional development as a confident early years practitioner.
Learning activities on this module will include interactive lectures and workshops, practical learning experiences appropriate to the early years, support with using the online edition of ‘Birth to 5 Matters’ as a planning tool, as well as opportunities to develop the planning and assessment skills that are essential requirements in the workplace. There will be further opportunities to link the learning on the module to your experiences of the workplace if you choose to undertake your placement in an early years setting.
Post-compulsory Learning 20 credits
Year Two
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
This module is designed to encourage you to start thinking about your own professional practice, and your intentions for your career after you graduate. In this module, you will be prepared for your placement experience through the completion of safeguarding training to help you understand your role as an educational professional in supporting the safeguarding of young and vulnerable people, as well how to safeguard yourself whilst on placement. You will evaluate some pertinent examples of safeguarding concerns and consider appropriate responses.
You will also be prepared for your placement through systematic and reflective analysis of your own professional skills. Tutors will support you to identify your strengths and your areas for development and will help you to develop the confidence to create and implement a plan for skill development, using supporting theoretical models. You will be supported by the Careers+ team throughout your learning, and Graduate+ is embedded into this module, allowing you to complete the silver award through engagement with reflective activities focused on your professional development.
In the second half of the module, you will have the opportunity to start to apply your learning in a professional setting through attending your placement one day per week to develop key relationships, familiarise yourself with processes in preparation for a longer placement in semester two. Note: different arrangements will be offered with regards 1 day per week placement for those students who wish to complete their semester 2 block placement overseas with our partner institutions.
This module builds on Professional Practice, Placement and Safeguarding 1 in Semester 1, and the key focus of this module is a placement experience of around 120 hours, organised into a block placement of approx. 5 weeks. You will have begun to develop relationships with your placement setting in semester 1, and these will continue into semester 2, where you will be given specific tasks to complete on placement related to your other modules to guide your placement experience and to allow you to reflect on how educational theory translates to practical placement experience.
You will be encouraged to keep a record of good practice that you witness on placement, including good practice in inclusion, sustainability, technology or safeguarding, and consider how this links with relevant theory, policy, or research. You will also evaluate how examples of good practice can be used to shape your own future practice.
You will develop your professional skills through contributing to the day-to-day work of your placement setting, which will help you to make a positive contribution to the setting and develop your own future career prospects. Throughout the module, you will have contribution from the Careers+ team to support the continued development of your professional skills.
The focus of this core module is to help you develop a deep understanding of the relationship between educational policy and educational practice. Throughout the module, we will investigate how and why educational reform is initiated and implemented considering some of the reasons why we have seen much change to education, particularly since 1988, making links to relevant theories and perspectives.
You will learn about the influence of governmental ideologies on educational changes and will be supported to evaluate some examples of educational policy and how these policies have influenced the educational experiences and outcomes of different groups of learners.
During the module, we will focus on specific policies which have had a significant impact on schools, classrooms, teachers and learners and we will debate the reasons behind the introduction of these changes. We will investigate, and begin to evaluate, the role of key educational stakeholders including government, teachers, learners, parents, employers, HEIs (Higher Education Institution) in developing educational policy.
Throughout this module, you will learn the importance of understanding the context of educational policy, and therefore we will discuss educational policies from international contexts and consider the impact of comparative education on shaping UK education. We will consider how policy decisions can have consequences for equity, equality, and social justice in education, and evaluate how these can be addressed in practice.
By the end of the module, you will have understanding of educational policy reform, its challenges and opportunities, and the skills necessary to engage in policy analysis, advocacy, and evaluation. You will also have a clearer understanding of how your practice as a future educational professional could be shaped by interpretation of educational policy.
This module offers an introduction to inclusion, diversity, and Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) in education. It explores various theoretical frameworks, policies, and practices that may be used to understand how inclusive education may work across diverse settings. It aids understanding of how to organise effective inclusive learning environments and how to personalise learning for different groups of learners with diverse needs. It considers how exclusionary practices may be present in educational settings and how they can be challenged and resisted.
The module will introduce the key concepts of inclusion, diversity and special educational needs and examine their associated definitions and underlying principles and values. It will examine the historical context of how inclusion has evolved in education, with reference to policy, theory and practice exploring how inclusion is viewed and implemented in our education system.
The module will incorporate UK perspectives and policies relating to education, alongside some reference to international policies. It will explore the importance of collaboration between different stakeholders to aid inclusion in education. The module will encourage students to consider how to establish an inclusive educational setting, whilst considering the barriers which may hinder this process.
This module is an introduction to carrying out research projects. As well as developing your understanding of key aspects of research in education, this module will also prepare you for your final research project at Level 6.
The module will support you to engage in a critical analysis of contemporary issues and debates in research, policy and practice related to your field of study. You will identify and design a small-scale study, in readiness for your research project module at Level 6.
The module will take you through the key stages in designing a piece of research, including identifying and justifying a suitable research question, conducting a literature review, deciding on appropriate research methods, and considering ethical considerations in research. By the end of the module, you will be able to carry out an extended research project relevant to your degree subject.
This module will support you to explore the following:
- Why do we need to do research?
- What is my role in research within my chosen field?
- What are the different approaches to conducting research?
- What are the basic concepts relating to research methodology and research design?
- What are the key ethical principles that I need to adhere to when conducting a piece of research?
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:
This optional module gives you an opportunity to investigate alternative forms of education as they differ from mainstream, and traditional educational environments. At times, we will position some of the alternative education provision against mainstream education, and attempt to understand why, in recent years, there has been a rise in the use of alternative education.
Throughout the module, you will investigate and evaluate the role of alternative education providers, from pupil referral units and special schools to support those learners for whom mainstream education is ineffective, to how prison education is organised and delivered.
You will consider some settings that operate with alternative philosophies of education, such as Montessori and Steiner-Waldorf schools, and evaluate these for their affordances and challenges. You will do so by considering how these forms of education can support equity, diversity, social justice, and sustainability, and will investigate established perspectives on these forms of education to form your own value position relating to them.
This module will cover a variety of types of alternative education, and will make links to societal trends and patterns, such as Covid-19, to investigate changes in the purposes and delivery of these types of alternative provision. For example, we will investigate why there has been a rise in home schooling in recent years, and we will evaluate some perspectives on this topic, using first hand examples from case studies to help support our discussions.
We will look at how key theoretical views can influence how alternative education is perceived, and we will draw on practice from around the world to contextualise the delivery in the UK.
Investigating and Developing Curriculum 20 credits
Mental Health and Wellbeing 20 credits
Year Three
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):
This module enables and supports you to conceive, plan, and conduct a small-scale research project that attends and adheres to key ethical principles, in an area relevant to your programme of study. This module encourages you to engage in independent and collaborative critical analysis of contemporary issues and debates in your research focus area, in policy and in practice. You will be provided with an opportunity to clarify your understanding of key research terms, as well as to consider the link between epistemology, methodology and methods, and the impact that your own personal philosophies have upon the design of your study.
You will self-source and examine current examples of relevant research and will design and conduct your own piece of research that explores a relevant and contemporary challenge within your programme area. The module is also designed to support you to critically examine the connections between research, policy, and practice and to consider this connection in relation to the findings of your own study).
The starting point for this module is the acknowledgement of the importance of digital technology in contemporary education, not just in the UK but worldwide. Therefore, this module aims to take you on a journey of understanding how digital education can be used as a force for good within the classroom and beyond.
During the module, you will explore the theories and practicalities of implementing effective digital pedagogy in the classroom. Together, we will tackle key issues including the ethics of using technology, digital poverty and its impact on access, and how digital technologies can be used to drive inclusion in the classroom. All of this will be done while acknowledging the increasing prominence of modern technologies such as virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence and beyond. Throughout this journey, you will learn how to consider all the above in your practice as well as developing your own digital skills in preparation for the modern, digitised workplace.
Finally, you will have an opportunity to try some of these technologies out for yourself, with workshops on VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) facilitated by knowledgeable members of staff. This experience will culminate in an assessment where you will be expected to choose a type of digital technology and demonstrate its usefulness in a classroom setting, paying mind to inclusivity and the theory underpinning the module.
This module will focus on transitions in the context of career development. You will learn about different theories of career and transition, and how they apply to educational professionals. We will examine established concepts of transitions that focus on decision learning, opportunity awareness, transition learning and self-awareness, commonly known as DOTS.
We will also explore critical career approaches that promote a pedagogy that is conscious of the political and ideological aspects of career development and consider the importance of considering such factors when working in educational environments. As a result, we will delve into topics such as identity, gender, and ethnicity to critically examine accepted perspectives and thoughtfully review how work and career intersect with personal, familial, cultural, and structural experiences to help you review your own development thus far, but also consider your next steps.
Reflective practice will be a crucial component of this module; you will be encouraged to reflect on your personal transitions and career development. This includes considering the self and your placement within a broader context of society.
This module will also have input from wider university services to support your next steps after university. Careers+ will deliver sessions to support your employability, and Graduate+ is embedded in this module to allow you to achieve the Gold award.
This module is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of a range of challenges and debates that shape the current educational landscape. Students will explore diverse perspectives regarding complex issues impacting on education in contemporary society.
Throughout the module, students will examine a range of contemporary issues affecting education at local, national, and global levels. The module aims to be responsive to changing educational contexts, so issues covered will vary depending on what trends and debates are currently prominent. However, these may relate to topics such as educational policy reforms, educational systems and structures, equity and social justice in education, diversity and inclusion, technological advancement and integration, educational curricula and assessment practices, student health and wellbeing and the role of education in addressing societal challenges.
Students will be given opportunities to engage in critical discussions of the issues raised and with relevant theoretical concepts, research, and case studies to gain a deep understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of education today. They will also be encouraged to critically appraise the social, cultural, political, and other key factors that shape the experiences of students, educational professionals, parents, and other key stakeholders.
Upon completion of this module, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate and contribute to ongoing discussions and debates in the field of education. They will be better prepared to critically analyse and address the contemporary challenges faced by educational institutions, and to make informed decisions as future educators, policymakers, researchers, or advocates in the field of education.
In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:
This optional module introduces comparative education and global issues related to education, for students interested in learning more about education in an international context. You will consider why it is important to look beyond the nation state in the current context of globalisation and learn more about issues related to comparative education through exploring knowledge about different school systems and studying concepts related to global and comparative education.
Throughout the module, you will learn how to make valid instructive comparisons of educational policies across a range international education systems. You will develop critical understanding of international educational issues, and theories will introduce dominant paradigms of globalisation and international development in relation to education. It will allow you to reflect on different educational issues within an increasingly mobile and globalised context, for example the Global North and the Global South.
Through lectures, seminars, group work, practical tasks, tutorials and self-guided learning, students will learn different about different schools systems to compare and describe significant differences and similarities between different countries school systems, using a range of concepts and sources including relevant research, policy documents, personal experience, and themed discussion, explaining and accounting for educational differences effectively in both written and presentation formats. You will also be encouraged to critically appraise the social, cultural, political, and other key factors that shape the experiences of students, educational professionals, parents, and other key stakeholders.
Education assessment has been a key subject of debate for many years, and this optional module recognises the importance of assessment in influencing, and sometimes determining, educational provision and practice, giving you an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the underlying principles of assessment. Throughout the module, you will investigate and critique different forms of educational assessment, evaluating formative, summative, and assessment for learning for their affordances and limitations, as well as their validity and reliability in different contexts. Using key theory and literature we will investigate how assessment operates in different phases of education, and the different purposes of assessment for different educational stakeholders.
Alongside this, you will learn about some key historical developments in educational assessment and evaluate how assessment may continue to develop into the future because of developments in globalisation and technology. You will come to recognise the relationship between educational standards and assessment, and the role of political ideology in reinforcing this relationship by examining, in detail, specific pieces of policy and/or legislation that have guided educational assessment. In turn, you will use case study examples, and examples from your own educational experiences to examine how policy relating to educational assessment influences the practice of mainstream and alternative educational providers, and potential consequences for the wellbeing of teachers and pupils because of this. Throughout, educational assessment will be evaluated for its role in supporting equity, diversity, and inclusion in education.
This module will explore the theoretical and practical aspects of anti-racist practice within the context of childhood, youth, and community work. The module will examine the impact of systemic racism on young people and communities, and critically evaluate the role of practitioners in promoting social justice and equality.
Students will develop a critical understanding of the complexities of race and racism and will explore strategies for addressing racism in their practice. The module will also focus on the development of inclusive and anti-oppressive practice and will examine the challenges of working with diverse communities.
Download course specification
Download nowYear One
The first year of your degree will support you to understand what it means to study at undergraduate level, and to get to know key members of staff, resources, procedures and your peers. You will be guided through effective study skills and practices, and be encouraged to develop as an independent learner. Throughout the rest of your first year, you will take part in theory- and practice-led seminars, lectures and workshops, which will reflect on your own educational experiences and values.
You will investigate topics such as how people learn, how education can contribute to social justice, and how philosophy influences educational practice. You will also have an opportunity to select a module which aligns with your own interests.
Year Two
Year two focuses on your employability, and there are placement modules which run through both semesters. You will be supported to identify a placement that is developmental, stimulating and that offers you preparation for future career paths. You will learn about topics such as the importance of inclusion for children with SEND, the role that educational policy plays in shaping educational practice, and you will select a module which aligns with your interests. You will also begin to plan your final year research project, and we will support you to understand research methodologies and the importance of ethical research practices.
Year Three
The key aspect of year three is the individual and independent research project. Using your planning and preparation from year two, you will research an area of your choice. Tutorials and on-going support with be provided to support you to produce successful and ethically secure research. We will also explore how developments in digital technologies have influenced education, and will consider some contemporary issues affecting education at the current time.
This year will also focus on your transition from university, into your next steps post-graduation. We will support you to consider your study and career opportunities, and you will hear from a variety of employers to support these discussions.
Examples of classroom activities
Each module uses a variety of teaching and learning approaches including:
- workshops
- conferences
- lectures
- seminars
- guest speakers
- visits to schools and other educational settings
- digital technologies
Employability
Enhancing employment skills
This course enables you to become a reflective and innovative education practitioner and scholar, including the ability to be flexible, to respond to and initiate change, and manage your work/life balance creatively. We embed employability skills into every module across the degree to support your career development throughout the levels.
Education Studies as a subject provides excellent preparation for you to work with learners of all ages within the education sector. Commercial and industrial workplaces are also very interested in people with knowledge about education and training.
You'll have the knowledge and skills to work in educational and training advisory roles in a range of organisations included businesses, local authorities, non-government organisations, charities, museums, art galleries and libraries.
Placements
In the second year of study all students have a block placement, aimed at developing their professional and employability skills. This could be in a wide range of educational settings including museums, volunteer schemes, schools, pupil referral units, adult learning centres, hospitals or with educational advisors.
International
Birmingham City University is a vibrant and multicultural university in the heart of a modern and diverse city. We welcome many international students every year – there are currently students from more than 80 countries among our student community.
The University is conveniently placed, with Birmingham International Airport nearby and first-rate transport connections to London and the rest of the UK.
Our international pages contain a wealth of information for international students who are considering applying to study here, including:
- Details of the entry requirements for our courses
- Some of the good reasons why you should study here
- How to improve your language skills before starting your studies
- Information relevant to applicants from your country
- Where to find financial support for your studies.
Facilities & Staff
Our Facilities
We are constantly investing in our estate and have spent £400 million on new learning facilities.
From January 2025, this course will be based at our City Centre Campus in a newly refurbished building.
Our staff
Liz Titley
Course Leader – BA Education Studies
Liz Titley graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Education Studies from Aberystwyth University and went on to continue with PhD study.
More about LizDr Rebecca Snape
PhD student and Assistant Lecturer in Education
Dr Rebecca Snape started working at BCU in 2015, firstly as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, and then as a Visiting Lecturer. She is now working as a Lecturer in Education Studies.
More about Rebecca