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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.

  • School School of Education and Social Work
  • Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

This course is:

Open to International Students

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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.

This course is open to International students.

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:

  1. a commitment to recognising education as a positive power for social justice, equity, and inclusion
  2. the role of education in an increasingly globalised world
  3. the role of technology in education and considering how changes and developments in technology drive changes to education
  4. 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 full

Why 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.

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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

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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

Please select your student status to view fees and apply
  • UK Student
  • International Student

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

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

Access to computer equipment

You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.

Printing

You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.

Field trips

All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.

Access to Microsoft Office 365

Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.

Key Software

You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.

Key subscriptions

Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.

DBS check

You will require a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this course. Your first DBS check is included in your fees.

Placement expenses (mandatory)

Placements are a compulsory element of many health and teacher training courses. You'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.

Excess printing (optional)

Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.

Books (optional)

All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy.

Field trips (optional)

This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost.

Subscriptions (optional)

You may wish to purchase subscriptions to additional journals and websites.

Accommodation and living costs

The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Guidance for UK students

UCAS

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
 Login to UCAS
 Complete your details
 Select your course
 Write a personal statement
 Get a reference
 Pay your application fee
 Send UCAS your application

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.

More guidance

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).

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:

Year Two

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:

Year Three

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits):

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:

Download course specification

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Year 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.

More about our placement opportunities

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:

Facilities & Staff

University House

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 Liz

Dr 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