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Education Studies with Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Currently viewing course to start in 2023/24 Entry.

Are you interested in teaching, education systems, care or research? Our BA (Hons) in Education Studies with a Foundation Year will allow you to explore all aspects of education, and subject areas of most interest to you, so that you graduate with plenty of career options in what you love to do....

  • Level Foundation
  • Study mode Full Time
  • Location City South
  • School School of Education and Social Work
  • Faculty Faculty of Health, Education and Life Sciences

Overview

Are you interested in teaching, education systems, care or research? Our BA (Hons) in Education Studies with a Foundation Year will allow you to explore all aspects of education, and subject areas of most interest to you, so that you graduate with plenty of career options in what you love to do.

Please note: entry requirements for degree course

Upon completion of your Foundation Year, if your chosen course is regulated by a professional body such as the Department for Education, you will be required to successfully complete the University’s selection process for the specific programme which will include an interview in order to proceed onto year one of the full degree programme. Entry onto year one of the degree programme will also be subject to a satisfactory DBS and Occupational Health Assessment. 

Tailor your Society, Childhood and Education Degree

When you successfully complete your Foundation Year, you will be able to progress onto a range of Undergraduate courses at the Birmingham City School of Education and Social Work. These include:

  • BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies
  • BA (Hons) Education Studies
  • BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS
  • BSc (Hons) Social Work
  • BSc (Hons) Secondary Science with Biology with QTS
  • BA (Hons) Secondary Physical Education with QTS
  • BA (Hons) Working with Children, Young People and Families

Why choose a foundation year course?

By studying a foundation year in Society, Childhood and Education, your first year will be spent learning a wide range of broad subject areas which then open up opportunities for you to specialise further in your next year –  which would be the first year of a full degree programme. 

You will study very broad subjects in your foundation year, which is designed to prepare you for a range of courses and not just one particular BSc or BA degree. 

So although you are studying a BA or BSc in a specific course – BA Education Studies – the foundation year sets you up for a number of other possible degrees starting the following year. It may be that you don’t end up doing a degree in precisely the same subject as your foundation year.

This flexibility is one of the great things about the foundation year category - Society, Childhood and Education, allowing you to find out more about your interests and talents before focusing on a three year degree. The foundation year also helps us at BCU to make sure we help to match you to the degree that fits you best.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

Studying in our recently extended £71 million City South Campus, you will explore concepts such as education and society, equality, diversity, values and policies of the UK education system, as well as educational systems around the world. You will also have lots of opportunities to delve deeper into subjects that matter and are of interest to you too.

You will learn through interactive and engaging lectures, seminars and workshops with guest speakers often stopping by to share their knowledge, combined with our experienced course staff who will be supporting and guiding you every step of the way.

Throughout the course we arrange visits to and welcome guest speakers from organisations including, The Thinktank, Historic England, CBSO, The Newman Brother’s Museum in the Jewellery Quarter. You will also have the opportunity to carry out work placement during year 2 to enhance your skills and experience.

The placement module is a crucial aspect and allows you to merge theory with practice.  You will be encouraged to experience and consider different educational settings though enhancement activities such as volunteering, Careers Week and presentations from external speakers. 

This course is designed to promote independence so that you become more a confident, autonomous, creative lifelong learner and will challenge you to push the boundaries and discover your full potential.

Why Choose Us?

  • Learn in our £71 million City South Campus
  • Expert staff team 
  • Strong industry relationships
  • Study abroad 
  • Excellent placement opportunities 
  • Unique course 
  • Access to guest speakers 

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Studying with us during the Covid-19 pandemic

The University has put in place measures in response to Covid-19 to allow us to safely deliver our courses. Should the impact of the pandemic continue in future years, any additional or alternative arrangements put in place by the University will be in accordance with the latest government public health advice, health and safety legislation, and the terms and conditions of the student contract.

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to explore our campus and facilities in person. Booking for the next event isn’t open yet. Register your interest below and we’ll email you as soon as booking goes live.

Next Open Day: March 2023

Register your interest

Entry Requirements

These entry requirements apply for entry in 2023/24.

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.

We accept a range of qualifications, the most popular of which are detailed below.

Essential Requirements

80 UCAS tariff points from A/AS Level

Level 2 qualifications
GCSE GCSE English Language or English Literature and GCSE Maths at grade C/4 or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
Irish Leaving Certificate (Ordinary Level) See level 3 entry requirements under Irish Leaving Certificate for full details.
Scottish National 5 English Language or English Literature and Maths at grade C or above. If you do not have these or are not undertaking them, we accept other Level 2 equivalents, or we may ask you to pass BCU's GCSE equivalency tests.
Plus one of the following Level 3 (and above) qualifications
A level and Advanced VCE
  • 80 UCAS points
  • A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
AS and AS VCE
  • 80 UCAS points
  • These can be a combination of AS and other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
Access to HE Diploma
  • Pass with 60 credits overall. At least 45 credits at level 3
  • Education subjects preferred but other subjects also considered
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
  • MMP / 80 UCAS points
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2002 – 2010)
  • 80 UCAS points 
  • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
  • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Award (2002 - 2010)
  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (2016 - present)
  • BTEC Level 3 Certificate (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator) (from September 2014)
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Childcare and Education (Early Years Educator)
  •  C / 80 UCAS points

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for Children’s Care, Learning and Development (Wales and Northern Ireland)

  • C / 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce

  • C / 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Diploma in Early Years Education and Care (Early Years Educator)
  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • NCFE CACHE Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma in Health and Social Care
  • C / 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Children and Young People’s Workforce (QCF)
  • 80 UCAS points, considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in Mathematics at Grade C/4 or above grade 5 in Maths (Standard Level) from the IB Diploma will be accepted
  • For students who do not already hold a GCSE in English Language at Grade C/4 or above Standard Level English Language (not literature) English A - Grade 4 or above or English B - Grade 5 from the IB will be accepted

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers)

  • Pass the Irish Leaving Certificate with a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points, achieved in four Higher level subjects. This must include Maths and English Language taken at either Ordinary level (minimum grade O1-O4 (or A-C/A1-C3)) or Higher level (minimum grade H1-H7 (or A-D/A1-D3 up to and including 2016)

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma

  • MMM / 80 UCAS tariff points

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

  • 80 UCAS tariff points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma (2016 - present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma 
  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate (2016 – present)
  • OCR Level 3 Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-level or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

  • A minimum of 80 tariff points achieved from either five Highers, three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers
  • Where only Highers have been taken a minimum of grades CDDDD is required
  • Where three Advanced Highers have been taken a minimum of grades DDD is required
  • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve grades of DD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of DD in two Highers

T-Levels

  • 80 UCAS points (Merit overall)
  • Must be in an Education related subject

Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate - Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)

  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma – Core (awarded until 2016) ESW/KS Combined component

  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
  • WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (graded A* - E)
  • WJEC Level 3 Applied Diploma (graded D* - P)
  • 80 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)
Other qualifications

If you have a qualification that is not listed in the table please refer to our full entry requirements on UCAS.

Further guidance on tariff points can be found on the UCAS website.

Extra Information for EU/International students
IELTS 6.0 overall with 5.5 minimum in all bands
International Baccalaureate Diploma (or equivalent, including internationally accredited Foundation courses). 24 points overall 
Country-specific entry requirements and qualifications.

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 2023

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
  • £9,250 in 2023/24
  • Apply via UCAS

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 2023

  • Mode
  • Duration
  • Fees
  • Full Time
  • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
  • £13,980 in 2023/24

If you're unable to use the online form for any reason, you can complete our PDF application form and equal opportunities PDF form instead.

Please note, we operate a gathered field for applications to this course, which means that candidates who apply before 26 January will receive a decision on their application by the end of April 2022.

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/EU students

UCAS

UK and EU 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

Non-EU (International) students

There are three ways to apply:

1) Direct to the University

You will need to complete our International Application Form and submit it 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

Foundation Year

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Year One

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Year Two

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Year Three

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 120 credits).

Download course specification

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Course Structure for BA (Hons) Education Studies

We will begin the year with an in-depth induction process. During this time you be introduced to key members of staff, resources and procedures. We will consider what it means to study at undergraduate and time will also be dedicated to team building activities. During the first year you will be introduced to key education philosophy and theorists. Additionally, we will consider a range of perspectives on local and international education. Throughout the year students will take part in seminars, lectures and workshops with the dedicated team and selected guest speakers. Students will be offered theoretical and practice led perspectives to analyse and evaluate. Students will be asked to reflect on their own educational experiences and values.

Birmingham City University has an impressive portfolio of partner organisations and the key event in the second year of study will be your placement. Students will be supported in identifying a placement with one of our partners that is developmental, stimulating and that offers preparation for future career paths.

Students will also consider inclusivity, diversity and cultures of schooling. Students will now have a confident and in depth understanding of a range of educational issues. They will now begin to plan their final year research project. Students will be support to understand research methodologies and the importance of ethical considerations.

Throughout the year students will take part in seminars, lectures and workshops with the dedicated team and selected guest speakers. Students will be offered theoretical and practice led perspectives to analyse and evaluate. Students will be asked to reflect on their own educational experiences and values.

The key aspect of year three is the individual and independent research project. Using their planning and preparation from year two, students will undertake research into an area of their choice. Tutorials and on-going support with be provided to support successful and ethically secure research.

We will also explore how identities are shaped and re-shaped through educational experiences and structures. Additionally we will consider how education is changing and key innovations that impact on educational organisations.

Throughout the year students will take part in seminars, lectures and workshops with the dedicated team and selected guest speakers. Students will be offered theoretical and practice led perspectives to analyse and evaluate. Students will be asked to reflect on their own educational experiences and values.

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 academic and practitioner, including the ability to be flexible, to respond to and initiate change and manage a life/ work balance creatively.

Education Studies will provide an excellent preparation for you to work with learners of all ages within the education sector. The commercial and industrial worlds 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 will take a placement of at least eight weeks. This could be in a wide range of educational settings: 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

Our facilities

Our School of Education and Social Work is based at our City South campus in leafy Edgbaston.

We’ve spent £41million expanding the education facilities at City South. These facilities offer hands-on practical experience, replicating the spaces you will come across in professional practice. Alongside classrooms and lecture theatres, we also have a range of specialist teaching and learning spaces for specific subjects including science, design and technology, drama and physical education.

As well as subject-specific rooms, our facilities include the Primary Innovation Lab, which houses £24,000 worth of LEGO. This room is a special resource for our education students, offering an innovative and creative way to approach subjects across the curriculum – from computing to English, mathematics to art. The lab responds to research that children and young people learn best from practical experience.

Our Social Work students have access to a home environment room and mock hospital wards which offer an opportunity to gain experience of working with service users in different situations.

Computer facilities

The Seacole building has two open-access IT Suites which offer PCs, printers, photocopiers and scanners. There is also an IT Helpdesk for quick and easy help with your computing or internet issues.

Our PCs utilise the latest Intel i5 core technology, all with:

  • Fast (unrestricted) internet connectivity
  • Ability to save files to USB, DVD & CD
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Research and statistical software
  • Storage space which can be accessed from any PC across the University and from home

Our PCs are also designed to support students who may have difficulties with reading and writing, featuring specialised software with zooming/magnification and screen reading capabilities, which may also be customised for individual student needs.

In addition to desktop PCs, we also offer a laptop loan facility, allowing students to borrow a laptop for up to six hours while on campus.

Our staff

Julie Davis

Foundation Year Lecturer

Julie joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2018 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year programme. Prior to joining Birmingham City University, she worked at a number of local FE and HE institutions where she developed and delivered a range of Early Years and Education programmes.

More about Julie

Jessica Lowe

Foundation Year Lecturer

Jessica joined the ADD (Academic Development Department) in 2019 as a Lecturer on the HELS Foundation Year Programme. Her role is to lead and develop modules to support students on their journey on the Foundation Year Programme. Prior to joining BCU, she has worked in a FE and HE institution teaching students on a range of courses in Early Years...

More about Jessica