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Education Studies with a Foundation Year - 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 Foundation
  • Study mode Full Time
  • Location City South
  • 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. 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.

Why choose a foundation year course?

The BA (Hons) Education Studies with a Foundation Year course has been specifically designed to support your transition to degree-level study in Education. As a student, you will undertake a foundation year situated at level 3 study, which has been designed as a prelude to your chosen degree course, providing opportunities for you to develop your knowledge, skills and understanding.

Your learning journey through your foundation year will provide a secure platform on which you can build throughout your academic career in higher education. As part of the foundation year, you will explore and develop number of essential academic, interpersonal and professional skills that will help you succeed in your future degree level studies.

On successful completion of your foundation year, you are guaranteed to progress on to the first year of the BA (Hons) Education Studies degree. If you are interested in progressing on to one of our other Education and Social Work degrees, this will be subject to space available on those courses and on meeting the relevant entry requirements, which may include passing an interview.

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

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.

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 

    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

    Book your place

    Entry Requirements

    These entry requirements apply for entry in 2025/26.

    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

    80 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.

    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 2025

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
    • £9,250 in 2025/26
    • 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 2025

    • Mode
    • Duration
    • Fees
    • Full Time
    • 1 year foundation followed by 3 year degree
    • £17,690 in 2025/26

    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 100 credits).

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

    Year Two

    In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).

    In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

    Year Three

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

    In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules.

    Download course specification

    Download now

    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