course page main image

Education Studies - BA (Hons) *

Currently viewing course to start in 2024/25 Entry. Switch to 2023/24 Entry

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

  • Level Undergraduate
  • 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:

Overview

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

This course is open to International students.

What's covered in this course?

Studying at our £71 million City South Campus in Edgbaston, 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 go deeper into subjects that are of interest and are important to you.

Our degree uses a wide variety of learning methods, including interactive and engaging lectures, seminars and workshops, plus guest speakers who share their knowledge. This is combined with our experienced course staff who will support and guide you every step of the way.

Throughout the course we arrange visits to and welcome guest speakers from organisations from across Birmingham including, the Thinktank, Historic England, the CBSO and Newman Brother’s (a museum in the Jewellery Quarter). You will also have the opportunity to go on a work placement during year two 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, Graduate+ 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 boundaries and discover your full potential while at university. 

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.

Similar Courses

Open Days

Join us for an on-campus Open Day where you'll be able to meet us in person, hear from our trailblazing academics and explore our innovative £340m facilities.

Next Open Day: 30 September 2023

Book now

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.

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

Essential Requirements

112 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
  • 112 UCAS points 
  • A maximum of 3 subjects are considered. These can be other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
AS and AS VCE
  • 112 UCAS points
  • These can be a combination of AS and other A-levels or level 3 equivalents
Access to HE Diploma
  • Education subjects preferred but other subjects also considered
  • Pass with minimum 18 Merits/Distinctions at Level 3
  • Must include 2 GCSE’s in English and Maths 

British bachelor's degree
  • Minimum 3rd at full honours
  • In a related subject. Non-relevant subjects may be considered
  • Pearson BTEC National Extended Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2002 – 2010)
  • DMM / 112 UCAS points
  • Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (2016 – present)
  • Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF) (2010 – 2016)
  • BTEC Level 3 National Certificate(2002 – 2010)
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with one A-level or an equivalent level 3 qualification 
  • Pearson BTEC National Foundation Diploma (2016 to present)
  • Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) (2010 - 2016)
  • 112 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)
  • 112 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)
  • 112 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)
  • B / 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

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

  • B / 112 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

  • B / 112 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)
  • 112 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
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Obtain a minimum of 28 points overall with English Language or a History subject at HL grade 5
  • 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 112 UCAS tariff points, achieved in five. 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

  • DMM

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma

  • 112 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 (until-2016)
  • 112 UCAS point
  • 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
  • 112 UCAS points
  • Considered with two A-levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Scottish Higher/Advanced Higher

  • Achieve a minimum of 112 tariff points achieved in either three Advanced Highers or from a combination of two Advanced Highers plus two Highers
  • Where three Advanced Highers have been taken achieve a minimum of grades CCD
  • Where a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers have been taken you must achieve (grades of CD in two Advanced Highers plus grades of CC in two Highers)

T-Levels

  • 112 UCAS points (Merit overall)
  • Must be in either Education related subject

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

  • 112 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

  • 112 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)
  • 112 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.

 

International students who cannot meet the direct entry requirements can begin their degree studies at Birmingham City University International College (BCUIC).

Successful candidates will be required to obtain an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance via the Faculty.

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 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

Download now

Course Structure

Year One

At the beginning of your first year you will have an in-depth induction process to introduce you to key members of staff, resources and procedures. We will support you to understand what it means to study at undergraduate level and time will also be dedicated to team building activities. During the rest of your first year, you will be introduced to key education philosophy and theorists, as well as considering a range of perspectives on local and international education.

Throughout the year, you will take part in seminars, lectures and workshops with the course team and guest speakers. You will be offered theory- and practice-led perspectives to analyse and evaluate, and asked to reflect on your own educational experiences and values.

Year Two

The key event in the second year of study will be your placement. You will be supported in identifying a placement with one of our partners that is developmental, stimulating and that offers you preparation for future career paths.

You will also consider inclusivity, diversity and cultures of schooling and, by this point,  will have a confident and in depth understanding of a range of educational issues. You will now begin to plan your final year research project and we will support you to understand research methodologies and the importance of ethical considerations.

Throughout the year, you will take part in seminars, lectures and workshops with the course team and guest speakers. You will be offered theory- and practice-led perspectives to analyse and evaluate, and asked to reflect on your own educational experiences and values.

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 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, you will take part in seminars, lectures and workshops with the course team and guest speakers. You will be offered theory- and practice-led perspectives to analyse and evaluate, and asked to reflect on your 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 practitioner and scholar, including the ability to be flexible, to respond to and initiate change, and manage your work/life balance creatively.

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 placement of at least eight weeks. 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

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

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