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Education Studies with Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

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

September 2023 — UCAS code X30F

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....

72 points required

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Clearing 2023

There are places available on this course.

  • 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:

Overview

Clearing 2023

72 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.

Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.

Apply now Call the hotline

Call 0121 331 6777

See hotline opening hours

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.

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?

Studying at our City South Campus in Edgbaston with its new £41 million extension, 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. 

Our degree uses a wide variety of learning methods, including interactive and engaging lectures, seminars and workshops with guest speakers often stopping by to share their knowledge. This is 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 from across Birmingham including, Thinktank, Historic England, 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 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, 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 the boundaries and 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 meet us in person, hear from our trailblazing academics and explore our innovative £340m facilities.

    Next Open Day: 30 September 2023

    Register 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.

    72 points (or equivalent) is the minimum you will need to be considered for this course in Clearing.

    Use the UCAS Tariff Calculator to work out your points.

    Apply now Call the hotline

    Call 0121 331 6777

    See hotline opening hours

    Alternative options

    If you do not have 72 points, you may like to look at our other courses available.

    View Clearing courses

    Or explore your options if you don't have enough points for any of our courses.

    Please note: the entry requirements listed below are relevant for main cycle applications and may not be applicable during Clearing.

    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

    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

    Online applications are now closed

    Our Clearing hotline will open on Thursday 17 August at 8am.
    0121 331 6777

    Sign up for Clearing updates

    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.

    Places available to start in September 2023

    If you'd like to start this course full-time this September, you can apply through Clearing.

    Apply now Call the hotline

    Call 0121 331 6777

    See hotline opening hours

    International and part-time students can apply online as normal using the links above.

    Want to start in September 2024? You can apply via UCAS from September 2023.

    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

    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