BA (Honours) Education Studies
UCAS code
X300Attendance
Full-time
Three years full-timeAt a glance
Study all aspects of education on a course designed to prepare you for a career in the sector. Your studies are complemented by yearly placements in schools, colleges and other educational establishments which prepare you for working life and enhance your employment prospects once you graduate. There is also the opportunity to gain placements overseas.
Key points
• Study all forms of education including pre-school, secondary and further education.
• Learn how philosophy, sociology and psychology relate to education.
• Explore how theory and practice are interrelated.
• Enhance your career prospects with yearly placements.
What is education studies?
This course involves the academic study and theoretical analysis of education. It enables you to develop your knowledge and experience of professional educational practice in a range of settings and contexts including pre-school, compulsory schooling, further and higher education, and lifelong learning.
About this course
This is a theoretical, analytical course where you learn about educational practices, in preparation for a career in education.
The course builds your expertise in a range of areas, including
• education policy
• education, power and social inequality
• education, processes of learning and the sociology of knowledge
• educational institutions, contexts and spaces
You benefit from a student-centred approach to teaching and learning which involves seminars and lectures as well as group work and debates to inform your studies. Students are encouraged to debate areas such as social policy and to develop their research and communication skills in conjunction with this.
The subject of education is multidisciplinary and as a student you study how it relates to a range of other relevant subjects such as sociology, history, philosophy and psychology. This gives you a broad subject knowledge and the ability to analyse issues from a range of perspectives, an attribute that makes you attractive to a range of graduate employers.
Other transferable skills you gain include
• communication, presentation and interpersonal skills
• research and project management skills
• self-reflection and development skills
Each year you gain valuable experience and professional skills on placement in a school, college or other education-related organisation. This is preparation for working life and can be helpful in informing your career choices once you graduate. Placement experience is also attractive to prospective employers.
During year two, you complete a research portfolio on the subject of international education systems. As part of this study you have the option to take your second year placement in an international educational setting such as Santander in Spain, Freiberg in Germany, Georgia in USA and Lodz in Poland.
Key areas of study
Include • language and cultural diversity in education • inequalities in education • educational identities • international perspectives on educational inequalities • discourse and education.
Placement experiences
You complete three placements during the course in different and contrasting settings so that you experience a variety of educational environments. This gives you a deeper appreciation of the challenges facing educational professionals.
The main focus of the placement is observation and research into a wide range of issues related to the workplace, including structures, practices and roles.
In year one you complete 19 days on placement. Your placement starts with one block week then you attend two days a week for the following seven consecutive weeks.
In year two you complete 16 days on placement. You attend two days a week over eight consecutive weeks.
In year three you complete 14 days on placement and five research days completing a small-scale enquiry. You attend two days a week over seven consecutive weeks.
Associated careers
This degree is ideal if you are looking to start a career in education, social work, social policy or the wider public services, or if you want to be an academic in the study of education. Currently about half of our graduates go on to train as teachers by completing a one year Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE).
The course also provides an excellent foundation for postgraduate study at masters and PhD level in a range of education-related fields.
Course content
Year one core modules
• aims of education • policy studies in education • observing learners and professionals (placement)
Year one options
• knowledge, learning and education • language and cultural diversity in education • inequalities in education
Year two core modules
• thinking about educational practices (placement) • educational identities • international perspectives on educational inequalities • discourse and education
Year two options
Two from • inclusion in education • emotional intelligence in a learning environment • current approaches to TESOL • drama in educational contexts • education and the arts • life writing in education • exploring education: theories, perspectives, practices
Year three core modules
• planning a research project (placement) • research project (double module)
Year three options
• debating contemporary issues in education • educational spaces: theories and perspectives • the learning journey
Assessment
• structured analysis of journal articles • data analysis • development of learning materials • essays • reflective logs • verbal presentations • visual design tasks • individual and small group projects • portfolios • individual research • writing a journal article
Entry requirements
2014 entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language and mathematics. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
• 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications. We accept AS levels. We do not accept general studies or Key Skills.
• Access – at least 45 credits at level 3 from a relevant Open College Network accredited course
• 300 points from CACHE diploma Level 3 in Child Care and Education
If English is not your first language you need an IELTS score of 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in the writing module and a minimum of 5.5 in all other skill areas.
Demonstrating that you have work experience in educational settings will be an advantage. Download our application experience guidelines for more information about experience requirements and interview advice for this course. This document includes important information about your application. Failure to provide sufficient information may result in your application being unsuccessful.
As you will work with children, you must complete a declaration of criminal convictions and health check forms. If successful in applying, a Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as Criminal Records Bureau) check is required.
We consider other qualifications from the UCAS tariff. Applicants with alternative qualifications or a combination of qualifications and work experience are also considered. We welcome applications from people of any age. Please contact us for further advice.
Meeting the qualifications on the entry criteria does not guarantee you a place. You should ensure that you submit a personal statement and reference as these are considered as part of the selection process. Guidelines on personal statements and references can be found on the UCAS website.
2013 entry requirements
Five GCSEs at grade C or above, including English language and mathematics. We may accept GCSE equivalents. Plus one of the following
• 260 points from at least two GCE/VCE A levels or BTEC National qualifications. We accept AS levels. We do not accept general studies or Key Skills.
Fees
International students
2013/14 academic year
Typically £10,680 a year
2014/15 academic year
Typically £11,250 a year
How to apply
You apply for this course through UCAS.
Contact details
For more information or to check the progress of your application phone +44 (0)114 225 5555, fax +44 (0)114 225 2167, e-mail admissions@shu.ac.uk