BA (Hons) Education Studies and History with Foundation Year

Program Overview

This four-year program combines a Foundation Year with a focused study of Education Studies and History. It provides students with the necessary academic foundation and skills to succeed in a degree program focused on Education Studies and History. The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, research, and problem-solving, which are valuable for a wide range of careers. Graduates are well-prepared for a variety of careers in education, history, and related fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Education Studies and History with Foundation Year at Bishop Grosseteste University

This four-year program combines a Foundation Year with a focused study of Education Studies and History. The program is designed for individuals who either lack the formal qualifications for direct entry into a degree program or who want a more gradual introduction to university-level study.

Objectives:

• Provide students with the necessary academic foundation and skills to succeed in a degree program focused on Education Studies and History.
• Equip students with comprehensive knowledge and understanding of education and history in national and global contexts.
• Develop students' critical thinking, analytical, and research skills through coursework and placements.
• Prepare students for possible careers in teaching, education-related fields, or further postgraduate study.

Program Description:

The program begins with a Foundation Year that focuses on developing essential academic skills and knowledge in areas like communication, critical thinking, and research methods. Students also participate in bespoke History and Education Studies sessions to introduce them to these disciplines. Following the Foundation Year, students delve into the core subjects of Education Studies and History. The Education Studies component examines the principles of learning, teaching, and educational policy in various national and global contexts. Students explore the social, cultural, and historical dimensions of education and engage with debates around effective teaching practices, educational inequality, and the changing nature of learning environments. The History component immerses students in diverse historical periods and diverse geographical regions. Students analyze primary and secondary sources, construct historical arguments, and develop their research skills. They also explore the relationship between history and contemporary society, critically examining how the past shapes the present. A key feature of the program is the integration of work-based placements within the Education Studies modules. These placements offer students valuable first-hand experience in real-world educational settings, allowing them to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical situations and develop essential professional skills.

Outline:

The program consists of modules spread across four years, including the Foundation Year. The specific modules and their descriptions are as follows:

Foundation Year:

• Self as Learner: This module explores learning principles and develops effective learning strategies for university study.
• Resourcing Learning: Students learn about locating and using diverse resources for effective learning, including textbooks, websites, and academic journals.
• Critical Thinking: Developing critical thinking skills is vital for university study.
This module explores different models of critical thinking and teaches students to identify and address barriers to critical thinking.
• The Digital Learner: This module teaches students how to utilize digital tools and technologies effectively for learning and demonstrating knowledge.
• Effective Communication: This module explores various communication styles and techniques in different contexts and for diverse audiences.
• Reflective Learning: This module highlights the importance of reflection in learning and developing professional skills.

Year 1:

• Understanding Education Inequality: This module focuses on the sociology of education and learning, analyzing the impact of social and educational structures on academic achievement and educational inequality.
• Perspectives on Learning: This module provides an overview of key theoretical perspectives on learning across different age groups and contexts.
• Histories of Identity: Sexuality, Race, Class and Gender: This module explores the role of identity in history, examining diverse historical approaches to the study of identity and its impact on contemporary historical studies.

Year 2:

• The merrie folk of Late Medieval England: This module explores the lives and roles of various people in Late Medieval England, including kings, aristocrats, ordinary people, and those from marginalized groups.
• Becoming a Professional: This module focuses on professional development and skills.
Students explore the role of professionals in real-world contexts and develop key skills like effective communication, CV writing, and interview techniques.
• Interpreting Education Research: This module builds on research methods and data interpretation skills developed in earlier modules, preparing students for their Dissertation at Level 6.
• Social Justice: Diversity and Inclusion: This module examines the principles and practices of inclusive education, exploring diversity, inclusion, and social justice in various educational contexts.
• Invented Histories: Understanding Popular Representations of the Past: This module explores the ways in which history is represented in popular media and analyzes the construction, manipulation, and invention of historical narratives.

Year 3:

• Creative Destruction: The Atlantic World in the 17th and 18th centuries: This module studies the Atlantic World in the early modern period, focusing on the political, economic, technological, social, and cultural developments across the region.
• A Better World is Possible: British protest movements 1800-2000: This module explores various protest movements in British history, analyzing their origins, impact, and methods of protest.
• The Long Weekend: Britain between the wars, 1918-1939: This module analyzes life in Britain during the interwar period, focusing on the political, social, economic, and cultural issues of the time.

Year 4:

• Contexts for Learning: This module explores diverse contexts and settings for learning, examining the benefits and limitations of education in various environments.
• Dissertation: Students complete a substantial research project on a topic of their choice, applying research skills and methodologies acquired throughout the program.
• Global Perspectives on Education: This module examines global perspectives on education, including the impact of globalization on educational policies and practices in different countries.
• Curriculum Debates and Future(s): This module explores current debates and future trends in curriculum development and implementation, providing students with opportunities to analyze innovative practices and consider the future of education.
• ‘The Sun Never Set and the Blood Never Dried’: The British Empire in the 19th Century: This module provides a detailed study of the British Empire in the 19th century, analyzing its political, economic, technological, social, and cultural impact on various regions and societies.
• History Dissertation: Students complete a research-based dissertation on a historical topic of their choice, demonstrating their research skills, critical analysis, and argumentation abilities.
• The Global Cold War, 1945-1991: This module provides a critical analysis of the Cold War conflict between the US and the Soviet Union, exploring its political, diplomatic, and social manifestations.
• Kill Your Masters: The French and Haitian Revolutions: This module explores the political history of the French and Haitian revolutions, focusing on how they represent the birth of modernity and examining key aspects of these revolutions, including human rights, war, and political violence.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods to evaluate student learning and progress. These methods include:

• Essays: Students write essays on various topics related to Education Studies and History, demonstrating their knowledge, understanding, and critical analysis skills.
• Reports: Students produce reports on specific topics, using evidence and research to support their arguments.
• Oral presentations: Students present their research findings and analysis to peers and faculty, developing their communication and presentation skills.
• Multimedia presentations: Students create multimedia presentations to showcase their understanding of a topic, incorporating various media and technology tools.
• Reflective logs: Students engage in reflective writing, analyzing their learning experiences and personal growth.
• Portfolios: Students develop portfolios of their work, showcasing their progress and development of key skills.
• Assessed debates: Students participate in debates on current or historical issues, demonstrating their ability to construct arguments and engage in critical discussion.
• One-to-one discussions: Students engage in in-depth discussions with faculty members, demonstrating their understanding of complex topics and their ability to articulate their ideas.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods to promote student engagement and learning. These methods include:

• Lectures: Faculty members deliver lectures on key topics, providing students with a foundation of knowledge and sparking discussion.
• Seminars: Small group seminars allow students to engage in deeper discussions, ask questions, and explore different perspectives on the material.
• Tutorials: Individual or small group tutorials provide students with personalized support and guidance from faculty members.
• Practical workshops: Students participate in hands-on workshops to develop specific skills and apply their knowledge to practical tasks.
• Coursework: Students complete assignments and projects throughout the program, allowing them to demonstrate their understanding and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
• Work-based placements: Education Studies modules incorporate work-based placements in schools or other educational settings, providing students with valuable practical experience and the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to real-world situations.
• Field trips: Students participate in field trips to historical sites, museums, and other relevant locations, enhancing their understanding of the historical material and providing opportunities for experiential learning.
The program is taught by a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members who are experts in their respective fields. Faculty members are committed to providing students with a high-quality learning experience and supporting their academic and personal development.

Careers:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Education Studies and History with Foundation Year program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in education, history, and related fields.

Potential career paths include:

• Primary or secondary school teacher: The program's strong focus on education studies and work-based placements prepares graduates for teaching careers in various educational settings.
• Special educational needs coordinator: Graduates can pursue careers supporting students with special educational needs, drawing on their knowledge of inclusive education and teaching methodologies.
• Educational researcher: The program's emphasis on research methods and critical thinking skills prepares graduates for careers in educational research, contributing to the development of evidence-based education practices.
• Policy advisor: Graduates can pursue careers in policy development and implementation within government agencies or educational organizations, using their knowledge of education and history to inform policy decisions.
• Museum curator or archivist: The program's focus on history and research skills prepares graduates for careers in museums and archives, where they can contribute to the preservation and interpretation of historical artifacts and documents.
• Journalist or writer: Graduates can pursue careers in journalism or writing, using their research and communication skills to write about education, history, or other topics.
• Public relations or communications specialist: Graduates can utilize their communication and interpersonal skills to pursue careers in public relations or communications, working for educational institutions, government agencies, or private companies.
Furthermore, graduates can pursue further postgraduate study in education, history, or related fields to specialize in a particular area of interest and enhance their career prospects.

Other:

• The program is designed to be accessible to students from diverse backgrounds and with varying levels of prior education.
• The program emphasizes the development of transferable skills, such as critical thinking, communication, research, and problem-solving, which are valuable for a wide range of careers.
• The program places a strong emphasis on ethical conduct and professional responsibility, preparing students to be effective and responsible members of their chosen profession.
• The program is supported by a dedicated team of academic advisors who provide students with guidance and support throughout their studies.
• The program fosters a close-knit and supportive learning community, where students can collaborate with peers and faculty members in a positive and stimulating environment.