Education Studies (In-service) BA (Hons)

Overview

This part-time, in-service Education Studies course is ideal for people who are already working or have worked in a relevant educational context such as teaching assistants, vocational teachers, trainers in public and third sector, lecturers, curriculum designers and policy makers.

Applicants fitting this criteria can apply to enter the part-time course at level 5 and can complete the degree in two years.

Our BA (Hons) Education Studies (In-service) course will give you a broad and detailed understanding of the principles of education, and its systems and structures. You will critically explore all phases of education, from a range of historical, economic, philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives.

Why us?

• Our Education courses are in the top 50 in the UK (Guardian University Guide, 2025)
• The course is appropriate for practitioners and educators in all phases of education, allowing opportunities to tailor the course to your personal career plan
• Benefit from a flexible and innovative curriculum design which meets the needs of employees wishing to change career direction or progress in the field of education
• Enter the course at level 5 and complete your degree in two years

Course structure

As a part-time student, you will attend core lectures on evenings or weekends, supplemented by self-study. This route, designed for practitioners already working in the field, requires you to study the modules listed in years two and three.

This in-service Education Studies course is taught via small group work, workshops, lectures, tutorials, computer-based learning, presentations and independent learning.

Your progress will be assessed with essays, reports, group work, seminar presentations and self-evaluation. Throughout the degree you'll have one-to-one support from academic staff.

There is also full-time version of this course available, which is more suitable for traditional undergraduate applicants with no prior work experience.

Course modules

Year 1 (national level 5):

Core modules:

• Research in Education (30 credits)
  • Explore the skills and techniques required to plan and conduct small scale research projects within an educational context. Further prepare yourself in the planning of your own research within your final year of study. Examine the nature of the research process and develop an awareness of the merits and demerits of both qualitative and quantitative research.
• The Future of Learning (30 credits)
  • Revisit the aims of education and consider the current and future needs of society, as well as the role education plays in this. Gain an understanding of how in an ever-changing world, education is challenged to keep pace, be responsive and adapt to the needs of the individual and the society.

Optional modules:

• Teaching and Learning in Mathematics (30 credits)
  • Investigate the nature of mathematics and how it is viewed by society. Develop your own subject knowledge and evaluate appropriate pedagogies to support teaching and learning in mathematics. Demonstrate a critical understanding of the impact mathematics can have on different contexts. Learn how to assess areas within the mathematics curriculum, including statutory assessment requirements.
• Teaching and Learning in English (30 credits)
  • Investigate the nature of English and how it is viewed by society. Develop your own subject knowledge and evaluate appropriate pedagogies to support teaching and learning in English. Demonstrate a critical understanding of how the impact literacy can have on different contexts. Learn how to assess areas within the English curriculum, including statutory assessment requirements.

Year 2 (national level 6):

Core modules:

• Design and Innovation in Education (30 credits)
  • Develop your professional skills of problem solving, innovation and autonomy. Undertake a self-initiated project in line with your subject interests and career aspirations. Seek out and create an appropriate solution following a distinct and rigorous process of design. Gain skills particularly relevant to curriculum design, resource development and solution focused practice in education.
• Dissertation in Education Studies (40 credits)
  • Examine a specific area of educational research that is of interest to your studies and future career goals. Demonstrate a critical appreciation for your chosen educational issue by conducting, analysing, evaluating, and communicating your independent research dissertation. Equip yourself to study at postgraduate level or to successfully gain employment at more senior levels within your current or aspired employment.

Optional modules:

• Leading Change in Education (20 credits)
  • Explore the nature of leadership and change management in a range of educational contexts both in the UK and abroad, including psychological, political, and practical aspects. Raise your awareness of your professional responsibility as an educator and clearly identify your role as leader within the profession. Gain a deeper understanding of how your approach to professional practice can affect others and how others can affect your professional practice.
• Ethics, Morals and Values in Education (20 credits)
  • Investigate the moral life of educational organisations and critically evaluate the values that underpin their judgements and practice. Identify dominant ethical frameworks underpinning the complexity of decision making in education and apply these to your own thinking. Explore ethical theories such as the morality of religion, the utilitarian theory, obligation or duty, promoting virtue, and whether caring for one another should be our overriding concern in education.

Facilities

You'll be based at the recently refurbished Wearside View, situated on the award-winning Sir Tom Cowie Campus at St Peter's. This stunning riverside location benefits from dedicated library services and has superb transport links with the city centre and City Campus.

Entry requirements

Our typical offer is:

• Irish Leaving Certificate: 112 UCAS points – Students must have H1-H7 or O1-O4 in Maths & English.
• QQI/FETAC 5: Pass profile overall. For entry we also require H1-H7 or O1-O4 in Maths and English from Irish Leaving Certificate.

If you don't meet our standard entry requirements, you can take one of the foundation pathways at our partners ONCAMPUS Sunderland.

Applicants must be practitioners already working in the field with at least two years of work experience in the education sector.

The following qualifications are also accepted for this course:

• A teaching assistant/learning support or cover supervisor with at least two years' experience who has completed a higher-level teaching assistant award alongside their professional development
• A teacher in Further Education with at least two years' experience who has completed a Diploma in Education and Training or Cert Ed PCET.

You must have a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check before starting this course.

Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)

If you feel you already know some of the topics covered in this course, either due to previous learning or from work experience, then you may not need to study all of the course. Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL) is the name given to the process of gaining credit towards a qualification because of something you've learned in the past. If you're eligible for APL, you won't have to learn the same topic again, so you can be exempt from a module, set of modules, or year of a course.

Fees and finance

The fee for this course is £7,145 per 90 credits if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. You'll study 80 credits per year.

This part-time course isn't available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

Career ready

This BA (Hons) Education Studies (In-service) course prepares you for a career in many different aspects of the education system. These include informal and vocational learning, care, training, professional development, and curriculum development.

Please note that this course does not qualify you as a teacher. However, if you do decide to become a teacher, you will be guaranteed an interview for a PGCE degree at the University of Sunderland.

Education Studies (In-service) BA (Hons) at the University of Sunderland

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Degree Overview

This part-time, in-service Education Studies course is designed for individuals already working or with experience in an educational context, such as teaching assistants, vocational trainers, public and third sector trainers, lecturers, curriculum designers, and policymakers. Applicants with these experiences can enter the part-time course at level 5 and complete the degree in two years. The program aims to provide a broad and thorough understanding of education principles, systems, and structures. It critically explores various phases of education, drawing upon historical, economic, philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives. The course is suitable for practitioners and educators in all educational phases, offering opportunities for tailoring it to individual career aspirations.

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Objectives:

• Equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, systems, and structures of education.
• Enable critical exploration of various educational phases from diverse perspectives.
• Foster adaptability in the face of ever-changing educational landscape.
• Develop skills in curriculum design, resource development, and solution-focused practice.
• Provide opportunities for tailoring the course to individual career goals.
### Outline #### Course Structure This part-time program involves attending core lectures on evenings or weekends, supplemented by self-study. Participants enter the course at level 5 and complete the degree in two years. The course utilizes diverse learning methods, including small group work, workshops, lectures, tutorials, computer-based learning, presentations, and independent learning. Progress is assessed through essays, reports, group work, seminar presentations, and self-evaluation. Students receive ongoing support from academic staff throughout the degree program. #### Course Modules

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Year 1 (Level 5):

• Core Modules:
• Research in Education (30 credits): Explores research skills and techniques, preparing participants to conduct small-scale research projects within an educational context.
Examines the research process and delves into the merits and demerits of qualitative and quantitative research.
• The Future of Learning (30 credits): Reconsiders the purpose of education and analyzes current and future needs of society, exploring education's role in this evolving landscape.
Investigates how education adapts and responds to a constantly changing world, focusing on individual and societal needs.
• Optional Modules:
• Teaching and Learning in Mathematics (30 credits): Explores the nature and perception of mathematics in society.
Develops subject knowledge and evaluates relevant pedagogies for teaching and learning mathematics. Examines the impact of mathematics in different contexts and how to assess areas within the mathematics curriculum, including statutory assessment requirements.
• Teaching and Learning in English (30 credits): Explores the nature and perception of English in society.
Develops subject knowledge and evaluates appropriate pedagogies for teaching and learning English. Examines the impact of literacy in different contexts and how to assess areas within the English curriculum, including statutory assessment requirements.

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Year 2 (Level 6):

• Core Modules:
• Design and Innovation in Education (30 credits): Develops professional problem-solving, innovation, and autonomy skills.
Undertake self-initiated projects aligned with your subject interests and career aspirations. Explore design processes to create appropriate solutions, including those relevant to curriculum design, resource development, and solution-focused practice in education.
• Dissertation in Education Studies (40 credits): Investigate a specific area of educational research relevant to your studies and future career goals.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of your chosen educational issue by conducting, analyzing, evaluating, and communicating your independent research dissertation. Prepare for postgraduate studies or gain employment at more senior levels within your existing or aspired field.
• Optional Modules:
• Leading Change in Education (20 credits): Explores the nature of leadership and change management in various educational contexts both in the UK and abroad, including psychological, political, and practical aspects.
Raises awareness of professional responsibility as an educator and clarifies your role as a leader within the profession. Develops a deeper understanding of your professional practice's impact on others and their influence on your professional practice.
• Ethics, Morals, and Values in Education (20 credits): Investigates the moral life of educational organizations and critically evaluates the values underpinning their judgments and practices.
Identifies dominant ethical frameworks guiding complex decision-making in education and applies these frameworks to your own thinking. Explores various ethical theories, including morality of religion, utilitarian theory, obligation or duty, promoting virtue, and whether care for one another should be the overriding concern in education. ### Assessment This program utilizes various assessment methods to measure student learning and achievement:
• Essays: Assess understanding of key concepts, theories, and their application to educational practice.
• Reports: Evaluate research findings and present data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Group Work: Assess collaborative skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities within group settings.
• Seminar Presentations: Gauge knowledge acquisition, critical analysis, and communication skills in presenting educational topics and research findings.
• Self-Evaluation: Evaluate personal and professional development alongside self-reflection on strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific tasks and learning outcomes for each module. Students receive clear guidelines and expectations to ensure fair and consistent evaluation. ### Teaching This program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences:
• Lectures: Introduce key concepts, theories, and frameworks in education studies.
• Workshops: Engage in hands-on activities and apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Tutorials: Provide personalized guidance and support for deeper understanding and clarification of complex topics.
• Computer-based learning: Utilize technology for independent study, research, and online resources.
• Presentations: Encourage active engagement and knowledge application through individual and group presentations.
• Independent Learning: Promote autonomy, self-directed study, and in-depth exploration of specific areas of interest.
The program benefits from a highly experienced and dedicated faculty who are actively engaged in research and professional practice within the educational field. They bring real-world insights and research expertise to the classroom, fostering a dynamic and stimulating learning environment. ### Careers This program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience to pursue various careers within the education sector:
• Teaching and Learning: This program prepares graduates to enter various teaching roles within schools, colleges, and other educational settings.
However, it is important to note that this course does not qualify individuals as fully qualified teachers.
• Curriculum Design and Development: Graduates may develop careers as curriculum designers, instructional material specialists, and educational consultants, working with schools, universities, and training providers to create effective learning resources.
• Educational Research and Policy: The research and analytical skills gained through this program can open doors to careers in educational research, policy development, and evaluation.
These roles may involve conducting independent research or working for government agencies, think tanks, or educational organizations.
• Educational Leadership and Management: The knowledge and skills in leadership, change management, and ethics can prepare graduates for leadership positions within schools, colleges, and educational organizations.
This could include roles such as head teacher, principal, educational leader, or policy manager.
• Educational Technology and Innovation: With the growing role of technology in education, this program equips graduates with the skills to work in educational technology development, implementation, and training.
They may work for software companies, educational technology startups, or educational institutions to integrate technology effectively into learning processes. The specific career path a graduate chooses will depend on their individual interests, qualifications, and experience. However, this program provides a strong foundation for success in various roles within the education sector. ### Other
• The program offers a flexible and part-time structure ideal for individuals currently employed or seeking to balance work and study commitments.
• The in-service nature of this program allows participants to apply their learning directly to their professional practice, enhancing their skills and improving their effectiveness in the field.
• This program is designed to prepare participants for pursuing postgraduate studies in Education or related fields if they wish to advance their qualifications and career opportunities.
• Graduates are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE degree at the University of Sunderland if they decide to pursue a career as a teacher.
• The program may include guest speakers, industry visits, and project opportunities to provide exposure to real-world educational contexts and enrich the learning experience.

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The fee for this course is £6,935 per 120 credits if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. You'll study 80 credits per year. This part-time course isn't available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.

University of Sunderland

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Overview:

The University of Sunderland is a public university located in Sunderland, England. It offers a diverse range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines. The university has a strong focus on providing a supportive and inclusive learning environment for its students.

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Services Offered:

The University of Sunderland provides a comprehensive range of services to its students, including:

Academic Support:

Access to libraries, learning resources, and academic advisors.

Student Support:

Counseling, mental health services, and disability support.

Accommodation:

On-campus and off-campus housing options.

Career Services:

Career guidance, job search assistance, and internship opportunities.

Student Life:

A vibrant student union, clubs, societies, and social events.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The university boasts a diverse and inclusive campus community where students can connect with people from different backgrounds and cultures. Students can participate in extracurricular activities, engage in personal and professional development opportunities, and enjoy a vibrant social scene.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Top-Quality Facilities:

The university has modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art library, sports facilities, and dedicated learning spaces.

Inclusive Culture:

The university fosters a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.

Vibrant City:

Sunderland is a dynamic city with a rich history and a low cost of living.

Strong Industry Links:

The university has strong connections with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable career opportunities.

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Academic Programs:

The University of Sunderland offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

Arts and Design:

Fashion, Photography, Fine Art, and Graphic Design.

Sciences:

Pharmacy, Nursing, Medicine, and Biology.

Business and Law:

Business Management, Finance, Law, and Tourism.

Computing and Engineering:

Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Electrical Engineering.

Education and Social Sciences:

Education, Psychology, and Social Work.

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Other:

The university has campuses in Sunderland, London, and Hong Kong, offering students a global learning experience. It is also recognized for its commitment to sustainability and equality, diversity, and inclusion.