Education: Policy and Practice BA (Hons)

Program Overview

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Introduction:

This one year, part-time course is specifically designed to enable practitioners with an education related foundation degree or similar qualifications to gain full graduate status. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge to gain a greater understanding and critical analysis of education.

Students must be employed in an education setting for a minimum of 15 hours a week for the duration of the course and for two years prior.

This course is ideal for all educational professionals including:

trainers

teaching assistants

learning support assistants

non-graduate teachers

and others working in education.

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Why choose this course?

You will benefit from:

studying in the evening to fit around your work and commitments

expanding your knowledge and skills to enhance your educational support practice

extending your transferable skills to support your career development

progression options to an undergraduate degree or teacher-training

Program Outline

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What you’ll study

This course provides people with 240 Higher Education credit points already achieved from previous studies to gain a full Honours Degree in Education. The course is offered on a part time basis, and you will achieve 120 credit points in one academic year.

On successful completion of this course, you will have developed a deep understanding education by examining polices, literature and theories from reliable and academic sources. This will include an exploration of current issues in which you will challenge arguments and assumptions of others. You will, by thorough planning of your dissertation, demonstrate the ability to problem solve and plan your own research.

By undertaking a systematic enquiry through primary research in modules one and three you will develop skills in applying research methodologies and techniques. Through the exploration of your findings, you will develop analytical skills to evaluate your own evidence in order to make judgements to improve practice. You will communicate your plans, ideas and findings effectively to both your tutors and your peers.

The aims of the course are to:

enable educational practitioners to acquire coherent and detailed knowledge of their discipline;

critically analyse your practice and make suitable recommendations for improvement.

This will be achieved with reference to aspects of current research in education, using these to devise and sustain arguments, to solve problems, or make reasoned judgements that affect education practices.

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Learn from our experienced staff

Our tutors are all experienced professionals who contribute to research and development within their specialist fields. Their research and influence not only shapes new educational practice, but also feeds directly into our courses, keeping you at the forefront of policy and practice.

Modules

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Education Research (20 credits)

This module aims to give you the opportunity to:

investigate the role of education research as a tool to improve practice

critically analyse current research, exploring and analysing the use of research instruments

plan and undertake a small-scale research project of your own and evaluate your skills in the process. This will prepare you for the Dissertation module later in the course

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Education For All (40 credits)

This module aims to give you the opportunity to:

critically analyse the impact of education policy on your practice through the lens of equal opportunities and social justice

develop a detailed knowledge of an aspect of education that is pertinent to your workplace and undertake a critical review of this, making recommendations for improvement

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Dissertation (60 credits)

This final module aims to give you the opportunity to:

undertake a second research project within your workplace

use peer feedback to develop your planning, undertake the research, critically evaluate arguments, assumptions and the data of current research undertaken by others and make recommendations to improve practice within your workplace

undertake a review of your skills and knowledge, identifying how these contribute to your current practice or future career

Students who successfully achieve modules 1 and 2 but not module 3 will be eligible for an Advanced Diploma in Education.

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How you’re taught

You'll learn through a combination of class discussions, practical activities, group tasks, group presentations and individual research tasks. The course will focus on the exploration of key educational issues using recognised research methods, followed by a dissertation. We predominantly run evening sessions however there is one weekend session, allowing you to continue working while you study. You will be assessed via a combination of coursework and other assignments, related closely to your own work context.

A one-day Conference is arranged as part of the input you will receive on the course, this falls during the second module. A range of speakers contribute to this event, enabling you to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the education sector.

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Assessment

This is by coursework and assignments.

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Placements

You are expected to be employed in an educational setting at the time of studying. Therefore the course does not offer placements.

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Your future

This course can lead to a range of professional development opportunities. You may wish to progress to a recognised teacher training course to pursue a career in schools or post-compulsory education. Students also progress to Masters degrees.

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Contact hours

Year 1 lectures/seminars/workshops (25%) and independent study (75%)

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Careers and employability

Although this degree does not gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), progression onto a PGCE or the School Direct Programme may be a future option.

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Links with industry

We involve industry experts in our courses in a number of ways.

We consult with employers when we design and update our courses.

We ensure you are prepared to meet the demands of the workplace by continually checking the currency and validity of our courses with employers.

Employers may input directly into your course through guest lectures, projects, and other work-related activities.

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Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.

Learning a new language can:

enhance your communication skills

enrich your experience when travelling abroad

boost your career prospects.

Find out more about the University Language Programme.