| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-01 | - |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Education Studies - Sociology
Education Studies is a broad multidisciplinary degree, designed for the intellectually and practically curious. If you are particularly fascinated by the social and sociological aspects of education, this is the course for you.
Start Dates
- September 2026
- September 2025
Degree Type
BA
Course Length
3 years full-time
Location
Durham City
UCAS Code
XL33
Typical Offers
- A Level: AAB
- BTEC: DDD
- International Baccalaureate: 36
Course Details
Are you interested in why people learn in different ways? Do you want to find out more about barriers to learning and how learning supports childhood development? Maybe you’d like to know more about the impact of society and social policy on the education experience.
The BA Education Studies – Sociology is an ideal qualification if you are fascinated by the learning process from a sociological perspective and want to keep your career options open.
From the philosophical foundations of schooling to the political implications of policy, education is a vast field that has multiple avenues to approach a seemingly straightforward subject. Our degree goes far beyond any classroom and considers education, people and their relationship to the ever-changing world.
This BA will prepare you for a career in many different areas, both in the education sector and further afield. It can provide the first step towards a career as a teacher or researcher, and supports roles in publishing, policy making, the voluntary and public sectors, as well as many more.
The curriculum draws on research carried out in the Department to keep the course content relevant and up to date. The breadth of modules allows you to create your own pathway through the course. As well as the sociology pathway, we offer pathways in psychology and geography, or you can choose to focus purely on education studies.
Course Structure
Year 1 Modules
Core Modules:
- Historical and Philosophical Ideas of Education: will introduce you to some of the major educational theorists and the foundational ideas informing education practice today. This will help you to develop a personal perspective on the longstanding debate about the purpose and value of education.
- Contemporary Issues and Evidence in Education: examines a range of contemporary issues in education and the nature and scope of the supporting evidence. With a range of guest speakers from across the Department you will gain a grounding in a variety of issues at stake.
- Societies in Transition: is the study of contemporary societies and aspects of social life and change, focusing on local communities, families and relationships, economies and consumerism, and patterns relating to health, social class, gender race/ethnicity and religion.
- Classical Sociological Theory: introduces sociological concepts and theorising, using individual thinkers and particular topics to illustrate changing understandings of the relationship between structure and agency in sociological thinking, both across time and in relation to current debates.
Optional Modules:
- In recent years optional modules have included:
- Disability and Educational Needs: What’s so ‘Special’ about SEND?
- International and Comparative Education
- Foundations of Psychology in Education
Year 2 Modules
Core Modules:
- Educational Research Methods: helps you to understand the purposes and implications of educational research. You will develop a critical appreciation of the different ways in which research can be carried out in education, and how to assess the quality of educational research.
- Modern and Contemporary Sociological Theory: explores the key theoretical perspectives within sociological inquiry. You will develop the skills to assess and compare different theoretical perspectives in terms of consistency, logic and explanatory power.
Optional Modules:
- In recent years optional modules have included:
- Cultural Identity, Interculturality and Education
- Learning and Development in Childhood
- Higher Education: Issues of Exclusion and Inclusion
- Constructing Childhood and Youth
- Assessing Education
- Disability and Education Needs: Impairment, Empowerment and Education
- Self, Identity and Society
- Sociology of Education
- Violence and Abuse in Society
- Communities and Social Justice
- Crime, Power and Social Inequalities
- Sociology of Health and Medicine
Year 3 Modules
Core Modules:
- Dissertation: For your dissertation you will undertake an extended, independent piece of research with an appropriate educational focus. You will engage critically with the relevant research relating to your chosen topic.
Optional Modules:
- Sociology:
- In recent years optional modules have included:
- Issues in Criminal Justice (Inside-Out)
- Youth in Crisis: Young People, Crime and Justice
- Sociology of Mental Health and Illness
- Cyberculture and Cybercrime
- Race, Racism and Social Justice in Britain
- Sociology of Work
- The Body as Data: Technology, Power and Human Rights
- Social Theory and the Politics of Knowledge
- In recent years optional modules have included:
- Education:
- In recent years optional modules have included:
- Education in a Global Age
- Digital Society Theory and Practice
- Science of Learning
- Education, Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Understanding the Arts in Education
- The Social Life of Education
- Digital Society Theory and Practice
- Evidence and Educational Policy
- In recent years optional modules have included:
Additional Pathways
Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway. Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four or four to five depending on course.
Learning
The course is mainly delivered through lectures and seminars. Lectures often present, explain and critically analyse theories and relevant issues, whereas smaller group seminars normally focus upon peer-assisted interaction for debate and discussion.
There may be some opportunity for study visits and/or fieldwork within specific modules.
A large amount of time is spent on independent study and reading around topics, developing your capacity for critical analysis, reflection and evaluation.
Assessment
We promote diverse and creative forms of assessment so whilst many modules are assessed by essays, other modules may include portfolios, blogs, presentations or posters.
The 12,000-word dissertation is worth one-third of your final-year marks.
Entry Requirements
- A level offer: AAB
- Contextual offer: BBC
Click here for more information on contextual offers and to check your eligibility.
- BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma: DDD
- IB Diploma score: 36 with 665 in higher level subjects
In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:
- We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements. Please see our ‘Alternative qualifications’ section, below.
- You are welcome to apply if you are taking resits; resitting your qualification(s) will not negatively affect your application.
- We are willing to consider applications for deferred entry. You can find further information regarding changes to your application here.
- If you have any questions regarding the entry requirements for this programme, please contact us via our Ask Us form.
Alternative Qualifications
- Other UK qualifications
- EU qualifications
- International qualifications
International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.
Home students who do not meet our direct entry requirements, may be eligible for our Foundation Programme which offers multidisciplinary programmes to prepare you for a range of specified degree programmes.
Fees and Funding
The fees for this academic year have not been confirmed yet.
The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full-time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.
The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full-time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and will be subject to an annual inflationary increase expected to rise throughout the programme of study.
More information is available here: Tuition Fees - Durham University
Please also check costs for colleges and accommodation.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to supporting the best students irrespective of financial circumstances and are delighted to offer a range of funding opportunities.
Find out more about Scholarships and Bursaries
Career Opportunities
Education and Teaching
Our BA in Primary Education offers the opportunity to gain Qualified Teacher Status with most graduates progressing directly into teaching.
Graduates of the BA Education Studies suite of degrees move into a diverse range of roles including the wider children's workforce in welfare and social care related roles, education administration and business. The commercial and digital education sectors are growing internationally and our graduates are also attracted into these areas of activity. Some of our graduates undertake postgraduate teacher training courses (e.g. PGCE). Our Education Studies-Psychology graduates often move into teaching and psychology allied professions with the longer term intention of becoming educational psychologists. Some of our students choose further study, progressing to Masters or doctoral programmes and research.
Of those students who graduated in:
- 95% in work or further study.
Of those in employment:
- 97% in highly or medium skilled employment.
- £28,000 is the average salary.
(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here)
Department Information
Education and Teaching
Develop your expertise and deepen your knowledge at one of the UK’s leading Schools of Education. Gain all the knowledge, skills and experience you’ll need to become a first-rate primary teacher or choose a multidisciplinary course that takes a broader look at the role of education in society.
Embark on an Education degree at Durham and experience our innovative research-informed teaching and exceptional support. We offer courses for people who want to teach and for those with an interest in education in its broadest sense through academic studies in education.
The School of Education, Durham University offers a suite of undergraduate degrees linked to academic studies in Education. These include a single honours Bachelors degree in Education Studies and joint honours options. These allow students to develop specialism in Education studies with a partner subject. Current joint honours degree specialisms on offer are Education Studies - Geography; Education Studies - Sociology and Education Studies - Psychology (with the option of BPS accreditation). Students in our Education Studies suite of programmes can also tailor their degree by selecting optional modules from across the wider university.
Our undergraduate Bachelors degree in Primary Education (with QTS) combines an academic programme of study with practical preparation to become a teacher. The programme provides the tools and support you need to become an inspiring and outstanding teacher who will make a difference to the lives of pupils, both now and in the future.
For more information see our department pages.
Rankings
- 4th in The Complete University Guide 2025
- 7th in The Guardian University Guide 2025
- 1st in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
Staff
For a current list of staff, please see our department web pages.
Facilities
Located on the main campus at Lower Mountjoy, we are conveniently located near the main Bill Bryson library, the Teaching and Learning Centre and lots of other departments and University services.
Apply
Find out more:
Use the UCAS code below when applying:
XL33
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The Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) handles applications for all undergraduate courses.
How to Apply?
- Contextual Offers
- Admissions Policy
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Events and Open Days
Register for an Undergraduate Open Day
- Date: 13/06/2025 - 14/06/2025
- Time: 09:00 - 16:00
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Self-Guided Tours
- Date: 01/09/2024 - 31/08/2025
- Time: 09:00 - 16:00
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Similar Courses
- Education Studies - BA
- Education Studies - Geography - BA
- Education Studies - Psychology - BA
- Primary Education - BAE
See more courses
Program Outline
Degree Overview:
The BA Education Studies – Sociology is a multidisciplinary program exploring the social and sociological aspects of education. It examines the educational experience through a sociological lens, considering the relationship between individuals, institutions, and society.
- To provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the sociology of education.
- To develop critical thinking and analytical skills in the context of education.
- To enable students to analyze and evaluate educational issues and policies.
- To prepare students for careers in education and related fields.
This program is ideal for students who:
- Are fascinated by the social and sociological aspects of education.
- Want to understand the impact of society on education.
- Are interested in exploring the relationship between education and social change.
- Seek a broad-based education that prepares them for a variety of career paths.
The program is divided into three years, with each year comprising two semesters. Students take a combination of core and optional modules, allowing them to tailor their learning to their specific interests.
- This program offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the sociology of education.
- Students benefit from the expertise of faculty who are actively involved in research.
- The curriculum is flexible, allowing students to explore their interests and build a strong foundation for their future careers.
Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of the sociology of education.
- Analyze and evaluate educational issues and policies.
- Apply sociological theories and concepts to real-world situations.
- Communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
- Work independently and collaboratively.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Core modules:
- Historical and Philosophical Ideas of Education
- Contemporary Issues and Evidence in Education
- Societies in Transition
- Classical Sociological Theory
- Optional modules:
- Disability and Educational Needs: What’s so ‘Special’ about SEND?
- International and Comparative Education
- Foundations of Psychology in Education
Year 2:
- Core modules:
- Educational Research Methods
- Modern and Contemporary Sociological Theory
- Optional modules:
- Cultural Identity, Interculturality and Education
- Learning and Development in Childhood
- Higher Education: Issues of Exclusion and Inclusion
- Constructing Childhood and Youth
- Assessing Education
- Disability and Education Needs: Impairment, Empowerment, and Education
- Self, Identity and Society
- Sociology of Education
- Violence and Abuse in Society
- Communities and Social Justice
- Crime, Power and Social Inequalities
- Sociology of Health and Medicine
Year 3:
- Core module:
- Dissertation
- Optional modules:
- Sociology:
- Issues in Criminal Justice (Inside-Out)
- Youth in Crisis: Young People, Crime and Justice
- Sociology of Mental Health and Illness
- Cyberculture and Cybercrime
- Race, Racism and Social Justice in Britain
- Sociology of Work
- The Body as Data: Technology, Power and Human Rights
- Social Theory and the Politics of Knowledge
- Education:
- Education in a Global Age
- Digital Society Theory and Practice
- Science of Learning
- Education, Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Understanding the Arts in Education
- The Social Life of Education
- Digital Society Theory and Practice
- Evidence and Educational Policy
Assessment:
- Assessment methods vary depending on the module but may include essays, portfolios, blogs, presentations, and posters.
- The 12,000-word dissertation is worth one-third of the final-year marks.
Teaching:
- The program is delivered through lectures, seminars, and independent study.
- Lectures introduce and explain theories and issues, while seminars promote discussion and debate.
- Students are encouraged to engage in independent study and research.
- The program benefits from the expertise of faculty who are actively involved in research.
Careers:
- Graduates of this program pursue careers in education, research, publishing, education administration, policymaking, and the public and private sectors.
- Some students choose to continue their studies at the postgraduate level.
- The program prepares students for a variety of career paths by equipping them with critical thinking, analytical, communication, and research skills.
Other:
- The program offers the opportunity to apply for a placement year, allowing students to gain practical experience in an educational setting.
- Students can choose to pursue a specific pathway in psychology or geography alongside their studies in sociology.
- The program is delivered in Durham, a historic city with a vibrant student community.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved. The tuition fees shown for home students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government. The tuition fees shown for overseas and EU students are for one complete academic year of full time study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
