Program Overview

Education Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

Course Description

The Education Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons) course is designed for foundation students who wish to top-up to a full BA (Hons) degree on a full-time or part-time basis. The course provides a broad understanding of education from early years to lifelong learning, preparing students for a career in teaching or education more widely.

Study Options

• Full-time: 1 year
• Part-time: 1-2 years

Fees

• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)

Start Date

• September

Location

• Buxton & Leek College (Leek Campus)
• Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course Details

What You Will Study

The programme analyses various elements of the education world today and builds on the knowledge and skills learners have already acquired from degree-level study and any work experience.

Year 1

• Core modules:
  • Independent Study in Education
• Optional modules:
  • SEND in Context
  • Diversity in Social Emotional and Behavioural Development
  • Linguistics for TESOL
  • Principles and Practices of TESOL 1
  • Principles and Practices of TESOL 2
  • ‘Entrepreneurial’ Education
  • Left Behind and Left out: Social Exclusion and Education
  • The Future of Education
  • The Science of Learning and the Art of Teaching

Independent Study in Education

The Educational Independent Study module is a two-semester project in which students pursue independent research on a question or problem of their choice, engage with the scholarly debates in the relevant disciplines, and produce a substantial product of 10,000 words (or the equivalent) that reflects a deep understanding of the topic.

How You Will Learn

• Outdoor Learning Space: Learn how to apply education in an outdoor setting, using nature to improve the personal, social, and technical skills of children.

Careers

• Once you have completed this course, you will discover wide-ranging career opportunities in fields relating not only to education but also to social care, healthcare, careers, and guidance, and the voluntary sector.
• Our graduates are now enjoying success as higher-level teaching assistants, welfare child protection officers, early years practitioners, care assistants, and community learning facilitators.

Entry Requirements

• You will need to have a foundation degree passed with grades above 50% and 240 credits.
• You need at least five GCSEs (or equivalent) including Maths and English at grade 4/C or above.

Additional Costs and Optional Extras

• Included in your fees:
  • The initial DBS check (if required for placement purposes)
  • Induction activities and visits
  • Any in-class visits (Guest workshops)
  • All visiting speakers to enhance module content
  • Discipline Area Conferences
• Mandatory costs not included in your fees:
  • Print costs above the allowance
  • Binding of IS dissertation at stage 3, approx. cost £6
  • Replacement DBS if lost, approx. £50
• Optional costs not included in your fees:
  • Field trips abroad that offer enrichment opportunities, approx. cost £430-£1000
  • Memberships to sports clubs and societies, approx. cost £17 for Athletic Union membership plus club fee, £7 for societies card plus society fee

How to Apply

• Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.
• Our undergraduate and postgraduate course pages will show the intakes that are available and open to applications.
• It's best to apply early so you can secure your place and beat the rush.
• Once we have received your application and supporting documents, we will review it and contact you within 4 weeks to let you know if you have been successful or not.

Teaching Hours

• Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm.
• Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course Updates

• The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs, and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible.
• Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment, and in your offer letter.