Program Overview

Education Studies - BA (Hons)

Overview

Education is central to the development of our society, and to study education is to study the way that society develops. Our BA (Hons) Education Studies course covers theoretical and practical aspects of education across the lifespan (from birth to lifelong learning), and from a variety of perspectives.

What's covered in this course?

Throughout the course, you will critically reflect on the aims, values, principles, and policies of the UK education system, as well as educational systems around the world. The course draws from a range of disciplines, including psychology, sociology, law, history, philosophy, and politics to investigate issues and debates that are relevant to education, and to explore the ways in which these academic fields have contributed to the development of education in the UK and beyond. This multi-disciplinary approach to education is designed to enhance the breadth and depth of your knowledge and equip you to take a variety of different career paths.

At the heart of the course are four key themes:

1. A commitment to recognising education as a positive power for social justice, equity, and inclusion
2. The role of education in an increasingly globalised world
3. The role of technology in education and considering how changes and developments in technology drive changes to education
4. A commitment to developing your employability through building a strong portfolio of academic and professional skills.

Through the course you will use your developing knowledge to build and justify your own educational value system and evaluate how education is influenced by international practices. You will also have experiences of working with educational technology and consider how educational practices can adapt to a changing world.

You will also complete a practical placement during the second year of your degree, giving you first-hand experience of working in the world of education and developing important employability skills as you prepare for your next steps beyond graduation.

We are committed to creating a supportive and challenging learning environment in which you can thrive and develop. You will be provided with lots of opportunities to explore and debate ideas.

The course is designed to promote independence so that you become a more confident, autonomous, creative lifelong learner as you go through the course.

We will challenge you to not only develop your own areas of interest within education and feel confident to learn about these in a meaningful way, but will also challenge you to discover your full potential while at university.

Why Choose Us?

• Our teaching is based around a commitment to social justice and examining the role of education in tackling social injustice.
• ‘Cradle to grave’ teaching focus – you will learn about the role of education throughout life, from the first stages of infancy right through to lifelong learning.
• Expert staff team – our experienced, passionate and dedicated staff team will guide you through the course to maximise your learning opportunities and future employability.
• Opens the doors for a wide range of careers in the field of education.
• Flexible placement opportunity to help you build the skills you need for your future career.

Entry Requirements

Essential requirements

• Standard offer: 96 UCAS Tariff points. Learn more about UCAS Tariff points.
• Accelerate offer: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Find out more about BCU Accelerate.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

Successful candidates will be required to obtain an enhanced DBS check via the Faculty prior to enrolling on this course. If you have any queries please refer to DBS Frequently Asked Questions or contact .

GCSE and other level 2 requirements

This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications. Please see A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements below.

A Level, BTEC and other level 3 requirements

Qualification| Entry requirements
---|---
A Level |

• 96 UCAS Tariff points from three A Levels
• Grades CCC (or equivalent)

Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate) |

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
• Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications

T Level |

• Pass overall (C or above on the core)
• All subjects accepted

Access to HE Diploma |

• Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3
• Accepted subjects: Education subjects preferred but other subjects also considered

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications | 96 UCAS Tariff points
NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications |

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• Accepted subjects: Childcare and Education; Children and Young People's Workforce; Health and Social Care; Early Years Education and Care. Other subjects also considered.

WJEC Level 3 qualifications |

• 96 UCAS Tariff points
• Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualification(s)

Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers) | Minimum of 96 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher | 96 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD)
Welsh Baccalaureate | 96 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma | Merit overall

If you're applying with an International Baccalaureate Diploma or international qualifications, please see further information below.

International qualifications

International Baccalaureate Diploma

• Obtain a minimum of 24 points overall

EU / International students

Please see your country page for further details on the equivalent qualifications we accept. In addition to the academic entry requirements listed above, international and EU students will also require IELTS 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in each band.

If you do not meet the required IELTS score, you may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English courses. Please note that you must have a Secure English Language Test (SELT) to study on the pre-sessional English course. More information on pre-sessional English courses.

If you have a qualification that is not listed, please contact us.

Don’t meet our entry requirements?

You could apply for a foundation course or a course at our International College. These routes have lower entry requirements and act as the bridge to a full degree. To find out more, please select your status:

Home student
International student

Fees & How to Apply

UK students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

• Mode
• Duration
• Fees
• Full Time
• 3 years
• £9,535 in 2025/26
• Apply via UCAS

International students

Annual and modular tuition fees shown are applicable to the first year of study. The University reserves the right to increase fees for subsequent years of study in line with increases in inflation (capped at 5%) or to reflect changes in Government funding policies or changes agreed by Parliament. View fees for continuing students.

Award: BA (Hons)

Starting: Sep 2025

• Mode
• Duration
• Fees
• Full Time
• 3 years
• £17,690 in 2025/26
• Apply Online

Included in your course fees

• Access to computer equipment You will require use of a laptop, and most students do prefer to have their own. However, you can borrow a laptop from the university or use one of our shared computer rooms.
• Printing You will receive £5 print credit in each year of your course, available after enrolment.
• Field trips All essential field trips and associated travel costs will be included in your course fees.
• Access to Microsoft Office 365 Every student at the University can download a free copy of Microsoft Office 365 to use whilst at university and for 18 months after graduation.
• Key software You will be able to download SPSS and Nvivo to your home computer to support with your studies and research.
• Key subscriptions Subscriptions to key journals and websites are available through our library.
• DBS check If you are required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check for this course, the cost for your first DBS check is included in your fees.

Not included in your course fees

• Placement expenses (mandatory) Placements are a compulsory element of this course. You'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst living or working away from home.
• Excess printing (optional) Once you have spent your £5 credit, additional printing on campus costs from 5p per sheet.
• Personal stationery and study materials (optional) Based on the past experience of our students, you might find it helpful to set aside about £30 for each year of your studies for your personal stationery and study materials.
• Field trips (optional) This course includes the option of additional trips that may enhance your experience, at extra cost. There will usually be 1 per year, we suggest budgeting approximately £15 per year for this.
• Books (optional) All module key texts will be in the University library, but in limited numbers. You may choose to purchase a copy. We suggest budgeting approximately £150 per year for this.
• Accommodation and living costs (optional) The cost of accommodation and other living costs are not included within your course fees. More information on the cost of accommodation can be found in our accommodation pages.

Course in Depth

Year One

In order to complete this course, you must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).

• Exploring Learning and Development 20 credits
• Introduction to Education Studies 20 credits
• Preparing to Study in Higher Education 20 credits
• Introduction to the Philosophy of Education 20 credits
• Education, Equity and Social Justice 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:

• Exploring Creativity in Education 20 credits
• Learning in the Early Years 20 credits
• Post-compulsory Learning 20 credits

Year Two

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).

• Professional Practice, Placement and Safeguarding 1 20 credits
• Professional Practice, Placement and Safeguarding 2 20 credits
• Education Policy and Reform 20 credits
• Inclusion, Diversity and SEND 20 credits
• Preparing to Research 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:

• Alternative Education 20 credits
• Investigating and Developing Curriculum 20 credits
• Mental Health and Wellbeing 20 credits

Year Three

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete all the following CORE modules (totalling 100 credits).

• Individual Research Project 40 credits
• Digital Education 20 credits
• Navigating Transitions 20 credits
• Exploring Contemporary Issues in Education 20 credits

In order to complete this course a student must successfully complete at least 20 credits from the following indicative list of OPTIONAL modules:

• Global and Comparative Education 20 credits
• Principles of Assessment 20 credits
• Anti-Racist Practice 20 credits

Employability

This course enables you to become a reflective and innovative education practitioner and scholar, including the ability to be flexible, to respond to and initiate change, and manage your work/life balance creatively. We embed employability skills into every module across the degree to support your career development throughout the levels.

Education Studies as a subject provides excellent preparation for you to work with learners of all ages within the education sector. Commercial and industrial workplaces are also very interested in people with knowledge about education and training.

You'll have the knowledge and skills to work in educational and training advisory roles in a range of organisations included businesses, local authorities, non-government organisations, charities, museums, art galleries and libraries.

Placements

In the second year of study all students have a block placement, aimed at developing their professional and employability skills. This could be in a wide range of educational settings including museums, volunteer schemes, schools, pupil referral units, adult learning centres, hospitals or with educational advisors.

Facilities & Staff

This course is primarily based at our City Centre Campus, in the Benjamin Zephaniah Building (formerly University House), however, for some practical activities, such as sport, cookery or science lab sessions, you may be based at our City South Campus in Edgbaston, or the Alexander Stadium and Doug Ellis Sports Centre in Perry Barr.

About Benjamin Zephaniah Building

This freshly renovated building provides a dedicated teaching and learning space for our Education and Communities students and staff.

Spaces in the building include:

• Primary and secondary science labs
• Innovation and Lego teaching room
• Flexible space for Design and Technology
• Art room

As well as general teaching rooms.

Our staff

Liz Titley

Course Leader – BA Education Studies

Liz Titley graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Education Studies from Aberystwyth University and went on to continue with PhD study.

Dr Rebecca Snape

PhD student and Assistant Lecturer in Education

Dr Rebecca Snape started working at BCU in 2015, firstly as a Graduate Teaching and Research Assistant, and then as a Visiting Lecturer. She is now working as a Lecturer in Education Studies.