Program Overview

Education Studies (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

Overview

The Education Studies programme is a long-established and well-respected programme that has been running at the University of Derby since 2000. This online top-up degree is ideal for those who already hold 120 credits at level 4 and 120 credits at level 5 in a relevant area of study, allowing them to top-up to a full BA (Hons) degree with two years of online study.

Study Options

• Part-time: 2 years
• UK fee: £5,730 (2025/26)
• International fee: £5,730 (2025/26)
• Start date: September
• Location: Online

Course Description

This programme is designed to provide a broad knowledge and understanding of education, becoming an authority on current education policy and practice. The programme is delivered by a dedicated and enthusiastic team, including experts in the field, and prepares students for a broad range of roles.

Programme Structure

The course is structured into four 20-credit modules and one 40-credit module.

Stage 1

• Core modules:
  • ‘Entrepreneurial’ Education
  • Left Behind and Left out: Social Exclusion and Education
  • The Future of Education
  • The Science of Learning and the Art of Teaching
  • Educational Independent Study – Literature Based Study

Module Details

‘Entrepreneurial’ Education

• Code: 6ED537
• Credits: 20
• Module learning outcomes:
  • LO1: To formulate and agree with module tutor own learning outcome(s)
  • LO2: To complete the agreed learning outcome

Teaching and Learning

• The programme is taught by highly qualified staff with expertise across the four academic strands of history, sociology, philosophy, and psychology.
• The academic team are passionate about the discipline, and they work collaboratively to create and maintain high standards of teaching quality and an excellent student experience.
• The programme is delivered entirely online through the University's user-friendly student portal dashboard and intuitive digital learning environment.

Assessment Method

• This course is assessed through 100% coursework with a range of methods, such as academic posters, essays, a literature-based project, and pre-recorded presentations.

Student Support and Guidance

• Whilst we encourage our students to become independent, life-long learners, we also recognise that offering the right support and guidance will help you to achieve your goals.
• There is a wealth of support available to you at the University, from your dedicated Personal Tutor and Online Learner Advisor, through to our:
  • Library
  • Health and Wellbeing Centre
  • Careers and Employability Service
  • IT Support
  • Union of Students
  • Develop@Derby for study, personal and employability skills

Careers

• This programme is ideal for anyone currently working, or intending to work with children, young people, or adults in educational roles.
• Graduates have also gained employment across health, social care, business, and the third sector.
• Options for further online study include:
  • MA Education
  • Doctor of Education (EdD)

Entry Requirements

• You will need 240 credits from a recognised qualification (level 4 and 5) in a relevant subject area, such as a Foundation Degree, Higher National Diploma, or equivalent international qualification.
• Evidence of significant work and life experience may be taken into consideration upon application.

English Language Qualifications

• If English is not your first language, or you have not successfully completed your highest level of qualification in English, you will need an English language qualification.
• For this course, you will need at least one of the following:
  • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) 6.0 (with 5.5 in each skills test)

Exemptions

• Exemptions can be made on the basis of prior academic study, professional qualifications, or professional experience.
• Students that have already studied at another institution, completed a training course, or have work experience which appears equivalent to one or more modules of this programme, may be able to translate this prior learning into credits towards course modules so that they do not have to study them again.

Fees and Funding

• ‡2025/26 for new entrants
• Starting between September 2025 and August 2026
• UK/EU/International: £5,730
• Flexible payment plans available:
  • Pay monthly and only for the modules you are studying
  • Pay your full course fees upfront and avoid annual increases

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.