Program Overview

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Overview

This Education and Sociology BA (Hons) explores the relationship between education and society, focusing on issues such as inequality and the role of education in our digital world. You’ll benefit from work placements, real-world projects, international study options, and gain key employability skills to pursue inspiring careers working with young people, community organisations, in policy making, teaching, and beyond.

Why Study Education and Sociology at Keele University?

No. 1 in the UK. Britain's best university, as ranked by students (Student Crowd University Awards, 2022)

Global Top 300 for Education (Times Higher Education World University Subject Rankings, 2023)

Option to study abroad to experience a different culture and society at a partner university

Taught by specialists in a wide range of areas including, migration, cultural studies, and environmental sociology

Course Summary

Would you like to make a meaningful difference in the world, shaping lives and communities? This Education and Sociology BA explores the relationship between education and society, focusing on issues such as inequality and the role of education in our digital world. You’ll benefit from work placements, real-world projects, international study options, and gain key employability skills to pursue inspiring careers working with young people, community organisations, in policy making, teaching, and beyond.

Year of Entry

• 2026 - for 2026 entry see here - for 2025 entry see here

UCAS Code

• LX33

Duration of Study

• 3 years or 4 years with international or placement year

Course Structure

Modules for Education and Sociology

The module details given below are indicative, they are intended to provide you with an idea of the range of subjects that are taught to our current students. The modules that will be available for you to study in future years are subject to change as we regularly review our teaching to ensure that it is up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods, as well as student voice. The information presented is therefore not intended to be construed and/or relied upon as a definitive list of the modules available in any given year.

Year 1

Compulsory Modules

• Education: Past and Present
• Understanding Inequalities
• Becoming a Social Scientist

Optional Modules

• Children and Learners in Society
• Imagining Social Order and Deviance
• Society, People and Place: Global Issues and Local Realities
• Education Identities and Spaces

Year 2

Compulsory Modules

• Social Science Research Methods and Data Analysis
• Redefining Social Theory: Digital and Global Perspectives
• Diversity and Inclusion in Education
• Social Science at Work

Optional Modules

• Critical Issues in Higher Education
• Social Sciences Placement
• Social Design

Year 3

Compulsory Modules

• Engaged Social Science
• Education Trends and Futures

Optional Modules

• Independent Research Project (Education)
• Independent Study Project in Sociology
• Educational Policy: Making Change
• Gender, Sexuality, and Power
• Home and Belonging in a Precarious World
• Beyond Human
• What is Education For?
• Work Placement for Social Sciences Final Year Students

Entry Requirements

These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical Offer

Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject-specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.

• A Level: BBC
• BTEC: DMM
• T Level: Merit

Alternative and Contextual Offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.

General Information

The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject-specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.

Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year

• UK: £9,535 for the 2025/6 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
• International: Band 1, £17,700 for the 2025/26 academic year

Please note, our 2026/27 entry fees have not yet been set. We set our fees on an annual basis and they will be updated here once set.

For Home students, the University's fees are regulated by the UK Government and may be subject to change in subsequent years of your course in-line with government policy or legal requirements. For continuing international students, fees will increase annually by RPI, with a maximum cap of 5% per year.

For details of our international fee bands visit our Undergraduate tuition fees page.

Teaching, Learning, and Assessment

Teaching

You will be taught using different teaching and learning methods dependent on the subject matter and module level. These currently include:

• Lectures – which provide a framework for reading and independent study.
• Interactive learning – working together with other students in smaller groups
• Tutorials and seminars – current topics and challenges discussed in greater depth.
• Workshops – gain hands-on skills, for example, examining and interpreting data.
• Independent study – directed reading
• Web-based learning – using Keele’s virtual learning environment, the KLE to support your learning.
• Dissertation – designing and implementing a research project under academic supervision.
• Simulations and experiential learning – tutorials, seminars, and extra-curricular activities.

Assessment

The different assessment methods used on this programme reflect the broad knowledge and skills you will develop during your studies. These may include:

• Essays
• Oral presentations
• Reflective diaries
• Case studies
• Book reviews
• A research proposal
• Oral history interviews
• Creating digital resources
• Dissertation

Foundation Year

Foundation Year Overview

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.

On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

Entry Requirements

The entry grades outlined in this section indicate the likely offer or range of offers which would be made to candidates along with any subject-specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary offer conditions depending upon a candidate's application.

• Between 40-48 UCAS points from at least 1 A level/level 3 qualification or equivalent, or
• Relevant work experience

AND

• GCSE English Language at grade 4 (C), or Level 2 Functional Skills, or
• IELTS 5.5 (with 5.5 in all subtests)

How to Apply

Students will need to apply for BA (Hons) Education with Foundation Year (UCAS code X3L3) through UCAS at www.ucas.com. You will be contacted to confirm your second subject by a member of our team.

Direct Entry Students

If you already have your qualifications, are not expecting any further results, and only wish to apply to Keele, please contact the Admissions Office directly.

Additional Opportunities

• Work Placement Opportunities
• International Year
• Semester Abroad
• Study Abroad GCP Elective Pathways

There are a range of additional opportunities for this course. Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.

Work Placement Opportunities

Having the opportunity to undertake a placement is a valuable experience which will enable you to demonstrate and develop your skill set further. Through this course, you will become a creative individual with the ability to critically evaluate, synthesise, and produce content effectively through various methods.

You may choose to pursue a career in:

• Teaching and education
• Social work
• Health
• Youth work
• Policing
• Government
• Advertising and marketing
• Charity
• Politics
• Journalism
• Business

If you are considering a career in Secondary School teaching, you will be required to have a good knowledge of the subject you would like to teach. Studying an Education Combined Honours programme is a great option to help prepare you for your career and meet this requirement.

Alternatively, if you are considering a career in Primary School teaching, the Education Single Honours programme is a great option to help prepare you for your career in the Primary Sector.

Enhance Your Employability

Keele’s Careers and Employability team (Shortlisted for Best University Careers Employment Service - National Undergraduate Employability Awards, 2021), offers a variety of personal and career development opportunities to enhance your employability.

From mock interviews, careers guidance, and CV advice, to careers fairs, alumni mentoring, and networking events, along with helping you find part-time and graduate employment - the team will support you throughout your studies and beyond.

Find out more about our careers and employability services, including career planning, alumni mentoring, jobs, internships, starting your own business, and much more.