Program Overview

Education Studies

Overview

Education Studies at Queen’s explores the multi-disciplinary field of education by critically examining key topics and themes and analysing research-driven insights to ask questions that matter. From concepts and issues to policy and practice, students will examine the fascinating landscape of local and global education through the core underpinning disciplines of psychology, sociology, philosophy, history, and politics.

Course Highlights

• Internationally Renowned Experts: Education Studies is taught by internationally recognised researchers with expertise related to the modules they develop and teach.
• Student Experience: The Education Studies programme provides opportunities to develop substantive knowledge and research skills through collaborations with external partners in education and education-related organisations.
• Global Opportunities: Immerse yourself in a new culture and boost your CV as you explore the world through Queen’s life-changing travel opportunities to go abroad for a summer, a semester or a year, with various funding options to help support travel costs.

Course Structure

• Stage 1 Modules:
  • Origins, Underpinnings and Future Directions in Education
  • Developing Skills in Critical Thinking, Analysis and Expression
  • Understanding Learning, Curriculum and Assessment
  • Optional modules:
    • Health and Wellbeing of Children and Young People
    • Education for Diversity and Equality
    • Exploring the Contributory Disciplines of Education Studies
• Stage 2 Modules:
  • Quantitative Research Skills
  • Qualitative Research Skills
  • Formal and Informal Education in the 21st Century
  • Optional modules:
    • Promoting Interculturality and Critical Language Awareness
    • Schools and Society
    • Inclusive Learning and Teaching
• Stage 3 Modules:
  • Education Studies in Theory and Practice
  • Applied Research in Education
  • Optional modules:
    • A Global Perspective on Education
    • Transformative Education in Conflict Affected Societies
    • Politics and Policy in Education
    • Human Rights and Education

People Teaching You

• Dr Laura Dunne: Reader in Education
• Dr Leanne Henderson: Lecturer in Education, Programme Director
• Professor Joanne Hughes: Professor in Education
• Professor Sarah Miller: Professor in Education

Contact Teaching Hours

• Personal Study: 24 (hours maximum)
• Large Group Teaching: 6 (hours maximum)
• Medium Group Teaching: 3 (hours maximum)

Assessment

• Modules are typically assessed by a combination of continuous assessment, assignments and/or final written examination.
• Examples of continuous assessment include:
  • Small Group Projects/Presentations
  • Written assignments
  • Research-based assignments

Feedback

• Students receive general and specific feedback about their work from a variety of sources including lecturers, module co-ordinators, placement employers, personal tutors, advisers of study and peers.
• Feedback may be provided in a variety of forms including:
  • Formal written comments and marks relating to work that you, as an individual or as part of a group, have submitted.
  • Face-to-face comments.
  • Online or emailed comments.
  • General comments or question and answer opportunities at the end of a lecture, seminar or tutorial.

Facilities

• The School is located within a recently renovated building, with state of the art teaching and learning facilities, together with dedicated student space including a large student common room.

Career Prospects

• Education Studies provides a solid foundation for students to support the educational ambitions of a wide range of organisations and provide a diverse choice of career destinations such as in governments, international agencies, charities, public sector organisations, schools, and the private sector.
• Examples of local and international employment roles:
  • Education Consultant
  • Policy Officer and Policy Analyst
  • Researcher
  • Civil Servant
  • Youth Worker
  • Community, charity sector and international development roles
  • Training, policy and advocacy roles.

Entrance Requirements

• A-level: BBB
• Irish Leaving Certificate: H3H3H3H3H4H4/H3H3H3H3H3
• Access Course: Successful completion of Access Course with an average of 65%.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall, including 6,5,5 at Higher Level.
• BTEC Level 3 Extended/National Extended Diploma: QCF BTEC Extended Diploma (180 credits at Level 3) with overall grades of DDD
• Graduate: A minimum of a 2:2 Honours Degree

International Students

• Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region.
• Information on funding options and financial assistance for undergraduate students is available at [scholarships].

Tuition Fees

• Northern Ireland (NI): £4,855
• Republic of Ireland (ROI): £4,855
• England, Scotland or Wales (GB): £9,535
• EU Other: £22,400
• International: £22,400

Additional Course Costs

• There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

How to Apply

• Application for admission to full-time undergraduate and sandwich courses at the University should normally be made through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
• The advisory closing date for the receipt of applications for entry in 2026 is Wednesday 14 January 2026 (18:00).