Program Overview

BA Education Studies

The BA Education Studies course provides a distinctive and valuable insight into a range of educational issues. It explores current debates in contemporary education within various contexts, developing understanding in relation to sociology, creativity, and psychology.

Overview

The course offers opportunities to link theory to practice through educational visits, guest speakers, and placements. This enables students to develop skills and apply knowledge in different contexts, an asset highly valued by employers.

Why Choose BA Education Studies at the University of Reading?

In the National Student Survey 2025:

• 100% of students said teaching staff are good at explaining things
• 100% of students said the course has developed the knowledge and skills they think they will need for their future
• 100% of students said it was easy to contact teaching staff when they needed to

Assessment is 100% coursework-based, and students can tailor modules to their interests. The course is taught across three days per week, allowing students to balance studies with other responsibilities.

Education's Creative, Psychological, and Sociological Contexts

Students develop their understanding of psychology, learning theories, inclusion, sociology, policy, creative learning, and educational practice. They examine educational debates, topical issues, and education in its creative, economic, philosophical, cultural, political, and sociological contexts.

Experience in the Education Sector

This degree blends theory with practice, offering placement and volunteering opportunities. Students can carry out placements in settings including schools, museums, or galleries, supported by a dedicated academic tutor and the programme team.

Entry Requirements

• A Level: BBB
• International Baccalaureate: 30 points overall
• GCSE: Grade C (4) or equivalent in Maths and English
• BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM
• English language requirements: IELTS 6.5, with no component below 5.5

Structure

The course is divided into three years, with compulsory and optional modules.

Year 1

• Compulsory modules:
  • Creative Learning Through the Arts
  • Education for Inclusion
  • Psychology and Theories of Learning
  • Sociology, Education and Social Justice
  • Exploring Educational Practice
  • Key Debates in Education

Year 2

• Compulsory modules:
  • Contextualising Creative Learning through the Arts
  • Constructions of Childhood and Youth
  • Becoming an Educator
  • Researching Education Practice
• Optional modules:
  • Learning Gender: exploring the links between gender, education and society
  • Global Perspectives in Education and Sustainability

Year 3

• Compulsory modules:
  • Examining Educational Policy
  • Changing Education: An Educational Project for Social Justice
  • Dissertation in Educational Studies
• Optional modules:
  • Growing Up Human: Early Childhood Development and Educational Futures
  • Deafness and Blindness in Education
  • Development of Transferable Skills Through a School Placement

Fees

• New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,790 for 2026 entry
• New international students: £25,850 for 2026/27

Careers

The BA Education Studies course can act as a stepping-stone to a wide range of careers, including teaching, youth work, education officer roles in heritage or the Arts, adult training, mentoring/coaching, disability support, and psychology. Overall, 100% of graduates are in work and/or further study 15 months after the end of their course.