Education Studies BA (Hons)

Course Content

• Course Details

  This education studies course has been designed to contribute towards achieving the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goal: SDG4 Quality Education.

  If you are curious about education, keen to learn more and not sure yet where in the vast world of education you see yourself in the future – Education Studies here at Northampton could be the place for you.

  BA Education Studies is a multi-disciplinary programme and is designed to explore the field of education from a range of perspectives including international education. From the very beginning we encourage a thoughtful, reflective and rigorous approach to challenging assumptions. You are encouraged to become critical thinkers questioning the very basis of education, able to critique policy, compare differing approaches and ultimately reflect on your own development as an educationalist.

  Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 22/23. The modules relating to the academic year 23/24 will be available from June 2023.

  • Stage 1

    Stage One of this education studies degree provides a solid foundation by exploring a broader understanding of education including a basis in child development, and an exploration of what schools are, and could be. You will have the opportunity to apply this by observing practice during your placement towards the end of year one.

    • School: Past, Present and Future (10 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1034

      Status: Compulsory
      School: Past, Present and Future enables students to synthesise their previous school experiences with recent and contemporary education changes to develop a proposal for an improved School System in England, to reflect upon academic performance, and so enhance their graduate employability.
    • Understanding Education (10 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1035

      Status: Compulsory
      The module supports the transition into Higher Education, providing opportunities for personal, professional and academic development. Students will explore the concept of Education Studies and provides opportunities for discussion and exploration of key themes and phenomena.
    • Educational Landscapes (10 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1036

      Status: Compulsory
      This module develops students appreciation of what six subject disciplines can offer to the study of education, and their contribution to education systems to nurture a multi-disciplinary approach to educational issues, problems and concerns.
    • Childhood through Time (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1037

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to examine changing constructs and identities of the nature of childhood through time, from Medieval to Modern eras, including living memory and their own recent and current experiences.
    • Learning Re-imagined: disruptive and inclusive curriculum (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1038

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this module is to encourage students to interrogate how the curriculum might support or undermine presence, participation and achievement. Students will be enabled to develop their understanding of disruptive and inclusive curricula and why and how these matter in the context of a diverse society.
    • Professional Practice in Educational Settings (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1039

      Status: Compulsory
      The purpose of this work based learning module is to to support the application of theoretical perspectives of Education Studies in an educational setting and provide opportunites for the development of reflective professional practice and employability skills. Work based learning opportunites will be broad and could include, for example, setting based, virtual reality or online. There will be opportunities for students to arrange their own placements in consultation with the Partnership Tutor
    • Understanding Child Development in Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1040

      Status: Compulsory
      This module enables students to develop their understanding of a range of key theories of child development and explore their relevance for learning and the design of education programmes and policy in diverse contexts.
    • Educational Inequalities (10 Credits)
      Module code: EDU1041

      Status: Compulsory
      Educational Inequalities enables students to synthesise issues inherent to Educational Inequalities with their previous education experiences to create an education autobiographical narrative, and reflect upon engagement with the concepts of inclusion and exclusion whilst enhancing their graduate employability.
  • Stage 2

    This foundation from first year is built upon during Stage Two where global and diverse perspectives are explored and the placement opportunity at this stage could include time spent in a European country.

    • Debates in Education (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU2002

      Status: Designate
      Debates in Education facilitates students? development of key graduate-employability skills of communication, argument, and analysis spontaneously in unpredictable live oral environments in which each student takes on the role of lecturers to research, present and lead debate of contended education issues, as well as reflectively in retrospective written reports.
    • Research Methods (Childhood and Youth and Education) (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU2015

      Status: Compulsory
      This module will provide students with a grounding in independent research. Students will explore research methods in theory and application and gain practical research experience. A range of paradigms in social science research and related methodologies are investigated including evaluation of the suitability of different research designs, methodologies and methods. It will also provide students with underpinning understanding of independent research tools for the Level 6 dissertation.
    • Young People and Society Part 1 (SEN and inclusion) (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU2023

      Status: Compulsory
      This module is designed to give students an understanding of the issues and debates related to Special Educational Needs and the impact on learners. Module content will focus on the individual perspectives of children, young people and learners together with professionals and society in general. Students will be expected to consider and reflect upon their own experiences and their own place within society.
    • Young People and Society part 2 (Diversity and Pluralism) (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU2024

      Status: Designate
      This module is designed to give students an understanding of the issues and debates related to living in a diverse and plural society. The module content will focus on the features and impact of this diversity and will allow students to reflect and analyse a range of contemporary issues related to children, young people and families. Students will draw upon experience in various community settings.
    • Transitions for Children, Young People and Families (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU2025

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to explore and analyse key transitions experienced by children, young people and families. This module considers what makes a `successful? transition and how this can be effectively supported. Initiatives, innovations and policies are examined in order to identify examples of good practice.
    • History of Childhood (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU2026

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with opportunities to explore the relationships between ideas about childhood, the experience of being a child (especially in relation to education, work, social care and provision and family life ? but also including other areas, such as leisure and religion), and changes in the nature of childhood from Medieval times to the early twenty-first century.
    • Education and Heritage (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU2029

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to provide students with opportunities to examine the value and use of historic collections, heritage sites and historic environments as an educational resources and sites of formal and informal experiential learning. It deals with the first-hand nature of learning on or around these culturally important sites, exploring how these collections and sites are used to create and communicate historical and cultural narratives. Students develop both their practical knowledge of the diverse roles of education in contemporary heritage and historical practice. While the module focuses on the UK experience of heritage, key international heritage concepts, bodies and institutions may also be discussed.
    • The Psychology of Learning and Teaching in Educational Settings (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY2025

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to enable students to view education from a psychological perspective and to become aware of the ways in which Psychology can be used to understand and to improve learning and teaching. Students will spend time observing and/or participating in an educational environment, which could be a school, college, training environment or other relevant setting.
  • Stage 3

    Throughout the educational studies degree there is an emphasis on embracing educational research, and during the third stage, you will complete a dissertation based upon your own research. The placement experience at this stage will be where you can critically reflect on the impact of research in practice and on yourself as an educationalist. Ultimately becoming the educational leaders and thinkers of the future.

    • Education, Culture and Society (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU3004

      Status: Designate
      This module critically examines cultures within educational institutions and wider, socio-economic dimensions relating to children, young people and families. It is sociologically based but also draws upon the economic and business models, and the philosophy and politics that shape educational establishments and the behaviour of communities.
    • Exploring Deviance and Disaffection (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU3026

      Status: Designate
      Exploring Deviance and Disaffection enables students to explore the diverse nature of deviance and disaffection from the theoretical and applied paradigms relevant to understanding the role of related social justice as it impacts on education, teachers, and learners.
    • Empowering Approaches in Working with Children and Young People (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU3032

      Status: Designate
      This module is designed to involve students in the study of a range of approaches to working with young people to empower and enable them to reach their potential. The international research and theory concerning the approaches of social pedagogy, advocacy, youth work and play work are explored as examples of emancipatory approaches.
    • Educational Aims, Values and Ethics (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU3038

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to develop students? ability to construct and critically deconstruct Philosophy of Education dialogues and arguments whilst developing students? understanding of contested education issues so that students are enabled to produce cogently argued positions (on topics that they find personally meaningful).
    • Critical Perspectives on Current Education Practices (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU3039

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to explore the educational, social and political ideas of educational theorists, philosophers and practitioners that have significantly influenced the development of education and research about its purposes and methods from c.1750 to the present day. The contemporary relevance of the educators under scrutiny will be examined, making links between innovations in educational ideas, policy, research and practice of the past with those of today. The module is concerned with the philosophy of education, the history of educational theory and practice and the influence of this on current education practice.
    • Education Studies Research Report (20 Credits)
      Module code: EDU4002

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is for students to explore an education-related topic in-depth. Students will conduct independent research in order to demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of their chosen topic.
    • Education Studies Dissertation (40 Credits)
      Module code: EDU4007

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is for students to produce an extended piece of work which explores an education-related topic in-depth. Students will conduct independent research in order to demonstrate a comprehensive and critical understanding of their chosen topic.
    • Issues of Equality in Educational Settings (20 Credits)
      Module code: PDT3001

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is:For students to1. Understand how identity factors influence life chances2. Understand how social/historical and political factors influence life chances
    • Child and Adolescent Mental Health (20 Credits)
      Module code: PSY3026

      Status: Designate
      The purpose of this module is to review a range of theoretical approaches to the understanding of child & adolescent mental health. Students will develop a critical understanding of the nature of CAMH work, with a particular emphasis on the multifactorial nature of mental health in children & young people.

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• Entry Requirements

  A typical offer for a degree for education would be:

  • BCC at A-Level or,
  • DMM at BTEC or,
  • Pass (C and above) at T Level

  For this education studies degree, we welcome international applications and applications from students with a range of non-traditional educational or professional qualifications. We also welcome mature students and students who have undertaken access courses.

  Applicants are expected to hold GCSE grade C/4 in English or equivalent. GCSE Mathematics and GCSE Science are desirable.  (Please note that for students who wish to progress onto a Primary PGCE after their Honours degree it is necessary to hold GCSE grade C/4 in Maths and Science)

  Please note that all education studies students who enrol on the course will be required to complete:

  • Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS)

  Integrated Foundation Year Entry Requirements

  Admission to this foundation programme is normally:

  • DEE at A-Level or,
  • MPP at BTEC or,
  • Pass (D or E) at T Level

  However, we would also like to hear from you if you have professional or industry experience instead, a range of other qualifications or self-developed subject knowledge that relates to the programme you wish to study.

  For information on how to apply to study with us, please see our How to Apply page.

  English Language Requirements

  All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

  • IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 5.5 in all bands
    for study at undergraduate level

  For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  For information on how to apply to study with us as an International student, please see our How to apply for International Study page.

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• Fees and Funding

  2023/24 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted for this education studies BA (Hons) relate to study in the Academic Year 23/24 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,540 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate).
  • International – Full Time: £14,750
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,750

  2022/23 Tuition Fees

  Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 22/23 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

  • UK – Full Time: £9,250
  • UK – Part Time: £1,500 per 20 credit module
  • UK – Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 as part of a four year programme (subsequent years will be charged at standard BA rate).
  • International – Full Time: £14,000
  • International – Integrated Foundation Year: £14,000

  Additional Costs

  The cost of essential trips for your educational studies degree are covered by your tuition fees. During the programme you will also have the opportunity to join optional study trips. Previously, these optional trips have included visiting one of our European partner universities (most Education Studies Students visit HAN University in the Netherlands), a trip to Atlanta or Sweden. Typically the trip to the Netherlands costs in the region of £800; Atlanta £1000 and Sweden £500. Students normally allow an additional £100-£250 for their expenses. Optional trips within the UK normally cost in the region of £20.

  Scholarships and Bursaries

  For information on the scholarships available to you, please see our scholarships page.

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• Student Perks

  At the University of Northampton, everything we do, from funded trips to paid internships, is to give you everything you need to make a difference when you leave.

  If you join our full-time Education Studies degree at Northampton, you will receive a laptop when your course begins*. The laptops are built to a bespoke custom specification ideal for use in the seminar room, collaborative group work or studying at home.

  Whatever your ambitions, we’re here to help you to achieve them. We’ll support you to identify the skills you’re learning during your course, find your strengths and secure practical experience so that when it comes to applying for jobs or further study you’ll feel confident in standing out from the crowd. We’ve created the Northampton Employment Promise because we are so confident that if you focus on your studies and complete one of our awards you’ll be highly employable by the time you graduate. Putting you in a great position to secure employment or continue your studies.

  To check out the full list of perks, visit our Student Perks page or dedicated International Perks page.

  * UK fee payers only (see Terms and Conditions for further details)

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• Integrated Foundation Year (IFY)

  The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) for this educational studies degree offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

  If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

  Our four-year courses will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

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• FAQs

  How often will I need to attend?

  The amount of on-campus teaching varies from module to module, as does how it is delivered. Generally, you will have the most time face-to-face with the lecturer in your first year. Some modules for this education studies degree in the second year will be taught off-campus on trips and visits and final year study is often based on tutorials and individual time with the lecturer rather than formal lectures.

  How will I be assessed?

  There are no exams for Education Studies. Instead, assessments take the form of essays, portfolios, presentations, analysis and reflection.

  Where can a degree in Education Studies take me?

  There are lots of options available to you, especially in the Education sector. This could be in school settings, government / local authorities or international settings too. If you would like to become a teacher after studying this course, we can support you into postgraduate study.

  Do students get to experience some of the education methods that are learnt about on BA Education Studies?

  Yes we teach you the theoretical and the experiential elements of the education studies. For example, we visit forest schools so that you get to experience that. Visits to museums and art galleries are also part of the course. Placements have been designed to enable students to look closely at education in action, so look at and find the theory that we have been learning about in practice. What is important is that students learn about the theory and research (which we do within the various modules), recognise what this looks like in reality (achieved through the placements) and then are able to reflect upon that (students reflect on their experiences during and afterwards).

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Postgraduate and Careers

Guaranteed Interview: Teacher Training

If you complete your education studies degree with us and apply for the PGCE Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) programme at the University of Northampton during your final undergraduate year, you are guaranteed an interview.

Terms and conditions apply:

• Interviews are subject to you meeting the entry criteria for the course, we require a minimum 2:2 degree and relevant GCSEs
• An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course
• Places are limited and applications will close once the limit has been reached

Our postgraduate courses are a great way to enhance the skills you have already learnt. Benefit from our 20% alumni discount on postgraduate fees to give you a CV that will catch the eye of employers:

Education MA, Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CAMH) MSc, Counselling MSc, Social Work MA, Primary Education (5-11) (QTS) PGCE, PGCE QTS Primary Education (School Direct Route)

Our students leave us pursuing a range of careers including teaching, research, special educational needs, museums, charity work and mentoring or go on to postgraduate study. These are career paths and roles BA Education Studies graduates pursue after graduation:

• Teaching assistant
• Youth Worker
• Early years, primary, secondary or further education teacher
• Special educational needs teacher or coordinator (SENCO)
• English as a foreign language teacher
• Creative Therapist
• Community education officer