Students benefit from a high staff/student ratio with support provided by experienced staff in a School of Education renowned for its excellence in teaching and research. Key skills learning is integrated into our undergraduate degree to ensure that you gain not just subject knowledge, but transferable skills that are valued by employers, such as teamwork, communication, presentation and problem-solving, thus enhancing your self-confidence and employability. 

The School employs a range of interesting and innovative teaching approaches and a careful balance of assessment methods including personal research projects, presentations and some end of module examinations. We stress the role of personal tutors who will take an active interest in your development. We take the progress of individual students very seriously - as evident from the final degree results of our first cohort in which over 80% of students were awarded a degree at first class or 2:1 level.

The academic year consists of two 12-week semesters, with a Reading Week in Week 7, during which time students are expected to work independently but are not required to attend lectures or seminars. This is followed by a six-week examination period. In each semester, you will typically take three modules. The module structure usually consists of two lectures plus one seminar per week. Extensive independent study is also required. Lectures are attended by everybody taking the module; for seminars, students are divided into small groups so that they can interact with the tutor and address any problems which have arisen. In addition, there are occasional reading groups, led by more advanced students and supervised by members of staff, that students are required to attend.

The second year of the BA Educational Studies will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a two-week placement in an educational setting, for example, in a school or a museum. In addition to this, you will be able to participate in a number of visits to a variety of education providers  throughout the course. This combination of academic and applied study will enable students to complement theory with observed practice.

Career Opportunities

The BA Educational Studies degree will provide a strong foundation for diverse career opportunities at a time of rapid change in education. Careers are likely to include: managerial and administrative roles in schools and local authorities; work in early years settings; careers in youth, community and charity work; in museum and gallery education; and in the caring professions more generally. The degree course should equip candidates to enter primary or adult teaching or proceed onto the PGCE for Primary Years. As organisations develop their role as providers of training and development, opportunities are likely to continue to expand.

The School of Education and Lifelong Learning works closely with the University Careers Centre and, together with the School's Academic Careers Adviser, we will help students to choose their career path and develop their employability skills.

Advice is available from your first day of registration, ranging from a Careers Adviser specialist, extensive reference material, contacts with potential employers, work experience, and training sessions on interview skills, CV and self-presentation techniques. We also offer an online personal development portfolio called APD (Academic and Personal Development) which enables students to reflect on their knowledge, skills and abilities gained through academic study and non-academic work experience.