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Education at UEA
Find out more about studying Education at UEA, and browse our other courses.
Find out moreBA (Hons) Education, Childhood and Culture
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Arts
- UCAS Course Code
- X010
- Typical Offer
- BBB
- Contextual Offer
- BCC
- Course Length
- 3 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2027
Other Course Options
Other Start Dates
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90%
Of graduates go on to work and/or study within 15 months after the course
Graduate Outcome Survey 202093%
Of students were positive about the support provided by teaching staff
Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024-25Course Overview
Why BA Education, Childhood, and Culture at UEA?
Explore how education and childhood connect with culture, society, development and identity across different contexts and backgrounds. Gain practical insight through placements and projects, connecting theory with real-world experiences.
Why choose UEA
- Research-led teaching: Learn from active researchers and practitioners, linking cutting‑edge research with practice
- Exciting placements: Build real-world skills through placements and community partnerships
- Graduate success: Joint #1 in the East of England for graduate prospects in Education (Complete University Guide 2026)
What is Education, Childhood, and Culture?
BA Education, Childhood and Culture explores how childhood experiences shape lives, identities, and societies.
You’ll study childhood across different cultures and communities. The course combines theory, research and practical experience to build your skills for a career working with children.
You’ll explore childhood through the lens of psychology, sociology, culture, policy and education research. Through placements and projects, you’ll see how different settings shape children’s lives. These include schools, museums, galleries, charities and community organisations.
Our research-led teaching enables you to explore childhood across different education systems, giving you excellent career prospects.
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Careers
Career Pathways
With a BA Education, Childhood and Culture degree, you could launch a career as a:
- Teacher: Progress to a PGCE or direct teaching roles in schools, early years settings, or cultural learning environments
- Educational researcher: Conduct research into childhood, learning and education policy in universities, think tanks, charities, or research organisations
- Youth and community worker: Support learning, wellbeing, and development for children and young people in charities and community projects
- Cultural or arts education roles: Develop learning programmes for young children in museums, galleries, theatres, sports clubs, and other cultural organisations
- Policy or advisory roles: Work with local authorities, government, or NGOs shaping education and community-based programmes and strategies for children
Career Support
Career development is built into the BA Education, Childhood, and Culture course, giving you dedicated support throughout your studies and placement experiences. You’ll build practical skills, professional confidence, and valuable networks through our partnerships with schools, researchers, charities, and cultural organisations.
You’ll benefit from mentoring and guidance from our research-active academic staff, helping you prepare for postgraduate study or careers in education, research, and community roles.
You’ll also benefit from expert guidance through Career Central, UEA’s dedicated careers service, offering personalised advice, skills development, and career support to help you stand out in a competitive job market.
After the Course
Many graduates move into teaching through our PGCE or direct roles in schools and early years settings. Many also choose to work in research, policy, youth work, and community organisations. Others build careers in cultural education and arts engagement, working in museums, theatres, and cultural organisations.
You’ll also be well prepared for postgraduate study, such as a Master’s or PhD.
Study and Modules
Structure
You’ll begin your degree by establishing a solid foundation in the major theories, concepts, and issues in education. You’ll explore education in the context of psychology, sociology, history, and philosophy, and discover how such contexts help us to understand education in society today. You’ll also link these key concepts and issues to real-life examples, thinking about education around the world and how technology is changing education today. We’ll also equip you with the skills needed to study effectively and introduce key study techniques such as reflection and academic writing.
We deliver a common suite of year one modules for our BA Education courses, which means you’ll have the opportunity to transfer to one of the following courses after year one:
Compulsory Modules
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
At this stage, you’ll study early childhood development (from birth to five years of age), the transitions through childhood to youth (from six years of age), and research methods in educational research. You’ll learn the skills required to undertake empirical research and gain practical knowledge of education.
You can also choose optional modules to tailor your learning to your interests. You’ll have access to a range of modules that focus on topics such as educational psychology, teaching, special educational needs, outdoor learning, language, and other broad understandings of education.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Structure
In your final year you’ll study the construction of childhood, exploring narratives of childhood and what these mean for our understanding. You’ll also undertake an extended research project, selecting a topic to explore under the supervision of a lecturer.
You’ll choose from topics including media representation, mathematics learning, language learning, and key issues in modern education. These options will help you shape your interests and build skills for a wide range of future careers.
You could progress into research through Master’s or PhD study, or move into education through PGCE pathways. Our team will support you as you explore postgraduate study and a variety of career opportunities.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 20, Max Credits: 40)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning, and Assessment
Teaching and Learning
Teaching includes lectures, seminars, workshops, and practical activities exploring education, childhood, and culture in different contexts.
Our teaching is research-informed and draws on expertise in education, childhood studies, and cultural analysis. Group work, reflection, and discussion run throughout the course to build critical thinking and professional skills.
You’ll explore childhood across many settings through placements, projects, community learning, and a year abroad.
In year one, you’ll learn key ideas in education, global education, and digital technology, alongside core academic skills.
In year two, you’ll study early childhood development, youth, and life transitions. You’ll apply theory through placements and build research skills through practical and project-based learning.
In year three, you’ll focus on advanced topics and independent study. You’ll explore cultural and political aspects of childhood and complete a dissertation on education, childhood, and culture.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed through essays, presentations, projects, portfolios, and placement evaluations measuring your knowledge, skills, and professional development.
Research-led assignments help you develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and the ability to apply theory to practice. You’ll complete a final-year dissertation to build independent research skills and reflect on your placement experiences.
You’ll receive regular feedback to support your progress, reflective practice, and preparation for postgraduate study or future careers.
In year one, you’ll complete essays, presentations, and short projects that build core knowledge and academic skills.
In year two, you’ll complete essays, reports, projects, and placement reflections that develop applied learning and research skills.
In year three, you’ll complete a dissertation, advanced projects, and professional portfolios. These demonstrate your independent research, critical analysis, and ability to apply theory in practice.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes(opens in a new window).
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
Contextual Offer: BCC
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM
Contextual Offer: DMM
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers
Access to HE Diploma
Pass Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 45 credits at Level 3
Contextual Offer: Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Merit in 30 credits at Level 3 and Pass in 15 credits at Level 3
T levels
Obtain an overall Merit
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
Irish Leaving Certificate
2 subjects at H2, 4 subjects at H3
Scottish Highers
AABBB
Scottish Advanced Highers
CCC. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable
NCFE/CACHE Level 3 Extended Diploma
Grade B or above in the following subjects:
- Children's Care, Learning and Development
- Children's and Young People's Workforce
- Health and Social Care (including Technical Level)
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade C or grade 4.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies(opens in a new window) page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
A levels
BBB
International Baccalaureate
31 points overall
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students(opens in a new window).
- UEA International Study Centre
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, UEA International Study Centre(opens in a new window) offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
- IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies(opens in a new window) for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, UEA International Study Centre offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Progression
Once enrolled onto a course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2027/28 are:
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UK Students: £10,050
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International Students: £24,250
We estimate living expenses at £1,171 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here(opens in a new window).
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships(opens in a new window) for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of course-related costs.
How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information: