Core modules
In one you will study eight compulsory modules (see below) In two you will study compulsory modules in Research Methods Globalisation and Education Policies and Politics of the English Education System and Professional Identity and Skills Work Based Placement You will then choose optional modules to complete your Year Two programme

In three you will study two core modules including dissertation plus modules from within the Department or up to two education-focused modules from other Departments

Important information

We are planning to make some exciting changes to our Education Studies (BA) for 2024 entry We continually review our curricula to reflect developments in the relevant disciplines to deliver the best educational experience The core and optional modules will undergo approval through the University's rigorous academic processes As modules are approved we will update the course information on this webpage It is therefore very important that you check this webpage for the latest information before you apply and prior to accepting an offer Sign up to receive updates

Year One
Theories of Learning
This module introduces you to various psychological theories outlining how human beings learn The module covers leading child development theorists' perspectives on learning in the early (such as Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky) as well as exploring the work of theorists who explore learning from the perspective of older children young people and adults By the end of the module you'll have acquired the tools for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of contrasting learning theories This module also aims to give you an insight into the relationship between social values culture and theories of learning

Read more about the Theories of Learning moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)

Social Contexts of Childhood and Education
This module is an introduction to the sociologies of education and childhood It will cover theories of social reproduction through education and consider themes including socialisation and agency We will engage with concepts of stigma marginalisation and social mobility Theoretical ideas such as intersectionality habitus and hegemony will feature as we get to grips with the relationship between educational and social inequalities Students will be invited to consider social class gender ‘race’ and disability and employ their ‘sociological imagination’ to analyse contemporary accounts of educational experience

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Foundations for Learning The Early Years
What motivates children to learn? How do they learn? What should they learn? In this module you’ll consider what very young children (0-5 ) need to take part in education and society Topics include

Developmental theory (prenatal and through early )
Holistic learning
Diversity and inclusion
The role of adults in education and society
Leadership and governance
UK and international initiatives to improve the outcomes for disadvantaged young children and their life chances
Read more about the Foundations for Learning The Early Years moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)

International Education
This module will explore models concepts and themes relating to education at a global level There are two overarching trends which structure the sessions First processes of globalisation provide a theoretical frame within which students will examine themes and trends that cut across geographical and national boundaries Among other things globalisation and children’s rights to education the Millennium Development Goals the investment in early education and the marketisation of schooling and higher education are discussed Second the module will focus on the way that education is promoted within different international contexts thereby exploring how factors such as ideology culture and economics impact on education There will be more of a case study approach here with students focusing on country specific education systems such as Scandinavia America or Italy In each case the focus may be on the schooling system the provision of early education or the shifting role of higher education

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Creativity Culture and Learning
The idea of creativity is at the heart of contemporary educational policy and practice You could say that developing creativity is a 21st-century educational ideal Yet claims about creativity often avoid questions of what creativity is and why creative activities might be valuable Through this module you’ll understand

The key debates and concepts relating to creativity
How different forms of creative thinking behaviour and learning can be encouraged
The role of ideology in shaping personal local national and global attitudes to creative forms of thinking learning and behaving
How to debate and evaluate what a creative learning experience is
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Introduction to the Philosophy of Education
What is philosophy? What does a philosophical question about education look like? What role has philosophical thought historically played in shaping education? What role and status should philosophy have in education today? Can teaching and learning be effective if there is not a philosophical element to it? This module considers these questions in the context of exploring the relationship between the discipline of philosophy and the field of education The module will provide an introductory starting point for wrestling with these questions through close reading of extracts of key philosophical texts and through practically exploring the teaching of philosophy with primary aged pupils in a local school setting

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Education Today
This module is your starting point to understand historical and contemporary issues in education It is organised around the idea that policies and practices from the past still resonate in the organisation funding priorities and day-to-day life of educational institutions today Students will get the chance to access the historical archive held at the Modern Records Centre on campus which contains a wealth of material on late 19th-20th century British and international history politics economics and society The themes covered by the module include compulsory schooling policies colonialism and schooling special needs education and gender segregation

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Academic Identity and Skills
This reflective and practical module allows you to explore your preferred ways of learning Through considering the academic standards assessment methods and teaching and learning practices used in Higher Education this module will support you to develop an informed personalised and critical approach to academic scholarship that will scaffold your success at university

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Year Two
Globalisation and Education
This module will explore models concepts and themes relating to the globalisation of education In particular there are two general trends outlined and critically examined with reference to globalisation

The first overarching theme is the idea of globalisation as a process of global standardisation The module will pick up on a number of debates and issues relating to how attempts have been made to homogenise education globally or at least move towards more universal provision at a number of different levels This will involve analyses of the political and economic dimensions of globalisation as it affects education including the involvement of supra-national organisations NGOs and nation states

The second dominant theme is the emphasis on global diversity Attempts at globalising education come up against political and cultural obstacles The second half of the module will focus more on trends and cases of education and schooling that highlight the diversity of provision and practices within education The sessions will refer to global and national policy contexts where relevant as well as pick up on novel attempts to provide education and schooling in contexts of political and economic adversity

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Policies and Politics of the English Education System
This module will introduce you to the core areas of policy contention innovation and development in the English educational system Starting with the historical context you’ll discover how the major reviews of education in the 20th and 21st centuries have shaped educational policy and practice You’ll also explore

formal educational assessment
how policy affects educational inequality
how social and cultural changes within English society have affected the education system and curriculum
different approaches to teacher training
trends in the marketisation of education in England
Read more about the Policies and Politics of the English Education System moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)

Professional Identity and Skills Work-Based Placement
This module gives you the opportunity to hone your professional skills and career aspirations through an education-focused work-based placement In taught sessions you’ll explore the professional characteristics of organisations who work with children young people and their families in an educational capacity This will include investigating the staffing and leadership structures of example organisations their policies their modes of work professional roles and conduct In addition the role of reflective practice in professional development will be examined from both theoretical and practical angles You’ll be given support with organising your placement which can be in a location of your choice (however approval must be gained from the module leader who must see a clear connection between the work of your chosen organisation and the concept of ‘education’) or may be based with one of the Department of Education Studies’ key partners Education Studies placement partners consist of organisations that deliver both formal and informal education in a variety of contexts (ie schools hospitals charities children’s centres sports organisations youth theatres community organisations)

Read more about the Professional Identity and Skills Work-Based Placement moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)

Research Methods
This module will equip you with the theoretical knowledge and the practical research design skills required for research in the education field By running your own small-scale research project you will also gain confidence in your ability to devise and conduct your dissertation project in your final In this module you’ll study

How to form research questions and hypotheses
How to match research questions to appropriate research methodologies
When to employ quantitative or qualitative research and what their strengths and limitations in education are
How to design data collection materials such as questionnaires and interview schedules
Ethical and legal issues involved with research in an education field
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Year Three
21st Century Educational Innovation
This module explores current and future innovation in education Topics include the future needs of education practice from birth to adult; global and local cultures and practice; multiliteracy; diversity; social justice; the marketisation of education; and governance You’ll also investigate the difference between equity and equality – and analyse how different models of education positively or negatively impact students’ learning

After three of study this module will enable you to apply the knowledge you’ve gathered during your course to present your own possible alternative models of education

Read more about the 21st Century Educational Innovation moduleLink opens in a new window including the methods of teaching and assessment (content applies to 2021 22 of study)

Optional modules
Optional modules can vary from to Example optional modules may include

Contemporary Issues in Special Educational Needs Disability and Inclusion
Philosophy in Education
Children’s Literature in Childhood
Education and Social Justice
Education for Sustainability
Masculinities Fatherhood and Young Children
Arts-Based Learning in Education
Representations of Teaching and Learning in the Media
The Developing Child in the School Context