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Education: Policy and Practice BA (Hons)

Start date

  • Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
  • Start Date(s): September 2025
  • Duration: One year part-time
  • Study Mode(s): Part-time (evening)
  • Campus: Clifton Campus
  • Entry Requirements:
    More information
Information for 2024

Introduction:

This one year, part-time course is specifically designed to enable practitioners with an education related foundation degree or similar qualifications to gain full graduate status. It will equip you with the skills and knowledge to gain a greater understanding and critical analysis of education.

Students must be employed in an education setting for a minimum of 15 hours a week for the duration of the course and for two years prior.

This course is ideal for all educational professionals including:

  • trainers
  • teaching assistants
  • learning support assistants
  • non-graduate teachers
  • and others working in education.
  • Studying in the evening to fit around your work and commitments.
  • Expand your knowledge and skills to enhance your educational support practice.
  • Extend your transferable skills to support your career development.
  • Progression options to an undergraduate degree or teacher-training.
90
%

of BA (Hons) Education: Policy and Practice graduates were in work and/or further study 15 months after completing their studies (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21)

What you’ll study

This course provides people with 240 Higher Education credit points already achieved from previous studies to gain a full Honours Degree in Education. The course is offered on a part time basis, and you will achieve 120 credit points in one academic year.

On successful completion of this course, you will have developed a deep understanding education by examining polices, literature and theories from reliable and academic sources. This will include an exploration of current issues in which you will challenge arguments and assumptions of others. You will, by thorough planning of your dissertation, demonstrate the ability to problem solve and plan your own research.

By undertaking a systematic enquiry through primary research in modules one and three you will develop skills in applying research methodologies and techniques. Through the exploration of your findings, you will develop analytical skills to evaluate your own evidence in order to make judgements to improve practice. You will communicate your plans, ideas and findings effectively to both your tutors and your peers.

The aims of the course are to:

  • enable educational practitioners to acquire coherent and detailed knowledge of their discipline;
  • critically analyse your practice and make suitable recommendations for improvement.

This will be achieved with reference to aspects of current research in education, using these to devise and sustain arguments, to solve problems, or make reasoned judgements that affect education practices.

Education Research (20 credits)

  • Studying this module, you'll investigate the role of education research as a tool to improve practice.
  • You'll critically analyse current research, exploring and analysing the use of research instruments.
  • You'll plan and undertake a small-scale research project of your own and evaluate your skills in the process. This will prepare you for the Dissertation module later in the course.

Education for All (40 credits)

  • You'll critically analyse the impact of education policy on your practice through the lens of equal opportunities and social justice.
  • You'll develop a detailed knowledge of an aspect of education that is pertinent to your workplace and undertake a critical review of this, making recommendations for improvement.

Dissertation (60 credits)

  • You'll undertake a second research project within your workplace.
  • You'll use peer feedback to develop your planning, undertake the research, critically evaluate arguments, assumptions and the data of current research undertaken by others and make recommendations to improve practice within your workplace.
  • You'll undertake a review of your skills and knowledge, identifying how these contribute to your current practice or future career.

Students who successfully achieve modules 1 and 2 but not module 3 will be eligible for an Advanced Diploma in Education.

How you’re taught

You'll learn through a combination of class discussions, practical activities, group tasks, group presentations and individual research tasks. The course will focus on the exploration of key educational issues using recognised research methods, followed by a dissertation. We predominantly run evening sessions however there is one weekend session, allowing you to continue working while you study. You will be assessed via a combination of coursework and other assignments, related closely to your own work context.

A one-day Conference is arranged as part of the input you will receive on the course, this falls during the second module. A range of speakers contribute to this event, enabling you to broaden your knowledge and understanding of the education sector.

Learn from our experienced staff

Our tutors are all experienced professionals who contribute to research and development within their specialist fields. Their research and influence not only shapes new educational practice, but also feeds directly into our courses, keeping you at the forefront of policy and practice.

Assessment

This is by coursework and assignments.

Placements

You are expected to be employed in an educational setting at the time of studying. Therefore the course does not offer placements.

Your future

This course can lead to a range of professional development opportunities. You may wish to progress to a recognised teacher training course to pursue a career in schools or post-compulsory education. Students also progress to Masters degrees.

Staff Profiles

Tarah Abdishakur - Senior Lecturer

School of Social Sciences

Find out about Tarah Abdishakur, School of Social Sciences at NTU

How you’re assessed

  • Year 1 coursework (100%)

Careers and employability

Although this degree does not gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS), progression onto a PGCE programme may be a future option.

Links with industry

We involve industry experts in our courses in a number of ways.

  • We consult with employers when we design and update our courses.
  • We ensure you are prepared to meet the demands of the workplace by continually checking the currency and validity of our courses with employers.
  • Employers may input directly into your course through guest lectures, projects, and other work-related activities.

Learn a new language

Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.

Learning a new language can:

  • enhance your communication skills
  • enrich your experience when travelling abroad
  • boost your career prospects.

Find out more about the University Language Programme.

Campus and facilities

Entry requirements

You will need:

  • 240 HE credit points (e.g. from the Cert Ed, PCES programmes or the FdA)
  • GCSE Mathematics and English at grade C, or equivalent
  • a minimum of two years experience in an educational setting, working with children, young people or adults (minimum of 15 hours per week).
  • Applicants would be expected to be employed within an educational setting at the time of studying and for the duration of the course.

Other requirements

  • Vocational reference

Getting in touch

If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form

Fees and funding

Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service.

Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494

Additional Costs

Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.

Library books

Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.

Field trips

All essential field trip costs will be included in your course fees. There may be the opportunity to take part in optional field trips, which do incur additional costs.

Placements

If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.

Print and copy costs

The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.

How to apply

Ready to join us? Then apply as soon as you can. Just click the Apply button at the top of the page and follow the instructions for applying. Make sure you check the entry requirements above carefully before you do.

Writing your application

Be honest, thorough and persuasive in your application. Remember, we can only make a decision based on what you tell us. Make sure you include as much information as possible, including uploading evidence of results already achieved, as well as a personal statement.

Keeping up-to-date

After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process - so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.

Diversity of our students

We are committed to promoting a diverse and representative body of teacher trainees. We welcome applications from under-represented groups, such as male applicants, applicants from BME communities, mature applicants and those with disabilities.

All applicants welcome

We welcome applications from prospective students with a range of qualifications and experience, and all are assessed on an individual basis. Mature applicants who do not meet the standard entry criteria can still be considered providing they have relevant experience to compliment any qualifications.

Getting in touch

If you need any more help or information, please call us on +44 (0)115 848 4200 or complete our enquiry form.