About this course
Are you ready for a future in education but want to keep your career options open? Our dynamic BA (Hons) Education Studies degree lets you do just that. You will take learning beyond the classroom, as you study education in its broadest sense. This unique course covers early years through to adult education - exploring a diverse range of subject areas, including sociology, policy, globalisation, technology, and social justice.
With a wide range of modules, you will have the freedom to build your own degree in line with your specific interests and career aims. Topics include education with a teaching focus; art, culture and heritage; youth studies and globalisation.
From day one, we will help you give real-life context to your studies and gain hands-on experience. Enhanced work-based learning and placement opportunities available through the Nottingham Institute of Education (NIoE) will give you industry experience - making you even more attractive to future employers. So, whether you’re new to the world of work or are planning a career change, you will be well prepared with our extensive network of 600 partnerships in settings, schools, colleges and the community.
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Freedom to build your own degree with the choice of a wide range of modules in line with your specific interests and career aims. -
Hands-on experience throughout your degree in a variety of educational employment roles through over 600 partnerships with local settings, schools, colleges and organisations. -
Work-based learning opportunities are embedded throughout the course. You will have the opportunity to access a placement experience in Year One, Two and Three. -
In Year Three, achieve up to 40 integrated credits at level 7, allowing you to submit work at Masters level, giving you the opportunity to transition APAL onto a part-time Masters in education programme.
of BA (Hons) Education Studies graduates were in work and/or further study 15 months after completing their studies (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2020/21)
What you’ll study
Our BA (Hons) Education Studies degree explores how people develop and learn throughout their lives. You will analyse education, drawing upon a range of disciplines, including sociology, policy, globalisation, technology and social justice.
You will examine how people have experienced education and how society and culture influence what is taught and how. Throughout the course, you will consider education as being something that happens in both classroom and community contexts. Government policy and initiatives will be explored to identify how policy affects local, national and international educational practices, as well as peoples’ life chances.
Each year has a key focus that will allow you to think as an educationalist.
In Year One, the course provides a solid grounding for understanding the multi- and interdisciplinary nature of education.
Outdoor Learning (20 credit points)
- This module focusses on reflective practice and theory.
- You’ll be encouraged to employ critical reflection to explore your own practice and how this shapes your leaderful approach to early childhood care and education.
What is Education (20 credit points)
- This module examines the process of education, as well as its wider meaning within society and politics.
- You’ll consider what education is, who it is for, and how power relations shape educational experiences.
- Key educational issues at national and international level will be explored in several contexts including formal, informal and alternative forms of education throughout life.
Developing Learning (20 credit points)
- This module explores the process of learning and how we can integrate this into formal education.
- You’ll consider: the way adults learn; the roles of the learner and the educator; approaches to learning; planning, design and organisation of learning and delivery methods.
Academic Skills (20 credit points)
- This module supports you in your transition into Higher Education and in understanding what is expected at this level of study and beyond.
- You’ll gain the essential skills needed to be successful in your academic journey.
Community Education ChalleNGe (40 credit points)
- This year-long module examines how culture and education are linked to community education.
- You’ll focus on the links between diverse local communities, language, youth, culture and international education in all formal settings.
- You’ll also work with Nottingham Trent University (NTU) ChalleNGe to apply concepts learned and help the local community.
In Year Two, the course will enhance your theoretical knowledge as you think about how your own research could contribute to the field of education. You will take part in a year-long experiential learning and placement module. Placements can be in a wide range of educational settings, locally, regionally, nationally or even internationally.
Core Modules
Experiential Learning & Placement (40 credit points)
- This year-long module explores the broader contexts in which your studies take place, within Education and Social Justice.
- You’ll develop professional skills through work-based learning in a placement setting relevant to your career goals.
- Whilst on your placement, you’ll be expected to reflect critically upon your own individual placement experiences.
Education Policy and Practice (20 credit points)
- This module covers education policy, along with historical and contemporary political trends in education.
- You’ll explore key debates within education policy and policymaking, as well as the political thinking driving policy reform.
- You’ll be encouraged to consider the ways in which education policy is carried out across all phases of education nationally and internationally.
Research Methods in Education (20 credit points)
- This module gives you knowledge and training on research methods in education, which will equip you to independently carry out a research project.
- You’ll cover the understanding, designing and application of research instruments that are relevant to the field of education.
- You’ll gain skills in a range of methodological approaches, philosophies and strategies.
You’ll choose one option A module and one option B module.
Optional A Modules
Youth Health & Well-being (20 credit points)
- This module introduces health and health care in Britain – an increasingly significant topic for those involved in providing services to young people.
- You’ll gain the practical skills needed to run effective health promotion campaigns.
- This will give you context and concepts related to health giving you an understanding of some of the health impacts on young people and the population.
Learning through Arts & Culture (20 credit points)
- This module explores elements of theory, policy and practices regarding motivation to learn.
- You’ll look at the arts in education, focusing on debates surrounding the delivery of arts in Early Year Foundation Stage and the National Curriculum.
Inclusive Education in a Global World (20 credit points)
- This module introduces marginalisation in education and in a wider society.
- You’ll focus on specific marginalised groups targeted by inclusion-focused initiatives in education.
- You’ll cover international projects that allow the development of inclusive education.
- You’ll also consider ways in which inclusion-related efforts could be improved as well as their limitations.
Navigating the Classroom and Curriculum (20 credit points)
- This module reflects on the professional roles and responsibilities of the primary school teacher.
- You’ll learn about a range of approaches to support planning, teaching and assessment across the Key Stages.
- You’ll be supported in developing a reflective and resilient approach.
Optional B Modules
Education and Young People (20 credit points)
- This module reflects on the increasingly varied landscape of education in Britain today.
- You’ll explore long-standing and emerging inequalities within education.
- You’ll be equipped with the practical skills needed to be able to design your own educational resource tailored for a group of young people in an informal or alternative educational provision.
Object-based Learning: Combining Arts & Culture with the Classroom (20 credit points)
- This module examines the role of arts in educational, cultural and community settings.
- You’ll select an object as a focus for interpretation into the curriculum.
- You’ll learn about the historical and cultural references, as well as the form and function of the object.
Comparative and International Education (20 credit points)
- This module engages with debates about different educational philosophies and approaches both nationally and internationally.
- You’ll explore alternative approaches to formal education such as Steiner Schools, Montessori Schools and Radical Education.
Sociology of Education (20 credit points)
- This module explores the origins of the sociology of education.
- You’ll explore the impact of race, class and gender on educational experiences.
- You’ll consider the ways in which education contributes to issues of social justice and patterns of equality and inequality.
- The module will cover in-depth analysis of key thinkers in relation to the sociology of education with specific consideration of cultural reproduction theory, critical race theory and feminist theory.
In Year Three, you will create your own research project in line with your interests continuing your opportunities to gain experience and develop a portfolio. This will be completed alongside your selected modules. You can submit up to two of your assessments at Master level. Achieving these Masters credits will allow you to transition (APL) on to the Part-time Master’s in education within NIoE, or flexible Masters programmes elsewhere.
Core Modules
Research Project: Research in Education (40 credit points)
- With this year-long module, you’ll research and write a dissertation in an area of your own academic interest, in relation to education.
Social Justice in Education (20 credit points)
- This module engages with global issues of social justice and discourses around morality.
- You’ll consider and analyse the question: What is fair?’ You’ll critically evaluate your own understanding of equity and use specialist skills to critically discuss the experience of others in different international settings.
Education and Digital Technology - Teaching and Learning in an Online World (20 credit points)
- This module examines how digital and online technologies influence education throughout life.
- You’ll examine societal attitudes, socio-economic factors on current education policies and practices.
- You’ll consider the role of the teacher in the delivery of effective practice within mainstream education and beyond.
You’ll choose one option A module and one option B module.
Option A Modules
Advice and Guidance in Practice (20 credit points)
- This module explores definitions of counselling, advice and guidance.
- Whether you wish to specialise in one of the guidance professions or simply broaden your knowledge of this aspect of working with people, you’ll gain an understanding of the skills, qualities and attitudes needed to be an effective guidance practitioner.
Race, Media and Popular Culture (20 credit points)
- This module examines the complex relations between race, media and popular culture.
- You’ll cover how it has impacted on issues of identity, representation, appropriation, cancel culture and belonging for children and young people in the last few decades.
- You’ll study minoritized students and staff in education, and the ways that mainstream education currently marginalises a wide range of learners and potential learners by perpetuating coloniality, eurocentrism, elitism and sexism.
Global Citizenship and Education for Sustainable Development (20 credit points)
- This module covers global inequalities in terms of education, access to health, clean water and nutritious food.
- You’ll cover development throughout the last half century and link education in the global south with the concept of Development Education, Global Citizenship and Education for Sustainable Development in the UK.
Forced migration and education: Key issues (20 credit points)
- This module allows you to engage with key issues pertinent to forced migration and the way these issues relate to education at all levels.
- You’ll gain a solid understanding of forced migration and the challenges it creates especially with regards to access to education and educational opportunities.
- Issues of human rights will be discussed with references to historical and contemporary cases of forced migration.
Option B Modules
Special and Inclusive Education (20 credit points)
- This module introduces the theory, policy and practice of educational work with young people through informal, alternative and inclusive education.
- You’ll develop the knowledge, skills and understanding to work effectively with young people individually or in groups and facilitate their informal learning and personal development.
- You’ll undertake a work experience placement in an educational setting which will enable you to plan, deliver and evaluate an educational intervention with young people.
Society, Culture and Identity (20 credit points)
- This module considers the concept of identity within the various communities.
- You’ll explore the processes of identity construction in relation to educational policy and practice.
- You’ll also consider the constantly (re)negotiated process and examine the transformative process of identity.
- You’ll investigate how individuals navigate daily life and negotiate identity. Barriers which limit options, and therefore, limit choice in education will be examined.
Education in a Globalised World (20 credit points)
- This module links global inequalities in the economy to those in education.
- The module uses post-colonial theory to explore the historical background of colonialism and imperialism to set the current context of the continuing global struggle for educational equality.
- You’ll also explore the impact of recent global educational policies on countries in the global South and how Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS) have had relative economic and educational successes.
Radical Education (20 credit points)
- This module engages with theoretical frameworks and scholars giving a voice to minoritized people who would otherwise be excluded from the formal education systems.
- In addition, you’ll consider the role of African Caribbean supplementary Saturday schools, church groups, community arts organisations and other community groups in providing educational opportunities and experiences for people within their communities and in supporting vulnerable young people.
Further information on what you'll study
Please be aware that modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
We regularly review and update our course content based on student and employer feedback, ensuring that all of our courses remain current and relevant. This may result in changes to module content or module availability in future years.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
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How you're taught
How will I study?
We've introduced flexible and innovative ways of learning and teaching to develop your study skills and understanding of the integration of theory and practice.
Learning and teaching methods include:
- active collaborative learning
- lectures
- seminar discussions
- practical and project work
- workshops
- placements, experiential learning and work-like experiences.
How will I be assessed?
There are no formal exams during these courses; we use a variety of assessment types to allow you to demonstrate your strengths across a number of skill sets.
Excellent placement opportunities
Throughout this course there are several opportunities to explore different career ambitions and gain workplace experience. In Year One, students have the opportunity collaborate with ChalleNGe, Nottingham’s Cultural Education Partnership, to engage in partnerships between education provides and cultural experiences. To help you acquire real-work experience, you will be provided different work placements each year, in and beyond formal educational settings, such as schools, voluntary groups, museums.
In Year Two, students will experience two types of educational settings: one non-school and one school-based so you can more fully appreciate how education takes place not only in the classrooms, but throughout communities as well.
Putting your studies into practice helps you to understand your subject and its application in real-life. Placement opportunities support you both professionally and personally by ensuring you develop the key skills that will make you more employable at the end of your studies.
How you're assessed
- Year 1 coursework
- Year 2 coursework
- Year 3 coursework
Contact hours
You will have around 10 – 12 hours per week of contact time (lectures, seminars or workshops) with our teaching staff which is around 30% of a full-time week. Approximately 90% of our teaching is in-person. The remaining 70% of your time will be devoted to independent study.
Careers and employability
Your career development
What skills will I develop?
You develop specific skills relating to educational issues, theories of learning, equality and diversity, education policy and practice, creativity and education, and a general understanding of education in social, political and economic contexts.
You also gain skills that are useful in a variety of job sectors:
- communication skills - presenting effective oral and written arguments
- IT skills
- research and analytical skills
- interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team
- problem-solving skills
- organisation and time management skills - prioritising your academic/part-time workloads and reflecting on and improving personal practice.
How can I boost my career prospects?
Achieving Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) through completion of the PGCE or equivalent postgraduate qualification is a popular route for Education graduates.
Alternatively, you may wish to take a Masters course in education or a related social science in order to develop your understanding of the theory, research and policy of education, and to enhance your professional knowledge, skills and practice. Some Education graduates go on to study for a PhD in education.
Your future career
Our Education Studies degrees allows graduates to progress into a number of employment opportunities. Some choose to become teachers or work in community / council leadership, while others continue onto postgraduate study. Ultimately, this degree provides graduates with choices. We understand that as a student develops, so do their interests.
This Education degree will provide a framework for a wide variety of possible careers. As well as roles based in schools and colleges, students may also consider sectors such as social work, refugee support, training, human resource management and many others. Our graduates* are following a variety of career paths including roles as:
- Primary School Teacher *
- School Careers Advisor
- Schools Coordinator at a Museum or Theatre
- Community Outreach Coordinator
- Academic Advisor
- Higher Level Teaching Assistant
- Student Support Officer
- School Administrator
- School Administration Manager
- Education Recruitment Consultant
- Education Researcher
- Educational Developer
- Education Policy Consultant
- School Pastoral Manager
- Youth Development Worker
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Lecturer in Education*
- Various roles in the Department for Education or the Council
* with further training. If you complete your degree, you are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE Primary teacher-training course at NTU during your final undergraduate year (subject to places being available).
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.
- You will have the opportunity to have a work placement (if not already in paid or voluntary employment).
- 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.
If you’d like to know more about NTU’s groundbreaking Employability Promise, and the support you’ll receive both during and after your course, visit our Careers and Employability page.
Guaranteed interview scheme: teacher-training
One of the benefits of the course is the broad knowledge and experience you will gain. This experience may lead you to consider teaching, even if you have not considered this as a career before.
If you complete your degree, you are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE Primary teacher-training course at NTU during your final undergraduate year (subject to places being available).
Terms and conditions apply:
- Applications will be withdrawn and not be progressed to interview stage once all places are filled on relevant courses
- Interviews are subject to you meeting the essential entry criteria for the PGCE course at the time of application, such as GCSE requirements, degree grade
- An interview does not guarantee an offer to study on the course.
Alumni Discount
Students continuing with postgraduate study at NTU may be eligible for 20% off postgraduate course fees as part of our Alumni Discount.
Campus and facilities
You’ll mainly be studying in the Ada Byron King building, home to Nottingham Institute of Education.
Our self-contained, community-focused Clifton Campus has been designed to keep our students busy between lectures. Catch-up with your coursemates in the Pavilion’s barista café and Refectory; brainstorm group presentations in chic and stylish study spaces; enjoy some proper R&R in The Point, home of our Students’ Union. The campus also hosts the multimillion-pound Clifton Sports Hub, offering great options for everyone — whatever your interests, and however competitive you’d like to get!
You’re also right next to the bright lights of Nottingham — one of Britain’s top 10 student cities, and one of Europe’s top 25. All through termtime, a dedicated on-campus bus service will get you to the heart of the action (and back) in under 25 minutes. You’ll find a city stuffed with history, culture, and well-kept secrets to discover at your leisure: enjoy lush green spaces, galleries, hidden cinemas and vintage shopping by day, and an acclaimed food, drink and social scene by night.
Take our virtual tour to get a real feel for the campus.
Entry requirements
UK students
Standard offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
Contextual offer: 104 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications.
To find out what qualifications have tariff points, please use our tariff calculator.
Additional requirements for UK students
You will also need to complete an Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check; and a satisfactory placement suitability check.
Contextual offers
If you don’t quite meet our entry requirements, we might be able to make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and your individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer, and we get data from UCAS to help make these decisions. We do this because we believe everyone with the potential to succeed at NTU should have the opportunity to do so, no matter what barriers you may face.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS Tariff points attached to specific grades, including A-levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our Tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Other qualifications and experience
NTU welcomes applications from students with non-standard qualifications and learning backgrounds, either for year one entry or for advanced standing beyond the start of a course into year 2 or beyond.
We consider study and/or credit achieved from a similar course at another institution (otherwise known as credit transfer), vocational and professional qualifications, and broader work or life experience.
Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route. If you wish to apply via Recognition of Prior Learning, please contact the central Admissions and Enquiries Team who will be able to support you through the process.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form.
International students
Academic entry requirements: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four A levels. We accept equivalent qualifications from all over the world. Please check your international entry requirements by country.
English language requirements: See our English language requirements page for requirements for your subject and information on alternative tests and Pre-sessional English.
Additional requirements for international students
You will also need to complete an Enhanced with Barred List(s) DBS check; and a satisfactory placement suitability check.
If you need help achieving the academic entry requirements, we offer a Foundation preparation course for this degree. The course is offered through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC) based on our City Campus.
English language requirements
View our English language requirements for all courses, including alternative English language tests and country qualifications accepted by the University.
If you need help achieving the language requirements, we offer a Pre-Sessional English for Academic Purposes course on our City campus which is an intensive preparation course for academic study at NTU.
Other qualifications and experience
If you have the right level of qualifications, you may be able to start your Bachelors degree at NTU in year 2 or year 3. This is called ‘advanced standing’ entry and is decided on a case-by case basis after our assessment of your qualifications and experience.
You can view our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy which outlines the process and options available, such as recognising experiential learning and credit transfer.
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Getting in touch
If you need advice about studying at NTU as an international student or how to apply, our international webpages are a great place to start. If you have any questions about your study options, your international qualifications, experience, grades or other results, please get in touch through our enquiry form. Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world.
Policies
We strive to make our admissions procedures as fair and clear as possible. To find out more about how we make offers, visit our admissions policies page.
