COURSE CURRICULUM

The Education Studies program is designed to offer a broad, flexible, and progressively deepening understanding of educational theory, practice, and research. In the first year, students are introduced to the historical development of education in England and begin to explore key ideas around how people learn, and the wider purposes of education through modules such as An Introduction to Education and Perspectives on Education. Alongside this, they investigate contemporary social issues including childhood inequality, social justice, and inclusion, and reflect on how different groups experience education. Students can also choose an optional route in areas like creative writing, drama, English literature, or history, encouraging interdisciplinary exploration. In the second year, the emphasis shifts towards professional preparation and research. The Preparing for Professional Practice module supports students in identifying their career interests and development needs, while Research Methods in Education introduces a range of tools and ethical considerations for conducting educational research. Students then either pursue subject-specific routes or choose from additional modules that explore areas such as music in primary schools or the impact of digital technologies on education. The year ends with a focus on special educational needs, disability, and neurodiversity, informed by lived experiences. In the final year, students shape their study around themes and topics that align with their goals. They explore critical and creative approaches through modules like Radical Education, Global and Comparative Education, or Creativity in Education. Further options allow them to engage with adult education, primary teaching, social equality, curriculum design, gender studies, or school-based placements. They may also continue their chosen interdisciplinary route. The program culminates in a dissertation, an independent research project on a topic of their choice, supported by prior training in research methods. Overall, the course prepares students for a variety of careers in education, community work, policy, or further study, balancing academic, reflective, and practical learning.