COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Education is an interdisciplinary, research-informed degree that examines education systems, policies, and practices through the combined perspectives of education studies, psychology, sociology, and ecology, with a strong emphasis on social justice, inclusion, and global context. In Year 1, students build foundational understanding of educational theory and the human experience through modules such as education in the 21st century, social sciences perspectives on what it means to be human, academic development, and research methods, alongside a community-based placement and opportunities such as British Sign Language study and outdoor learning focused on sustainability. Year 2 expands into applied and critical themes including creativity and culture, early childhood development, race and decolonisation, and global challenges in education, while also strengthening research preparation and employability through real-world professional challenges and interdisciplinary problem-solving. In Year 3, students engage more deeply with comparative and global education, inclusive practice, community education, inequality, and educational futures, while developing advanced qualitative and quantitative research skills and preparing for independent dissertation work. Year 4 focuses on synthesis and independent study through a dissertation and applied modules that connect theory to practice, including education innovation projects, outdoor learning leadership, and specialist options such as disability studies, environmental psychology, gender justice, and inclusive education approaches. The course also includes experiential learning through community placements and outdoor education practice, giving students direct engagement with real educational environments and social contexts. Overall, the programme prepares graduates for diverse education-related careers in community learning, policy, curriculum development, educational support roles, museums, international development, and outdoor or informal education, while also providing a strong academic foundation for postgraduate teacher training. It is designed to produce critically reflective, socially aware, and research-skilled graduates who can understand and respond to complex educational challenges in local and global contexts.