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Education Studies

BA (Hons)

Key facts

UCAS code

X301

Start dates

September 2023 / September 2024

Location

Harcourt Hill

Course length

Full time: 3 years

Part time: up to 8 years

UCAS Tariff Points

104

Overview

Our Education Studies degree equips you with the skills for a career in a wide range of educational contexts. 

On the course you’ll study child and adolescent development. You’ll examine inclusion and educational inequalities. And you’ll question government educational policy. You’ll also analyse how education is portrayed in popular culture.

You'll build knowledge about the role of education in our society, exploring areas like:

  • psychology
  • gender
  • 21st-century education
  • special educational needs and disabilities
  • children’s literature.

You can choose to specialise in SEN, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI). You’ll deepen your knowledge of SEND issues. And you’ll build a firm foundation for teacher training that will equip you for success in mainstream or special education. 

You’ll graduate with sought-after educational career skills that you can apply in settings like:

  • youth work
  • educational psychology
  • social work
  • therapeutic support
  • policy provision
  • educational publishing. 
Students sitting in the John Henry Brookes Building

Joint honours options

You can also study this course as part of a joint honours degree. This course can be joined with:

How to apply

Wherever possible we make our conditional offers using the UCAS Tariff. The combination of A-level grades listed here would be just one way of achieving the UCAS Tariff points for this course.

Standard offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 104

A Level: BCC

IB Points: 29

BTEC: DMM

Contextual offer

UCAS Tariff Points: 88

A Level: CCD

IB Points: 27

BTEC: MMM

Further offer details

Applications are also welcomed for consideration from applicants with European qualifications, international qualifications or recognised foundation courses. For advice on eligibility please contact Admissions: admissions@brookes.ac.uk

If you don’t achieve the required tariff points you can apply to join a foundation course or international foundation course to help to reach the required level for entry onto this degree.

Entry requirements

Specific entry requirements

Please also see the University's general entry requirements.

Screening

All applicants will be screened for fitness to practise and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be made.

English language requirements

Please see the University's standard English language requirements.

International qualifications and equivalences

Go

English requirements for visas

If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.

Pathways courses for international and EU students

If you do not meet the entry requirements for this degree, or if you would like more preparation before you start, you can take an international foundation course. Once you enrol, you will have a guaranteed pathway to this degree if you pass your foundation course with the required grades.

If you only need to meet the language requirements, you can take our pre-sessional English course. You will develop key language and study skills for academic success and you will not need to take an external language test to progress to your degree.

Terms and Conditions of Enrolment

When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.

Credit transfer

Many of our courses consider applications for entry part-way through the course for students who have credit from previous learning or relevant professional experience.

Find out more about transferring to Brookes. If you'd like to talk through your options, please contact our Admissions team.

Application process

Full time Home (UK) applicants

Apply through UCAS

Part time Home (UK) applicants

Apply direct to the University

International applicants

Apply direct to the University

Full time international applicants can also apply through UCAS

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£14,600

Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£15,200

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

Tuition fees

2022 / 23
Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£14,600

2023 / 24
Home (UK) full time
£9,250

Home (UK) part time
£1,155 per single module

International full time
£15,200

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 483088

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Please note, tuition fees for Home students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students in line with an inflationary amount determined by government. Tuition fees for International students may increase in subsequent years both for new and continuing students.

Oxford Brookes University intends to maintain its fees for new and returning Home students at the maximum permitted level.

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Learning and assessment

The course is underpinned by the four key disciplines:

  • philosophy
  • psychology
  • history
  • social sciences.

In your first year, you’ll explore child and adolescent development. You’ll learn about children’s rights and early childhood policy. And you’ll examine some of the major changes impacting how we educate in the 21st century.

In your second year, you’ll analyse alternative educational provisions. You’ll learn about emotional development. And you’ll explore inclusive learning environments. 

You can also opt to specialise in SEN, Disabilities and Inclusion (SENDI). If you choose to specialise, you’ll be able to do a placement in alternative education provision, like a special school or a youth project.

In your third year you’ll examine the experiences of marginalised or excluded children. You might scrutinise the perceived links between youth culture and deviance. Or you might examine the impact technology has on learning

Student sat down at a table using a laptop

Study modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

History of Education

Introduction to Studying in Education

While studying early childhood and education you'll read various texts, such as:

  • research papers
  • government policies
  • and media reports. 

It's important to learn how to interpret texts and gain knowledge creation understanding.  On this module you'll start to develop key academic and study skills necessary for higher education:

  • library skills
  • literature searches
  • academic writing
  • essay planning
  • and referencing. 

Additionally, you'll also learn through an academic integrity course. You'll focus on personal learning, with opportunities for reflection. You'll finish the module able to work on your own or collaboratively. You'll also advance your skills for academic reading and writing.
 

Childhood and Adolescent Development

You'll explore important aspects of childrens’ and adolescents' development from different perspectives. You'll learn theoretical knowledge about how growth, play, and learning interconnect in development. 

You'll also explore practical applications for supporting holistic development. You'll draw on theories from:

  • developmental psychology
  • sociological and anthropological research.

You'll also study practitioner texts and theoretical materials related to supporting children and adolescents' learning and development.
 

Placement 1: Understanding Education

Nurturing Inclusivity

You'll focus on the importance of nurture and care in education, with a specific emphasis on promoting inclusion and wellbeing. By studying this module, you will learn about inclusive practices and how to put them into action. This will help you prepare for work placements and to gain insights into policy and legislation in this area. You'll also explore the long-term effects of promoting inclusion and wellbeing for everyone. 

We'll look at national and international perspectives on how children and young people experience inclusion and understand diversity. You'll consider various perspectives from different fields such as:

  • history
  • sociology
  • psychology
  • and philosophy. 

You'll examine policy, teaching methods, and actual practices related to fostering inclusivity. You will gain an understanding of how to create an environment that reflects the needs of all individuals by reviewing research and analyzing relevant materials.
 

Optional modules

Young Children's Outdoor Learning

You’ll explore how young children learn through play. You’ll also discover how adults plan exploration and play for children in outdoors environments. You’ll get to grips with two key areas:

  • maintaining good provisions and interactions in an early years outdoors area
  • teaching and learning through the Forest School approach.

You’ll look at how children and adults interact in a variety of situations. You’ll also gain core knowledge of health and safety training, as you study issues such as:

  • children as risk-takers
  • off-site travel
  • maintaining a safe environment

You’ll develop core analytical skills as you explore how research and government policy affect children’s outdoor learning.

Pedagogies to Promote STEAM

You'll start an exploration of how educators can support and encourage curiosity and exploration in children, through the use of Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM). 

You'll focus on understanding and developing teaching methods that can enhance childrens' learning. Incorporating STEAM concepts into each of these areas. You will have the chance to 

  • investigate
  • observe
  • and create opportunities for hands-on experiments and problem-based learning. 

You'll also join discussions on the challenges and difficulties that may arise when implementing STEAM in different educational settings.
 

Pedagogies to Promote Play

You'll focus on understanding play from various personal and professional perspectives. Exploring how children, young people, and adults engage in play, make decisions, and express their creativity. You'll also look at the role of professionals in developing effective teaching methods. To support exploration and play  in different environments:

  • indoors
  • outdoors
  • or in virtual settings.

Throughout the module, you will learn how children use play to express their knowledge, skills, ideas, and interests. You'll examine the importance of inclusion in play. Also you'll be evaluating the impact of physical and virtual creative spaces on promoting play.

You'll study the foundations and principles of play, helping you to identify appropriate strategies and interventions to meet the needs and preferences of individuals and groups. We'll also explore how to create play spaces and places, as well as develop an understanding of managing "risky" play.

Year 2

Compulsory modules

Placement 2: Contextualising Education

 

 

Psychology of Education

What can the most famous psychological theorists tell us about human learning through the ages? You’ll look at learners in various settings. You’ll examine the learning environment, and factors such as motivation and different types of intelligence. You’ll gain excellent critical skills as you examine teaching and learning styles and the importance of self-esteem to the learning process.

Becoming a Researcher

What are the ethical issues of doing research on children? You’ll gain the core tools you need to carry out effective research in early years. You’ll develop the confidence and expertise to succeed in your degree, and understand the research methods that social scientists and educational practitioners use, including:

  • interviews
  • observation
  • questionnaires.

You’ll have a grounding in reliable and valid research, giving you fantastic skills for your future career.
 

Contemporary Issues in Education Studies

Optional modules

The Social World of Childhood and Youth

Do you remember how you felt as a child? We’ll explore the world of children, and how our ideas about childhood have changed through time. You’ll consider the impact of different models of socialisation on children. And you’ll explore the factors - cultural, structural and experimental - which develop a child’s identity.  We’ll make good use of life and historical material.

Supporting Wellbeing

You'll build on what you've learned in your first year. You'll explore ways to support people's physical, mental, social, and emotional needs through education. You'll review existing policies and practices that aim to promote wellbeing. 

Throughout the module, you'll develop a critical understanding of the factors that influence health and wellbeing in 

  • children, 
  • teenagers, 
  • and adults. 

You'll gain insights into the complexities of supporting and promoting wellbeing within the education system. This includes working together with different agencies and facing practical challenges when planning, implementing, and evaluating strategies and services for mental health and wellbeing in schools.
 

Creative and Therapeutic Approaches

You'll learn about therapeutic interventions and creative approaches that support people in different situations. You'll cover various therapies, including:

  • play therapy 
  • art therapy
  • medical health therapy
  • physical health therapy
  • occupational health therapy 
  • and mental health therapy. 

You'll explore the application of approaches to individuals, families, and communities. By the end of the module, you will be able to use this knowledge in your own field, considering individual and group therapy, educational support, supervision, and safeguarding.
 

Children’s Literature

In this module, you'll deepen your knowledge and understanding of children's literature and the importance of positive early literacy experiences for young children. You'll have the opportunity to read and think about a variety of texts and authors, with a focus on picture books. Also you'll discuss the significance of diversity and representation in children's literature.

You'll develop your critical reading skills and explore how words and pictures work together. You'll look at how children learn to read. You'll also learn to choose texts that support their reading development and enjoyment. 

Finally, you'll consider how the digital world might affect children's experiences with literature.
 

Children with Diverse Needs

You'll build on what you learned in previous modules. You'll focus on celebrating diversity. Including ways to support children, families, and siblings in accessing services to meet their needs. 

You'll look at a wide range of needs that can affect children and families. You'll also look at educational settings and communities, going beyond special educational needs. You'll examine the issues and difficulties surrounding inclusive services for children and young people with special educational needs or disabilities. 

Our goal is to help you understand how policies and practices related to special educational needs have evolved over time. We'll also delve into the legal framework that governs special educational needs provision.  Also we'll discuss discrimination and challenge you to reflect on your own attitudes and beliefs.
 

Outdoor Learning

You'll learn about the natural environment and its importance in relation to childrens' learning and development. 

You'll explore ways to enhance learning experiences. You'll look at engaging in ecological projects and developing your understanding of global climate issues. 

You'll also examine outdoor learning and environmental education in: 

  • early years settings
  • schools
  • and communities.
     

Educational Inequalities

Independent Study Module

You'll have the opportunity to focus in depth on a specialist area of research or other co-curricular topic not otherwise available in modules on the course.

You'll discuss with your academic supervisor on what you will focus on. Your independent study focus will be approved by this module's leader.
 

Year 3

Compulsory modules

Dissertation

You’ll carry out independent research on a topic that fascinates you. You’ll produce a dissertation of about 10,000 words, demonstrating an in-depth understanding of substantive and methodological issues in your specific area of study. You’ll have the support of an expert tutor in education. 

Recent dissertation topics have looked at issues as diverse as:

  • the role of play in early years education in the UK and globally
  • what factors contribute to independent learning in Maths in Year 4
  • how technology is used to support communication for pupils with autistic spectrum disorders, in particular the use of iPads
  • the impact of the undergraduate fee rise on student aspirations.

Philosophy of Education

What can philosophy tell us about education and its aims? You’ll get to know a range of current and historical perspectives on education. You’ll understand that education is full of differing values, and that its core concepts are frequently contested. You’ll gain critical skills for your future career, as you analyse some of the key texts which shape the way we understand education. You’ll also examine your own assumptions about education, and create your own reasoned arguments as you participate in current debate.

Placement 3: Professional Development in Practice

 

 

Optional modules

Children, Youth and Families in Society

You'll study how people think about and treat children, young people, and families in the UK. You'll look at different ideas and beliefs about them, how they interact with society, and how society responds to their needs. 

You'll explore different ways that children, young people, and families are raised and influenced by society. Also you'll consider the cultural and personal factors that shape policies and practices. As part of the module, you will choose a specific topic to study on your own. You will investigate how society has viewed and supported a particular group of people. Whether they are children, young people, or families.
 

Young People in Challenging Circumstances

Why have some children been excluded from education? How can we work to include various groups in education? You’ll build on your knowledge and explore the experiences of children who have been marginalised or excluded, and how this impacts the child. You’ll look at national and international models and practice relating to inclusion.You’ll gain core analytical skills as you explore and critique different models and practices for improving inclusion. 

 

Alternative Spaces for Learning

International Contexts and Comparisons

You'll learn about education and care policies and practices. You'll look at previous practices and compare them in the four countries of the UK. You' ll also study education and care practice in different cultures and countries. 

You'll see how education is part of programs that can help development in countries. Also you'll look at how provision and policy differs between countries, and look at it from different points of view like 

  • financial support
  • political support
  • and media perceptions. 

To understand how it works in real life, you'll study real projects from around the world. You'll learn about important things in education and care. Seeing how different countries develop their education systems.
 

Compassion and Care in Practice

You'll build upon what you've learned before about inclusive teaching methods. You'll focus on ways to help others grow and develop, showing kindness, understanding, and strength when providing care. 

You'll look at compassion and care practice, considering different theories and ideas. Then you'll explore how these concepts apply to various professions. Also you'll learn about the current policies in the UK and study educational approaches that emphasize compassion and care. Throughout the module, you'll use research to gain knowledge and understanding, building your critical thinking skills in exploring these topics.
 

Environments for Learning

You'll build on what you already know about learning and growing up. You'll explore different places and spaces that help us learn and develop. By studying and thinking about physical and psychological spaces, you will gain a better understanding of where and how learning can happen. You'll also learn about the role that professionals play in planning and creating these learning environments in different settings.

You'll discuss practices and places that try to address challenges. Also you'll consider how to make sure these environments are accessible to everyone and celebrate diversity.
 

STEAM in Pedagogy and Research

You'll look at how we can study teaching and research from different viewpoints like,

  • science
  • technology
  • engineering
  • the Arts
  • and maths. 

By examining things from different angles, you'll get a better understanding of the whole picture instead of just focusing on one. We'll learn about the similarities and differences between these approaches on paper and in practice. We'll also discuss creativity and how it's seen from psychological, sociological, and teaching perspectives.
 

Children in the Outdoors: Critical Issues

You'll explore the discourse around children being in the natural environment. You'll also look at the contested discussions about children being outdoors. 

You'll build on previous knowledge you've gained about children learning outside and playing in ways that might be a bit risky. We'll look at how children use and feel about natural spaces like,

  • forests
  • adventure playgrounds
  • and parks. 

Also you'll learn how these places can help children learn about the environment and understand important issues, through programs like Forest School or Environmental Education.
 

Independent Study

In this module, you will work on your own project, choosing a suitable topic or set of topics. The module leader will guide you and provide supervision. Your project may involve practical work if relevant. The specific focus of your project and how it will be assessed will be discussed and agreed upon by the module leader and you. Instead of traditional lectures, you will have tutorial support to help you throughout the module.
 

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

Learning and teaching

You’ll learn via a wide variety of teaching and learning approaches, including:

  • traditional lectures
  • seminars
  • enquiry-led learning
  • collaborative learning
  • online activities.

Inter-disciplinary collaboration is a feature of research activity in the School of Education. Many themes of this course are designed around pressing contemporary issues across subjects.

Assessment

Assessment methods used on this course

Assessment is 100% coursework.

Coursework may be in the form of:

  • a written essay (up to 3000 words)
  • group presentations
  • an observational study
  • a case study of a cultural artefact
  • creation of a learning object (online teaching resource)
  • critical/ thematic reviews of literature
  • development of a portfolio of work
  • participation in online activities, eg contributions to forum discussions
  • independent study
  • a dissertation.

Study abroad

You may be able to go on a European or international study exchange while you are at Oxford Brookes. Although we will help as much as we can with your plans, ultimately you are responsible for organising and funding this study abroad.

After you graduate

Career prospects

You’ll graduate with a diverse skill set that will set you up for many different careers in education. You’ll also be equipped to progress onto specialist training, in areas like:

  • teaching
  • social work
  • educational psychology

You’ll also have a raft of transferable skills that are sought after in the employment market - like team working, communication, influencing and problem-solving. 

Our graduates progress onto a wide range of careers - from youth work and community education, to recruitment and retail management. Students also progress to the Oxford Brookes MA Education in SEND.

Further study

The undergraduate degree can lead to further study of education, at master's and research degree level. Your degree may also provide the basis to progress to professional courses in other areas such as educational psychology, social work, librarianship or human resources.

The School of Education at Oxford Brookes University offers opportunities in post-graduate research, including MAs in Education or Childhood, PhD study and a taught Educational Doctorate. 

Student profiles

Free language courses

Free language courses are available to full-time undergraduate and postgraduate students on many of our courses, and can be taken as a credit on some courses.

Information from Discover Uni

Full-time study

Part-time study

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.