Education Studies (with Foundation Year)

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• History of Education

  You'll learn about important things in education policy and how it works in England. You'll focus on schools and the links to bigger changes happening in society. In areas like

  • the economy
  • culture
  • technology
  • and politics. 

  Also you'll look at how education has changed over time, starting from the 1800s until now. With a main focus on England, you'll also compare it to other countries in the UK to gain a broader understanding.
   

• 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

  This is your chance to work in the community and learn about education in real-life situations. The goal is to give you a wide range of experiences and show you that education also happens away from the school environment. You'll also discuss important things like:

  • keeping people safe
  • being fair and inclusive
  • and doing the right thing. 

  You'll have the choice to pick a place locally that interests you, and we'll help you arrange your experience there.
   

• 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

  In this module, you'll get to expand on your community work experience. You'll gain a greater understanding and build on your previous placement experience. You'll have the opportunity to choose a setting in our local area based on your interests. There are different areas like:

  • outdoor education
  • special educational needs and disabilities
  • creativity and the arts, 
  • and technology 

  in which you can take your placement.

  You'll also explore different issues in education by looking at community experiences. You'll discuss past and current issues, so you can explore topics that interest you and relate it to your placement. You'll develop and progress your critical thinking skills. By reflecting personally, professionally and academically on your experience. You'll have the support to think about and talk openly about your experiences by the end of this module.

• 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

  You'll learn about important ideas and concepts in:

  • schools
  • higher education
  • and lifelong learning. 

  You'll also discuss how these ideas are still relevant in today's educational debates. You'll explore these ideas from a theoretical perspective. Then you'll take a critical approach to current educational policies and positions.

  Also you'll look at and consider different educational "alternatives." Thinking about learning:

  • at home or at school
  • progressive or traditional approaches
  • organizing education based on different subjects or goals
  • and whether the curriculum is explicit or not. 

  You'll discuss these alternatives and you'll have a chance to question your own educational experiences. Using the theory you've learned, you'll apply critical thinking to common educational situations and practices.
   

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

  You'll explore how formal education, like schools, affects our society and our lives. You'll look at different ideas about fairness in education. Assessing how they show up in the rules and plans made by the people in charge. 

  You'll also study how schools connect to the 'bigger world' and how our own identities and experiences shape our education. You will focus on how:

  • gender
  • culture
  • and social class 

  can influence education and you’ll explore if we can understand them separately?

  We will look at education from a sociological point of view. We'll discuss educational inequalities in England. Looking at the policies that try to fix or make them worse, you will also think about education in other countries. You'll use specific examples from both rich and poor countries to help you learn more.
   

• 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.
   

Optional Year Abroad

Optional modules

• Year Abroad

  This module offers the opportunity to study abroad, experience a new culture, and apply your skills in different contexts to enhance your employability. It will help you develop self-management, cross-cultural communication, and interpersonal skills.
  
  You’ll receive support to secure a place at a partner institution abroad, where you can choose modules related to your degree or explore new areas that complement your studies.
  
  Studying at an international university will help you enhance your interpersonal skills through cross-cultural communication with students and tutors, allowing you to build lasting relationships. You'll also improve your study skills by focusing on your chosen areas of interest, gaining valuable international experience that will strengthen your CV.

  This year abroad module lasts for one academic year and is taken after the conclusion of your second year of study, once you’ve completed all your level 5 studies. Your year abroad is not credit-bearing.
   

Final Year

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

  You'll build on your experience of working in education. You'll also think about the professional role in education. You'll gain more experience related to education, building on your previous experiences.

  You'll have the choice to work in different places in your local area. You'll be able to pick the place that interests you the most. You will learn about:

  • development of your employability skills
  • industry knowledge specific to your chosen area of interest
  • career guidance to prepare you for employment as a graduate on your placement.

  You'll reflect on your learning while on placement and how it may influence your approach. 

  You'll look at different perspectives and ideas about learning, personal and professional growth. Including how organizations work. You'll gain the confidence and skills to work in the field of education.

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

  You'll look at different places that can help us learn, feel good, and do well. You'll explore places like Pupil Referral Units, Alternative Provisions, and Special Schools that offer different ways of learning. You will also look at other places like museums, galleries, and the great outdoors that can inform 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.