Course description

A broad spectrum of knowledge

You will be provided with a solid understanding of education and educational equality, bringing together perspectives from history, psychology, sociology and philosophy.

You will attending an intellectually stimulating course that will make you an authority on current education policy and practice.

You can choose to build on this core knowledge by following one of our specialist pathways in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

Real-world learning in action

Even if you choose not to study a specialist pathway, you’ll still undertake a 12-day work placement in an education setting during stage two of the course.

A Global Outlook

We offer exciting opportunities for you to travel abroad to broaden your horizons. Our programme of international fieldtrips has given our students first-hand experience of education in countries such as Morocco, The Gambia and Kenya.

These experiences provide you with valuable insights into different contexts and levels of educational provision as well as critical issues surrounding economic, social and cultural development.

Choose your pathway

Build a degree to reflect your personal interests by taking one of our two optional specialist pathways:

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) Pathway

This pathway has been developed in response to a growing demand for high-calibre trained staff who can work with learners with special educational needs and/or disability.

You’ll explore a range of SEND practitioner roles and the ways that government policy impacts upon such roles, inside and outside the classroom. Our strong links with schools and colleges – both special and mainstream – mean you can learn from leading professionals working in the SEND field.

TESOL Pathway

This pathway is ideal if you want to focus on English language teaching for learners in a variety of contexts. It equips you with the skills to work with English as an Additional Language (EAL) pupils in a primary or secondary setting; to work abroad as an English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teacher; or to work as a teacher of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in an adult or community environment.

You’ll undertake observed teaching practice to give you vital experience and enhance your employability. We introduce you to various approaches for teaching grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, speaking and pronunciation. You’ll also look at lesson planning, syllabus design and assessment. In addition, we encourage you to reflect upon your own knowledge and understanding of the English language.

A vibrant learning experience

You will be taught by influential researchers and published authors whose work is shaping the debate about the future of education. Their research in education includes topics such as inclusion, diversity, social equality, online learning and pastoral care in primary, secondary and higher education.

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.