The BA (Hons) Education Top Up provides the opportunity for those with sub-degree qualifications the opportunity to progress directly into the second (level 5) or final year (level 6) of the BA (Hons) Education Studies degree programme. It provides a differentiated and flexible route, which enables individuals to gain an undergraduate Hons degree which will help them to develop the professional knowledge, skills and competencies relevant to their workplace settings. It is suitable for those who do not have appropriate credits to enter directly onto the BA (Hons) Education Studies degree.

The programme is suitable for those who already hold existing credits from qualifications such as HNCs/HNDs, other level 4/5 vocational/technical qualifications or foundation degrees. It would also appeal to Further Education practitioners, who hold level 5 teaching qualifications as well as those with relevant overseas qualifications.

There is no PSRB or other professional accreditation attached to this programme.

In addition to topping up to a relevant academic degree, the programme also enables participants to demonstrate to employers the capacity for academic, organisational or management skills to enhance career development opportunities or open up new career possibilities.

The BA (Hons) Education Top Up provides a broad-based interdisciplinary approach to understanding how individuals develop and learn. It considers how socio-economic and political factors can affect educational institutions and and individuals’ development, and emphasises inclusive education. Graduating students will have the skills to integrate and apply systematic knowledge to helping individual and organisations.

The volunteering module is designed to help students to develop an understanding of the voluntary and public sector, and the value of volunteering for themselves, the host organisation, and society at large. It also encourages them to reflect upon a potential career within the voluntary or public sector and is valuable for gaining different perspectives and building a strong CV.

You will learn by a mix of various teaching and learning methods designed to facilitate and enhance your experience on the programme. There is a variety of methods used which include interactive lectures, seminars, tutorials, online activities and a fieldwork placement (on the Volunteering module). Opportunities for group work are embedded throughout the programme and we encourage you to develop your skills of critical analysis, independent thinking and evaluation through engagement with your peers, lecturers and your own self-reflection.

Extra support is provided for academic writing if needed and students are allocated an Academic Advisor, who supports with academic and pastoral issues.

The overall approach to the programme is designed to support the successful completion of your degree.