School of Education

BA (Hons) Education Studies with Foundation Year

BA (Hons) Full-time 4 years

The BA (Hons) Education Studies with Foundation Year provides you with the knowledge and skills to work in a range of educational settings, as a teacher or with a range of other career options open to you

The BA (Hons) Education Studies with Foundation Year provides you with the knowledge and skills to work in a range of educational settings, as a teacher or with a range of other career options open to you

Award
BA (Hons)
Start date(s)
16 September 2024
UCAS Code
X302
Course specifications
Course length
Full-time (4 years)
Campus location
Walsall Campus
School
School of Education
UCAS points calculator

Why choose this course?

The BA (Hons) Education Studies with Foundation Year provides you with the knowledge and skills to work in a range of educational settings, as a teacher or with a range of other career options open to you. Our Foundation Year programme has been designed to prepare you for studying at undergraduate level and provide you with the required skills and knowledge to transition effectively into level 4 study. During your foundation year you will develop skills appropriate to your university studies, such as finding and using information, working collaboratively with others, challenging and debating ideas, and expressing yourself with greater confidence. The foundation year helps you to become familiar with university life and to feel at home on campus.

The course is suitable for people new to this area or experienced staff searching for career development. If you are considering becoming a teacher, we offer the guarantee of a PGCE interview upon completion of this degree (providing you are on track to achieve a 2:2 or above and meet the course entry requirements). We also have excellent progression opportunities on to our Master’s in Education.

During your course, you, as an Education Studies student will have opportunities to consider a range of issues and perspectives relevant to educational contexts. You will consider contemporary issues in relation to education and children’s lives, including exploring issues around climate change, Black Lives Matter, mental health, social media, the impact of Covid-19 on education, and LBGT student experiences. You will also explore the role of education in relation to social justice, education policy, curriculum, and the types of education provided in the UK and internationally, as well as much more. You will draw upon a range of perspectives and disciplines to develop your familiarity with the complex and varied nature of teaching and learning, and will examine diversity and inclusion in relation to education. We work with our students to explore and challenge a wide range of educational ideas and developments, and we value learners’ own perspectives and diverse experiences of education. We encourage independent thought and curiosity, and a belief in the potential of education as a tool for improving people’s lives.

Work experience placements are an integral part of the course and can be negotiated in a variety of settings such as schools, colleges, children’s centres, charities, pupil referral units, prisons, youth centres, and other relevant settings.

We recognise that you will have a unique learning journey and we will maximise your potential through a wide variety of assessment choices such as presentations, written assessments, reflective journals, report writing, peer mentoring, and written plans. Our course does not include any exams and we work hard to make our assessments inclusive and relevant to your career goals.  We usually teach in smaller classroom-based student groups, as opposed to larger lecture theatres, to give you a supportive and personalised learning experience and our staff work hard to help develop the confidence of our students.

This course is taught as a four-year full-time route, although the degree can be studied PART-TIME which includes daytime sessions. However, if you are a practitioner, have a level 3 qualification, and would like to study more flexibly such as during the evening, we offer the part-time Foundation Degree Supporting Children in Primary Education at our college partners. After completing your part-time foundation degree, you can then top up to a final year of a part-time BA degree course to gain your full honours degree.

This degree sits within the exciting range of Education and SENDIS courses we offer at the School of Education.

What's unique about this course?

  • Ranked 5th in the region for Student Satisfaction
  • Opportunities for you to interact, and to demonstrate practice, application, exploration, critique, dialogue and analysis of theory
  • Develop your professional and ethical practice to improve outcomes for children and families
  • Staff expertise and commitment to research

What happens on the course?

At level 3 you will develop your underpinning knowledge of studying in higher education and the principles of inclusive education Modules in the first year (level 4) focus on the following topics: (table of modules) and module descriptions

At level 4 you will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge of education and social justice, disability, diversity, and inclusion and safeguarding. You will also begin to explore issues affecting education in contemporary Britain and will be introduced to relevant education and learning theoretical perspectives. Modules in the second year (level 4) focus on the following topics: (table of modules) and module descriptions.

At level 5 you will build on your previous studies and will develop your critical analysis on key issues in education, such as curriculum and the psychology of learning. You will also explore learning and teaching in primary schools and will undertake a work placement in a setting of your choice during this year of study.  Modules in the third year (level 5) focus on the following topics: (table of modules) and module descriptions.

At level 6 you will be able to reflect on your own value systems, question concepts and theories you have encountered in your studies, and interrogate the assumptions underpinning research and your own practice. You will also undertake an independent research project on an education topic of your choosing. Modules in the fourth year (level 6) focus on the following topics: (table of modules) and module descriptions.

Throughout the course you will develop your knowledge and understanding of our education system, teaching and learning, and key issues which drive and impact on education. You will be equipped with a critical and in-depth knowledge of education in order to prepare you to enter graduate employment in a variety of roles.

At the University of Wolverhampton there is a range of teaching and learning activities to help you achieve successfully on your course. Your sessions will have formative learning opportunities and formative feedback from your tutors which will 

help you prepare for your final marked assessment (summative assessment). You will also be provided with written and/or oral feedforward and feedback on your summative assessments that will help you develop your academic skills as you progress through your course.

 All your modules will offer opportunities for you to interact, and to demonstrate practice, application, exploration, critique, dialogue, and analysis of theory. In each of your modules you will be provided with a structure of scheduled learning and teaching activities (both on campus and online) combined with guided and independent learning, to enable you to fully engage and achieve specified learning outcomes. These include:

  • active contribution to lectures, group activities, including critical debate and discussion in seminars
  • additional online consolidation activities
  • guided reading
  • asynchronous discussion forums
  • non-timetabled one-to-one meetings with module leader / module team
  • preparation for scheduled learning and teaching activities
  • preparation/completion of assessment tasks
  • revision tasks
  • non-synchronous webinars
  • wider reading and research activity

There is also a variety of assessment types used to support and test your learning and progress and to help you develop employability skills that are valued beyond your university studies and into your working life.

Course Modules

Potential Career Paths

A range of employability skills is built into this programme in order that you develop and refine attributes that will be beneficial to you in the workplace, such as leadership, using critical thinking, and becoming a reflective practitioner. You will also develop and consolidate a range of employability and transferable skills, including sharing information, presenting information, and digital literacy. Employers are also interested in the broader skills you acquire, such as:

  • written communication, developed through essays
  • oral communication, gained through reasoned debates during seminars and presentations
  • the ability to work as part of a team, through collaborative group work
  • research and analytical skills with the ability to judge and evaluate information
  • organisational and time management skills, by prioritising tasks to ensure academic, social, and work commitments are completed on time
  • negotiation, informally with peers and formally with staff
  • problem solving
  • IT skills.

What do education graduates do?

Nearly three quarters (73%) of Education graduates in employment in the UK 15 months after graduation are employed in education – including teaching and educational support assistants, primary and nursery education teaching professionals, secondary education teaching professionals, and special needs education teaching professionals (Prospects).

  • Primary school teacher
  • Learning mentor
  • Pastoral role in education
  • Youth worker
  • Researcher
  • Secondary school teacher
  • Teaching assistant/ learning support assistant
  • Education welfare officer
  • Role in local education authorities
  • Play therapist/specialist
  • Family support worker
  • Further Education lecturer
  • Early years practitioner
  • Graduate employment

Many of our students go onto further study. The most popular option is the Postgraduate Certificate in in Primary Education (PGCE), as many graduates go on to work as primary, further education, or special education needs (SEN) teachers. Other popular courses include

Additional Information

Everything you need to know about this course!

Our teaching staff have a wealth of experience in the field of education and are passionate about the subject. We have a real sense of pride in the quality of our teaching and work hard to offer our students a personalised and supported learning experience. Our lecturers pride themselves on the relationships they are able to develop with our students and the sense of belonging they help to promote. You will benefit from the team’s expertise, as all our staff are actively engaged in research and publishing including ‘mental health and resilience,’ ‘healthy eating in schools,’ ‘impact and influence of teaching and assistant support,’ and ‘higher education and social justice.’ We also have strong partnerships with a variety of settings and organisations in the education sector, including local schools and wider educational settings within the community.

Your lived experience of this course will extend beyond the classroom. You will be taught in our state-of-the-art teaching buildings at Walsall Campus, just a short walk from Walsall town centre and a bus ride from the centre of Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Our provision includes buildings which are fitted with interactive whiteboards, lecture theatres, and classrooms as well as social learning areas which include the Student’s Union. Walsall is a smaller campus with a real sense of community and offers everything you need to complete your studies in one place.

The Library will provide you with academic skills support via the Skills for Learning programme. You can attend workshops on campus or online or ask for one-to-one help on a range of skills such as academic writing and referencing. One-to-one online skills appointments are also available.

The University Student Support website offers advice on a variety of matters (careers, counselling, Student’s Union advice, etc.). You can also access these services by booking appointment with the Student’s Union, careers, counselling services, etc.

Course-specific support

  • You will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you with the transition into higher education and will support you through your studies.
  • Specific assessment support will be factored into each module.
  • If you have disabilities and/or specific learning difficulties you can gain a wide range of support from the Student Support and Wellbeing team at the university
  • Higher Education academic skills will be embedded throughout the curriculum

  • You will develop an independent, reflective, and self-managed approach to study and utilise skills appropriate for study in higher education.
  • You will improve confidence in learning, study, and approaches to finding information and be aware of your existing transferable skills and new skills and how these may be developed.
  • You will develop knowledge; be able to critically analyse; make judgments; and evaluate key concepts, theories and principles in the area of education studies.
  • You will learn to analyse inclusion concepts, theories, and issues in a systematic way.
  • You will discover how to identify and reflect on potential connections and discontinuities between aspects of subject knowledge and their application in social policies and contexts.
  • You will process and synthesise a range of relevant empirical and theoretical data to present and justify your chosen position.
  • You will also develop and consolidate a range of employability skills, including sharing information, working with and in groups, presenting information, digital literacy and critical thinking skills.
  • You will develop your professional and ethical practice to improve outcomes for children, young people, adults and their families.

Location Mode Fee Year
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2022-23
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2023-24
Home Full-time £9250 per year 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2024-25

Additional Course Costs

Mandatory Costs

  • Enhanced DBS is required after your first year, at a minimum cost of £40. The cost of the DBS is determined by the Government and further information can be found here - GOV.UK / Disclosure and Barring Service.

Further information on these additional costs will be provided prior to the start of your studies

The University is committed to a transparent fee structure, with no hidden costs, to help you make an informed decision. This includes information on what is included in the fee and how fees are calculated and reviewed

Prepare for Foundation Pathway: - We will consider mature applicants (age 21 or over) who have not achieved 48 UCAS points (equivalence) from prior level 3 qualifications, if you have a keen interest in this subject area or hold relevant experience.  You will be required to attend a compulsory Prepare for foundation assessment day where you will take part in a variety of activities which will assess your suitability for the course.  If you would like more advice and guidance about this admissions pathway, please contact Gateway to discuss and support you making an application to us.

Academic Pathway: - 48+ UCAS tariff points

Either

  • A-levels: Grade profile of DD
  • Access to HE Diploma: (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (48 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at pass)
  • BTEC: Grade profile of PPP
  • T-Level: Pass grade with a core component profile less than C.
  • Tariff: Other Level 3 qualifications are accepted for entry. A minimum of 48 UCAS Tariff points will be required.
  • International entry requirements and application guidance can be found here

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Other Requirements: Applicants must be 18 years old or above at the start of the course.

 

Paige Dacruz student studying Foundation Education Studies

Before I started the foundation year, I was working in a nursing home looking after dementia patients, a job I found rewarding but no real growth could be made past my previous promotion as a senior carer. I have tons of ambition and passion and often imagined how I could use it to pursue a career in teaching which is my professional goal. Being a mum of two I thought it would be impossible to find the time and concentration to study, amongst caring for my children and running a home. My stepmother who studied at Wolverhampton university changed my whole perspective. She gave me confidence that I would find many people of similar circumstances to me and often talked about how flexible and accommodating the university is. I did some research and found myself being accepted onto a foundation course in education and it has been an exhilarating experience since starting in September. Wolverhampton University has done nothing but exceed my expectations. After a 10 years gap in studies the foundation year has eased me in at a comfortable rate and it runs smoothly alongside motherhood. It has given me confidence and preparation for the following years to come. Anybody who may be considering university who may be in a similar predicament to myself, I highly recommend doing a foundation year first which in my opinion gives more experience and confidence to sail through to graduation. Paige Dacruz 

Tuition Fees Loan (Home Fee Status):

Most students will be able to apply for a loans to pay for these subject to eligibility. To find out more information please refer to the government Student Finance website.

Changes for EU students:

The UK government has confirmed that EU students starting courses from 1 August 2021 will normally be classified as having Overseas Fee status. More information about the change is available at UKCISA:

EU citizens living in the UK with 'settled' status, and Irish nationals living in the UK or Ireland, will still be classified as Home students, providing they meet the usual residency requirements, for more information about EU Settlement Scheme (EUSS) click here.


Self-funding:

If you don’t want to take out a loan to pay your fees or if you aren’t eligible to receive a loan, you might want to take advantage of the University’s scheme to pay by instalments: See How to pay.

For more information please contact the Gateway.


Your employer, embassy or organisation can pay for your Tuition fees:

If your employer, embassy or organisation agrees to pay all or part of your tuition fees; the University will refer to them as your sponsor and will invoice them for the appropriate amount.

We must receive notification of sponsorship in writing as soon as possible, and before enrolment, confirming that the sponsor will pay your tuition fees.


Financial Hardship:

Students can apply to the Dennis Turner Opportunity Fund.

for help with course related costs however this cannot be used for fees or to cover general living costs.


Bursaries and Scholarships:

In addition the University also offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships packages

You can find more information on the University’s Funding, cost, fee and support pages.

Telephone

01902 32 22 22

Email

enquiries@wlv.ac.uk

Online

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How We Compare

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Full-time Course