School of Education

BA (Hons) Education Studies

BA (Hons) Full-time 3 years, Part-time 6 years

Ranked 9th in UK (Guardian University Guide 2025), with 100% student satisfaction in teaching (NSS, 2024), our BA (Hons) Education Studies degree offers flexible pathways, including a guaranteed PGCE interview opportunity.

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Ranked 9th in UK (Guardian University Guide 2025), with 100% student satisfaction in teaching (NSS, 2024), our BA (Hons) Education Studies degree offers flexible pathways, including a guaranteed PGCE interview opportunity.

Award
BA (Hons)
Start date(s)
September 2024, September 2025
UCAS Code
X300
Course specifications
View course spec
Course length
Full-time (3 years),Part-time (6 years)
Campus location
University: Walsall Campus
School
School of Education
UCAS points calculator
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Why choose this course?

The BA (Hons) Education Studies provides you with the knowledge and skills to work in a range of educational settings, either as a teacher or if you also want to have other career options open to you. 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 Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) in Primary Education 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 optional 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.

The BA (Hons) Education Studies is three years full-time and can be studied PART-TIME which requires you to attend daytime sessions. However, if you are a practitioner and would like to study more flexibly for example in the evening, we offer part-time the Supporting Children in Primary Education with Foundation Year 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?

What happens on the course?

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. 

At level 5 you will build on your previous study 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.  

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. 

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 feed forward written and/or oral 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 to 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 that are 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

Module: 4ED002
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

In this module you will consider key policies in pre-school, compulsory and post-compulsory education in England. You will also explore a range of historical and contemporary issues and approaches which affect Education Studies, both nationally and internationally. As part of your learning you will have the opportunity to consider different educational settings and the role of education in creating a socially just society. This will include considering if education promotes social justice for all children and pupils in accessing an equal education or does this create inequalities for children and pupils.

Module: 4ED001
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

In this module you will be introduced to the field of comparative education and develop your knowledge of different education systems in Europe. You will also evaluate and interpret comparative education theories and concepts and relate this to the England and other European countries. As part of your learning you will have the opportunity to assess some of the key aspects of different education systems and make some judgements about influencing factors such as policy, culture and curriculum. You will explore the benefits and challenges of comparing education systems and consider the relationships between education in England and other European countries.

Module: 4ED014
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module supports you in engaging with educational research and information sources, including the collection, and reporting of data to explore different perspectives or myths on current educational issues that inform practice. When developing your own knowledge and understanding in the module you will be able to identify and recognise how social media, fake news, government policy and research can inform educational practice and the benefits and challenges this can bring. As part of this module, you can develop your critical thinking and subsequently reflect on the development of your own personal academic skills as the module will incorporate academic skill development through the lens of considering different issues in education. Learning outcomes: LO1: Discuss a range of perspectives in relation to a key educational issue. LO2: Contrast academic sources in relation to educational issues LO3: Reflect on the development of your own personal academic practice.

Module: 4ED011
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

In this module you will develop your knowledge and understanding of key theoretical perspectives which influence the study of Education. You will begin to question, 'What is Education?' and how educational theory influences contemporary educational systems. You will be given the opportunity to compare different theoretical perspectives and consider how these theories link to current educational policy. You will also be able to appreciate some of the challenges in relation to how educational theory and policy can impact upon practice. These challenges may include the balance of formal education, how individuals learn and the impact of digital technology.

Module: 4SN005
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module provides you with the opportunity to develop your understanding of issues surrounding inclusion, disability and diversity for children, young people and adults in educational settings. You be introduced to different types of disabilities and how they can be diverse in nature depending on individual need. By drawing on literature and research you will also be able to consider inclusion, disability and diversity as a social issue that goes beyond education and explore models of disability and inclusion. You will examine how the inclusion of individuals with disabilities into everyday activities involves practices and policies designed to identify and remove barriers. These include physical, communication, and attitudes that hinder the ability of children, young people and adults to have full participation in society. You will also examine the challenges that promoting inclusion, diversity and disability rights can present to current practitioners when working in educational settings and local communities.

Module: 4CF005
Credits: 20
Period: 1
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

As part of your learning on this module you will be introduced to current debates around safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. You will be encouraged to explore how policy, legislation and research evidence inform safeguarding practice. You will also consider the roles and responsibilities of all professionals to safeguard children, young people and vulnerable adults, and as part of this you will be encouraged to reflect on how professionals need to work together. You will explore how risk is managed and how families are supported by multi-agency teams, to ensure the well-being of all children, young people and vulnerable adults.

Module: 5ED002
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

Research is not just for researchers: as active members of our profession, and indeed society, we all are affected by the research of others. Learning how to conduct your own research gives insight and understanding into such work, and improves your skills as a scholar and as a practitioner. This module prepares you for a successful personal research dissertation in level 6. You will be introduced to a range of techniques and theories on how to gather information, make sense of it, and report it in an effective way.

Module: 5ED016
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module will provide you with an in-depth overview of key theories, issues and debates within wider social, economic, and political contexts that shape practice in schools, colleges, and universities in the 21st century within the UK and globally. As you develop your knowledge and understanding you will be able to appraise and reflect on how these issues relate to the challenges and opportunities experienced by current educational institutions and staff. These challenges and opportunities include, active learning, social media and technology, inequality, the structure of the curriculum and teacher retention.

Module: 5ED004
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module gives you the opportunity to undertake a placement in a setting of your choice which is relevant to an aspect of your professional development. You will develop your knowledge of working with other professionals relevant to the context of your chosen placement. You will observe an aspect of your placement learning such as the role of practitioners, the environment, pedagogy and multi-agency working. As part of this module you will use research and literature to evaluate issues relating to your chosen topic. You will also explore models of reflective practice which will provide you with the opportunity to apply these alongside your experiential learning to assess your personal and professional learning.

Module: 5ED017
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

In this module you will gain a critical understanding of contemporary issues relating to teaching and learning within the classroom and the impact these issues can have on children, young people, and adults. You will also gain knowledge of the underlying concepts, principles and factors identified within literature and research which shape contemporary teaching practice in early years settings, schools, colleges and universities. This will enable you to reflect on how these relate to the challenges and opportunities experienced by current educational institutions and staff. Content will include pedagogy, teaching standards, types of learning environments, learning theories, and the curriculum. You will also analyse factors which impact on children's, young people and adult learning and attainment including testing and assessment, the role of teaching support staff, and the quality of teaching

Module: 5ED003
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

The module aims to introduce you to some of the social psychological influences which affect educational achievement. You will be encouraged to reflect on their own learning experiences and how learning may be determined by social psychological factors such as emotional insecurity, motivation, attitude to learning, self-regulation, self-identity, social cognition, group process and prejudice. You will draw on a range of theories and concepts to help you also examine social psychological perspectives, such as disadvantage, gender, teacher support, peer values and mental health and well-being to explain differences in academic attainment.

Module: 5SN004
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module will explore exclusion from school and why some children are more likely to be excluded than others. You will have the opportunity to interpret statistical data, research and literature linking to exclusion from school and social justice and why all people should have equal access to education. Your learning on this module includes applying theories and concepts of social exclusion and social justice in educational contexts. You will also demonstrate the influences of government policy and the curriculum on school exclusion and the issues and challenges of social justice and exclusion from school.

Module: 5CF017
Credits: 20
Period: 2
Type: Optional
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module will enhance your knowledge and understanding of the role of the practitioner when working with children, young people and families. You will explore and show critical understanding on the impact of adverse childhood experiences and other social issues that may affect young lives. As part of your learning you will develop a critical understanding of how policy impacts on a range of diverse and vulnerable families and the challenges that policy may present for you, the practitioner, in your day-to day role. Key theories and therapeutic interventions will be evaluated as your professional knowledge and skills of family support are enhanced.

Module: 6ED015
Credits: 40
Period: 3
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module is the culmination your study and practice building upon your learning at level 4 and level 5 and provides you with the opportunity to develop your expertise and independent research skills in an area of your choice. This module builds on the proposal you developed for the module Becoming a Researcher that you studied at level 5. For this module you will develop your proposal into a research dissertation in collaboration with a supervisor you will be given. The Dissertation will involve you drawing on a wide range of literature and research to develop a critical review of previous theories, concepts and research around your chosen subject area. You will also have the opportunity to explore research methodology and methods that you can draw upon to develop your own research design. You will have the choice to undertake primary research or secondary research for your data collection to provide you with the opportunity to analyse key findings and reflect on what you have learnt.

Module: 6ED003
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

The module aims to introduce you to issues in relation to learning and teaching in challenging educational settings. You will give particular attention to ‘challenging’ and 'effective' urban schools as well as critically evaluating improvement strategies that enhance academic achievement in a range of contexts. You will be encouraged to analyse the role of learners, educators, school leaders and other stakeholders such as the local community; as well as the impact of external factors such as the environment, educational policy, poverty and socio economically disadvantaged communities.

Module: 6ED001
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

In this module you will be able to learn about the aims of comparative education and appraise the education systems of other countries globally. You will examine and compare educational theories and practices in countries as diverse as Japan, Germany, Finland and the USA. When comparing differences you be able to critically understand the relationship between education and society in terms of economic, social, cultural and political factors. As part of your learning you will have the opportunity to identify aspects that could be used for improvement of education in the UK, such as teaching practices, the role of the adult and the use of learning environments. You will also be able to evaluate the benefits and challenges of policy borrowing in terms of the development of global educational policy.

Module: 6ED002
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Core
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

This module gives you the opportunity to critically explore perspectives on the processes of learning and teaching. You will be encouraged to develop your critical understanding of the nature and impact of factors on the learning and teaching process. This includes, meeting the individual needs of diverse learners, the classroom environment, social and emotional resilience and global and national educational theory and policy. It also enables you to connect current research perspectives on learning and teaching with the realities of day-day classroom practices.

Module: 6SN008
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

In this module you will have the opportunity to consolidate, extend and challenge your understanding of the notion of social inclusion. You will be able to apply your renewed comprehension of social inclusion to appraise the position of specific groups in 21st century society, with a particular focus on disability. By drawing on theoretical perspectives, such as feminist ideologies, international outlooks, media representations and research studies, you will cultivate critical insights into social issues which underpin the lives, opportunities and challenges of those in disadvantaged or marginalised positions.

Module: 6CF003
Credits: 20
Period: 3
Type: Optional
Locations: University: Walsall Campus

In this module you will explore a range of theories and concepts in relation to how inequalities are constructed in society. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to critically discuss the ways in which different social groups are represented within society, for example, through the mass media and government policy and how they are often marginalised and oppressed as a result of their portrayal in society. You will critically examine how inequalities can be challenged when developing provision to meet the needs of children, young people and families from a multi-agency perspective. You will also appraise the potential challenges that practitioners in multi-agency teams can encounter when working with excluded and marginalised children, young people and their families.

Potential Career Paths

You!

Primary School Teacher

Secondary School Teacher

Teaching Assistant

Learning Mentor

Youth Worker

Play Therapist

Researcher

Play Therapist 

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 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 and café. 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 an appointment with the Student’s Union; Careers, Enterprise and the Workplace; Student Support and Wellbeing, etc.

Course-specific Support

  • You will be allocated a personal tutor who will support you with the transition into higher education and 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

Twitter: @ed_wlv

You will:

  • develop knowledge; be able to critically analyse; make judgments; and evaluate key concepts, theories, and principles around education studies
  • analyse inclusion concepts, theories, and issues in a systematic way
  • identify and reflect on potential connections and discontinuities between aspects of subject knowledge and their application in social policies and contexts
  • process and synthesise a range of relevant empirical and theoretical data to present and justify your chosen position
  • develop and consolidate a range of employability skills, including sharing information, working with and in groups, presenting information, digital literacy, and critical thinking skills
  • 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 2024-25
Home Part-time £3120 per year# 2022-23
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2023-24
Home Part-time £4625 per year# 2024-25
International Full-time £13450 per year 2022-23
International Full-time £14450 per year 2023-24
International Full-time £14950 per year 2024-25

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

# Undergraduate part-time fees for 50% rate of study

Typical entry requirement: 96 UCAS points

  • A Levels - grades CCC / BCD
  • BTEC L3 Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge L3 Technical Extended Diploma - grades MMM
  • BTEC L3 Diploma - grades DD
  • NCFE CACHE L3 Diploma in Childcare and Education or NCFE CACHE L3 Technical Diploma in Childcare and Education - grade C
  • Access to HE Diploma (60 credits) of which a minimum of 45 must be at Level 3 (96 UCAS point equivalence, minimum 45 credits at merit)

Use the UCAS Tariff calculator to check your qualifications and points

Other Requirements

Entry to this course requires a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.

Free Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS):

Due to the professional nature of some of our courses you may also be required to complete a Declaration of Health and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check.  We will coordinate both of these non-academic conditions with you should your course require this and you receive an offer from us

There will be no cost for the DBS this is free to applicants who have secured an offer and have chosen to study at the University of Wolverhampton.

Students must usually have studied for a minimum of two years post GCSE level. However, we will consider applications from mature students who do not have two years of post-16 study, where they have relevant work experience. Please see http://wlv.ac.uk/mature for further information.

The thought of starting University at the age of 49 was daunting, especially since I had been out of education for a long time. But after the initial nerves about whether I should have returned to academic life, I realised that it was the best decision I had taken. There are so many things I enjoy about reading the BA (Hons) Education Studies programme, but one of the most interesting and enlightening has been its content, be it the Education and Social Justice module, Disability, Diversity and Inclusion or Policy and Practice of Learning and Teaching. All modules in the programme have been informative, enlightening, and relevant to issues occurring in current times, not just in the UK but around the globe. Another reason for the programme being enjoyable has been how the modules have been delivered, the lecturers have been erudite at keeping them discussion-based and interesting. I also found that the facilities and help available to all students is exceptional and there are workshops available for anything course-related. 

Having now started my third year as a 51-year-old mature student, my advice to anyone who may be thinking they ‘have missed the boat for university’, ignore that thought, it is never too late.  Fiaz Haque 

The course has given me the skills and confidence I need to be able to believe in myself as an educator. After completing several modules I found a passion for social justice, which has inspired me to follow a career within higher education. The lecturers have a passion for their subject which is infectious, making learning enjoyable. I always feel we are on equal terms even though they are teaching me as they are so approachable. 

Enrolling in the course has been the best decision I have made. As a mature student, I was worried about entering into full-time education again after 20 years, however, the course content, lecturers, and academic skills sessions quickly made the worry turn into a new passion. I have grown so much academically, but also in confidence within myself, since starting the course. I now have the ability to fulfil my dream as an educator and plan to continue my studies further.  Victoria Price

My name is Lesley and I am studying education studies at Wolverhampton University. As a mature student it was a daunting task to step back into education. From the first year it was clear that I had a highly motivated and passionate set of lectures who would help with any concerns about university life. The lectures offered amazing support with any challenges faced over the duration of the course including extra assistance during COVID-19. The lectures have helped me to believe and achieve within the university environment.  I have enjoyed the course as it has offered a diverse range of subjects including history of education, SEND, equality in education and international comparatives.  This degree has enabled me to seek new challenges with confidence and has improved my understanding of different people perspectives. I could not thank my lectures enough.  Lesley Jones 

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

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