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Engage in critical, current debates in education to develop skills for a wide range of educational careers with our BA Education Studies degree.
Our BA Education Studies degree deepens your understanding of the role and place of education in contemporary society, how people learn, and the range of disciplines that relate to the broad field of education.
It provides a solid foundation in the core discipline of education, as well as an understanding of the current debates and issues surrounding the subject.
Choose BA Education Studies at the University of Reading
- Our Institute of Education is ranked 7th in the UK for Education in The Guardian University Guide 2021.
- Assessment is 100% coursework-based.
- Tailor the degree to your academic and professional interests with our wide range of optional modules.
You'll develop your understanding of learning theories, inclusion, sociology, policy and practice, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively and confidently in a range of settings.
Taught by leading academics and researchers at the Institute of Education, you'll examine:
- educational debates, such as pedagogy, creativity in education, global education and learning theories (including play)
- topical issues including the impact of inclusive practice, the reality of social justice, and multicultural environments
- education in its creative, economic, philosophical, cultural, political and sociological contexts.
Deepen your understanding of how children and adults learn by:
- studying education, teaching and learning from different perspectives
- exploring a range of issues, from culture and learning environments to fundamental moral and social questions such as the links between health and learning.
You'll explore the history of education and investigate existing and future opportunities – and challenges – in educational practice. Alongside all of this, you will develop your academic and professional skills.
This flexible, full-time course allows you to balance your studies with other commitments, including the opportunity to gain work experience while studying.
You will gain professional expertise and experience in the education sector with a wide range of placement and volunteering opportunities, enabling you to make a positive impact and develop as an active, thoughtful citizen.
Professional placements
This degree blends theory with practice to offer you a well-rounded, comprehensive education. Some of this valuable, real-life practice is acquired through a four-week placement in your second year.
Depending on your career aspirations, a variety of placement settings – for example, in a school, museum or gallery – could be arranged. A dedicated academic tutor, as well as the programme team, will be there to support you and tailor your placement in line with your interests.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required, depending on the type of placement setting you choose.
Study Abroad
Depending on your course, you could spend two weeks, a term, or an academic year abroad. This can be part of a standard three-year degree, an extended four-year degree, or a shorter length of time such as a summer school.
The University's Study Abroad team will help you decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you when you're abroad.
To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website.
What our BA Education Studies students say
- Olivia Beeston is a UK student who chose our BA Education Studies degree because it gives her the opportunity to study the impact of education in depth.
- Weitong Liu is an international student from China. She recommends taking full advantage of academic writing support.
- Aya Yaucat-Guendi worked in marketing and advertising before moving to the UK and pursuing her lifelong dream of working in education. She's found our lecturers to be supportive and passionate about education and student success.
Overview
Engage in critical, current debates in education to develop skills for a wide range of educational careers with our BA Education Studies degree.
Our BA Education Studies degree deepens your understanding of the role and place of education in contemporary society, how people learn, and the range of disciplines that relate to the broad field of education.
It provides a solid foundation in the core discipline of education, as well as an understanding of the current debates and issues surrounding the subject.
Choose BA Education Studies at the University of Reading
- Our Institute of Education is ranked 7th in the UK for Education in The Guardian University Guide 2021.
- Assessment is 100% coursework-based.
- Tailor the degree to your academic and professional interests with our wide range of optional modules.
You'll develop your understanding of learning theories, inclusion, sociology, policy and practice, gaining the knowledge and skills needed to work collaboratively and confidently in a range of settings.
Taught by leading academics and researchers at the Institute of Education, you'll examine:
- educational debates, such as pedagogy, creativity in education, global education and learning theories (including play)
- topical issues including the impact of inclusive practice, the reality of social justice, and multicultural environments
- education in its creative, economic, philosophical, cultural, political and sociological contexts.
Deepen your understanding of how children and adults learn by:
- studying education, teaching and learning from different perspectives
- exploring a range of issues, from culture and learning environments to fundamental moral and social questions such as the links between health and learning.
You'll explore the history of education and investigate existing and future opportunities – and challenges – in educational practice. Alongside all of this, you will develop your academic and professional skills.
This flexible, full-time course allows you to balance your studies with other commitments, including the opportunity to gain work experience while studying.
You will gain professional expertise and experience in the education sector with a wide range of placement and volunteering opportunities, enabling you to make a positive impact and develop as an active, thoughtful citizen.
Learning
Professional placements
This degree blends theory with practice to offer you a well-rounded, comprehensive education. Some of this valuable, real-life practice is acquired through a four-week placement in your second year.
Depending on your career aspirations, a variety of placement settings – for example, in a school, museum or gallery – could be arranged. A dedicated academic tutor, as well as the programme team, will be there to support you and tailor your placement in line with your interests.
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required, depending on the type of placement setting you choose.
Study Abroad
Depending on your course, you could spend two weeks, a term, or an academic year abroad. This can be part of a standard three-year degree, an extended four-year degree, or a shorter length of time such as a summer school.
The University's Study Abroad team will help you decide where to go and for how long, guide you through the application process, and support you when you're abroad.
To find out more about the benefits of studying abroad, and discover where you could go, visit the Study Abroad website.
What our BA Education Studies students say
- Olivia Beeston is a UK student who chose our BA Education Studies degree because it gives her the opportunity to study the impact of education in depth.
- Weitong Liu is an international student from China. She recommends taking full advantage of academic writing support.
- Aya Yaucat-Guendi worked in marketing and advertising before moving to the UK and pursuing her lifelong dream of working in education. She's found our lecturers to be supportive and passionate about education and student success.
Entry requirements A Level BBB | IB 30 points overall
Select Reading as your firm choice on UCAS and we'll guarantee you a place even if you don't quite meet your offer. For details, see our firm choice scheme.
Typical Offer
BBB
International Baccalaureate
30 points overall
GCSE
Grade C (4) or equivalent in Maths and English
BTEC Extended Diploma
DDM
Other Information
We will consider candidates with equivalent qualifications. Interviews are not required for admission.
Structure
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ED1BTL | Exploring learning | MRS Joanne Thompson |
ED1BSJ | Society and Social Justice | DR Billy Wong |
ED1BCL | Creative Learning through the Arts | MS Suzy Tutchell |
ED1BEC | Education for Inclusion | MR Ilan Dwek |
ED1BME | Multilingualism in Education | DR Naomi Flynn |
ED1BPD | Professional Development 1 | DR Maria Kambouri |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
CL1L1 | Latin 1 (C) | MRS Jackie Baines |
CL1G1 | Ancient Greek 1 | MRS Jackie Baines |
EC118 | Economy, Politics and Culture in the Roman World | PROF Ken Dark |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ED2BGP | Global perspectives in Education. | MR David Kerr |
ED2BPD | Professional Development 2 | MR William Bailey-Watson |
ED2BLE | Leadership in Education | DR Karen Jones |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
AR2M8 | Medieval Europe: power, religion and death | DR Gabor Thomas |
AR2F17 | Forensic Archaeology and Crime Scene Analysis | PROF Mary Lewis |
CL2CGH | Greek History: Persian Wars to Alexander | PROF Timothy Duff |
CL2RO | Roman History: From Republic to Empire | PROF Annalisa Marzano |
CL2DR | Ancient Drama | PROF Barbara Goff |
ED2BSA | Study abroad (term) | MRS Joanne Thompson |
ED2BTE | Technology, Education and Society | DR Geoff Taggart |
ED2DED | Deafness and Education | MR Ilan Dwek |
LS2LAT | Introduction to English Language Teaching | MRS Suzanne Portch |
LS2LNM | Language and New Media | PROF Rodney Jones |
MM270 | Practice of Entrepreneurship | DR Norbert Morawetz |
ML2UNR | Unity, Nationalism and Regionalism in Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML2STA | Society, Thought, and Art in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
ML2GF | Science, perversion, and dream in global fantastic literature | DR Daniela La Penna |
MT2CC | The Science of Climate Change | PROF Nigel Arnell |
PO2PWS | Politics of the Welfare State | DR Brandon Beomseob Park |
PO2MIR | Modern International Relations | DR Joseph O' Mahoney |
PO2THI | Political Thinking | DR Alice Baderin |
PP2OID1 | Oppression, Inequality, and the Enemies of Democracy 1 | MR George Mason |
PP2IDR1 | Ignorance, Doubt, and Relativism 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2MM1 | Meaning and the Mind 1 | DR Jumbly Grindrod |
PP2HKW1 | Hume, Kant, and Wittgenstein 1 | DR Severin Schroeder |
PP2GP1 | Global Philosophy 1 | DR Shalini Sinha |
PP2EA1 | Ethical Argument 1: Philosophy and How to Live | DR Luke Elson |
Compulsory modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
ED3BFD | Dissertation | DR Maria Kambouri |
ED3BHW | Health and Well - being: Consequences and Responsibilities | DR Carol Fuller |
ED3BPD | Professional Development 3 | MR William Bailey-Watson |
Optional modules include:
Code | Module | Convenor |
---|---|---|
BI3EF7 | Urban Ecology | DR Phil Baker |
BI3BI8 | Neurobiology | DR Nandini Vasudevan |
ED3BMU | Understanding the theory and practice of mentoring | MS Teresa Wilson |
ED3BRD | Representations of disability in drama and the arts | MR Simon Floodgate |
GV3CC | Climate Change | DR Maria Shahgedanova |
GV3ESM | Ecosystems Modelling | DR Shovonlal Roy |
GV3TRC | Tropical Rainforests, Climate & Lost Civilisations | PROF Frank Mayle |
LS3IC | Intercultural Communications | DR Erhan Aslan |
LW3CRY | Criminology | PROF Paul Almond |
MM302 | Entrepreneurial Project | MR Keith Heron |
ML3LP | Language and Power | DR Federico Faloppa |
ML3IC | Identity and Conflict in Modern Europe | DR Athena Leoussi |
PO3IPE | International Political Economy | DR Jonathan Golub |
PO3USF | US Foreign and Defence Policy since 1950 | DR Graham O'Dwyer |
PO3FPT | Feminism and Political Theory | PROF David Marshall |
Fees
New UK/Republic of Ireland students: £9,250* per year
New international students: £19,500 per year
*UK/Republic of Ireland fee changes
UK/Republic of Ireland undergraduate tuition fees are regulated by the UK government. These fees are subject to parliamentary approval and any decision on raising the tuition fees cap for new UK students would require the formal approval of both Houses of Parliament before it becomes law.
EU student fees
With effect from 1 August 2021, new EU students will pay international tuition fees. For exceptions, please read the UK government’s guidance for EU students.
Additional costs
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Financial support for your studies
You may be eligible for a scholarship or bursary to help pay for your study. Students from the UK and other EU countries may also be eligible for a student loan to help cover these costs. See our fees and funding information for more information on what's available.
Careers
Careers for BA Education Studies graduates
When you graduate, your expert knowledge and skills could lead to a rewarding career in areas such as:
- youth work
- learning mentoring
- museum education
- guidance family work
- teaching, as a teaching assistant
- education administration
- early years education.
This degree also provides a solid foundation for further study relevant to a range of roles within education, such as:
- teaching
- play therapy
- counselling
- heritage
- mental health and social work.