Undergraduate students attending an Education seminar in the Dearing Building, Jubilee campus

Education BA

Jubilee Campus, Nottingham, UK

Course overview

Are you interested in exploring formal and informal education through a variety of perspective disciplines such as sociology, psychology, philosophy, history and politics? Do you want to keep your career options open? Then our BA Education degree is the perfect choice for you to explore a wide variety of educational practices and ideas.

Our course will help you challenge established educational practices and debate issues such as social justice in education, inclusion, alternative education, and education and mental health. You’ll cover concepts in learning in the digital age, global education, and the impact of cognition and development on learning.

One of the highlights of our degree is the placement module, which offers an excellent opportunity to put your understanding of educational theories into practice in a real-world setting. This experience will not only enhance your learning but also strengthen your CV, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to study abroad for a semester at our Malaysia campus, giving you an exciting international perspective on education. This experience will enhance your understanding of different cultures and approaches to education.

Indicative modules

Mandatory

Year 1

Big Ideas in Education: Inclusion, Equalities, Rights and Justice

Mandatory

Year 1

History of Education

Mandatory

Year 1

Joining the Academic Community

Mandatory

Year 1

Learning and Development

Mandatory

Year 1

The Purposes of Education

Optional

Year 1

Exploring and Developing Education Collaborations

Optional

Year 1

Literacy, Learning and Education

Optional

Year 1

Mathematics and Science in Schools

Optional

Year 1

Understanding Counselling in Education

Mandatory

Year 2

Curriculum and the Politics of Knowledge

Mandatory

Year 2

Education Beyond Borders

Mandatory

Year 2

Learning in the Digital Future

Mandatory

Year 2

Researching Education: Key Studies and Methods

Mandatory

Year 2

The Developing Ethical Professional

Optional

Year 2

Alternative Educations

Optional

Year 2

Counselling in Education: Difference and Diversity

Optional

Year 2

Exploring and Developing Education Collaborations

Optional

Year 2

Inclusive Education

Optional

Year 2

Literacy, Learning and Education

Optional

Year 2

Mathematics and Science in Schools

Optional

Year 2

Place, Mobility and Space in Education

Optional

Year 2

Placement (autumn or spring semester)

Optional

Year 2

Placement (Year Long)

Optional

Year 2

Understanding Counselling in Education

Mandatory

Year 3

Big Ideas in Education: the Datafication of Education

Mandatory

Year 3

Dissertation

Mandatory

Year 3

New Modes and Sites for Learning

Mandatory

Year 3

Research Methodology and Design in Education

Optional

Year 3

Alternative Educations

Optional

Year 3

Counselling in Education: Difference and Diversity

Optional

Year 3

Inclusive Education

Optional

Year 3

Literacy, Learning and Education

Optional

Year 3

Mathematics and Science in Schools

Optional

Year 3

Place, Mobility and Space in Education

Optional

Year 3

Understanding Counselling in Education

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About modules

The above is a sample of the typical modules we offer, but is not intended to be construed or relied on as a definitive list of what might be available in any given year. This content was last updated on Monday 2 October 2023. Due to timetabling availability, there may be restrictions on some module combinations.

The BA Education is a friendly and collaborative course with small group sizes. The ways in which tutors work together with students and students work with each other model good practice and help you develop transferable skills which will be beneficial for your future career.

You will be taught by expert staff whose research aims to improve global education practices and policy. Lectures and seminars are delivered in small groups, providing regular and consistent tutor-student contact and opportunities to discuss, collaborate and lead the learning.

There will be many course-related, but also extra-curricular "student activities" available to you which will also enhance your learning: field trips to local education settings such as city farms, museums, galleries, community gardens and more.

Teaching methods

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Placements
  • Field trips
  • Workshops
  • Visiting speakers

This course is assessed through essays, exams and presentations, as well as reflective portfolios, creative responses and the practical design of learning tools.

Assessment methods

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Presentation
  • Project work
  • Reflective portfolios

You will have approximately 12 to 14 hours of contact time per week  in lectures, tutorials, seminars and placements. You will also be expected to engage in independent study.

Learning isn't confined to the classroom and education graduates don't all go on to become teachers. In fact, half of those working in the education sector are making a difference in a range of roles, including many you might not have imagined, such as:

  • local government
  • civil service
  • educational organisation bodies
  • education in museums and prisons
  • charities and NGOs
  • community and educational theatre
  • educational administration at school and university level
  • educational marketing, PR and journalism
  • education business and commerce
  • graduate training programmes such as IntoUniversity

The personal and academic development modules will develop self-study and reflection, while the work-based placement opportunities offer you a chance to experience working in an educational environment that will enhance your skills as an educational professional.

This course also provides an excellent foundation for progressing to a PGCE in primary education. The University of Nottingham offers a Primary PCGE, with successful completion leading to Qualified Teacher Status.

Average starting salary and career progression

85.70% of undergraduates from the Faculty of Social Sciences secured graduate level employment or further study within 15 months of graduation. The average annual starting salary for these graduates was £29,197.

HESA Graduate Outcomes (2017-2021 cohorts). The Graduate Outcomes % is calculated using The Guardian University Guide methodology. The average annual salary is based on graduates working full-time within the UK.

Studying for a degree at the University of Nottingham will provide you with the type of skills and experiences that will prove invaluable in any career, whichever direction you decide to take.

Throughout your time with us, our Careers and Employability Service can work with you to improve your employability skills even further; assisting with job or course applications, searching for appropriate work experience placements and hosting events to bring you closer to a wide range of prospective employers.

Have a look at our careers page for an overview of all the employability support and opportunities that we provide to current students.

The University of Nottingham is consistently named as one of the most targeted universities by Britain’s leading graduate employers (Ranked in the top ten in The Graduate Market in 2013-2020, High Fliers Research).

University undergraduate students studying in the Monica Partridge Building Digital Hub. Friday November 5th 2021.Megan Mahoney (blue top); Cole Pearce; Jane Israel (denim jacket) and Sara Bintey Kabir (yellow top); Francis (black and white hoodie); Adam and Lucy Woodward and Zoe Markham-Lee (ponytail)

I loved the alternative methods of teaching and assessment we were able to try, as well as seeing the impact of student voice and opinion on the course.

Elizabeth Jennings

2021 BA Education graduate

Course data

Open Day June 2022