Education BA

Course overview

Prepare to be involved in education today and for the future. Our BA Education course will help you to understand current challenges in the field and encourage you to consider how education may evolve in our changing world.

Education sits in an ever-changing social, political and cultural context. This dynamic course allows you to explore the different settings where learning takes place and the processes that underpin it.

You’ll explore education in different contexts, as well as the impact of government policy on educational practice. You’ll learn how schools and classrooms work and how core curriculum subjects are learned and taught.

An optional placement in your third year of study will allow you to gain first-hand practical experience of classrooms or other education settings. Diverse optional modules will allow you to focus on the topics that excite you the most – from science and mathematics to language education.

During the course, you’ll study among active researchers at the forefront of their fields. It’s a great opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge and a wide range of skills, for careers within and beyond the education sector.

Course highlights

• Study in our world-ranked School of Education alongside staff and students from across the globe. 

• Learn from influential academics who are experts in important disciplines including education, psychology, pedagogy and sociology.  

• Explore a range of education topics within three themes:

1. Issues in Education – understand contemporary challenges
2. Practice in Education – explore the theory and practice of education itself
3. Research in Education – learn how to examine education and develop new ideas

• Understand the impact of policy and society on education, considering factors such as climate change and the role of educators in responding to this.

• Gain valuable practical experience, with the opportunity to work alongside teachers or education professionals in your final year. 

Studying in the School of Education

Course details

Throughout your studies you’ll build an understanding of key approaches and perspectives in education. You’ll draw on a wide range of disciplines to explore the ways learning is shaped by its social and cultural context, the factors that influence learning processes, and issues in educational research and practice.

In your second year you’ll also investigate the influence of politics and economics on education policy, inclusive education and how educational practices vary around the world.

Optional modules will allow you to focus on topics such as outdoor and experiential learning, and teaching and learning in core curriculum subjects.

In your final year you’ll focus on your own research project. This is an opportunity to work with your supervisor to examine a topic of your choice in greater depth. Your optional work placement will also allow you to gain practical experience, and build your understanding of practice within the education sector.

To complete the year, you will choose from further optional modules on topics such as assessment techniques or support for children with additional needs.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read BA Education in the course catalogue.

Year 1 compulsory modules

Becoming a Practitioner of Learning (20 credits) – This module shows you how to become an effective learner at university level. You’ll develop key critical thinking skills and be able to reflect on your development as a learner. You’ll also be equipped to develop as an autonomous learner throughout your time at university.

Diverse Contexts of Learning (20 credits) – Here, you’ll explore how learning is shaped by social, cultural and economic contexts. You’ll look at different philosophical perspectives from around the world, as well as the ways we’re influenced by socioeconomic settings. You’ll also have the chance to reflect on your own learning experiences in the past.

Psychological Approaches to Child Development and Education (20 credits) – In this module you’ll look at how we apply psychological knowledge to education. You’ll learn about several different theories and perspectives, as well as some of the major issues in the field. These include how we teach effectively, and how what we do is informed by evidence from empirical research.

Contemporary Issues and Debates in Education (20 credits) – This module examines the various challenges (both political and pedagogical) that schools and educational systems are facing today. You’ll learn about the challenges involved in engaging different communities with education, and consider how this impacts the people learning. You’ll also discuss how we evaluate children and schools, and compare different educational systems from around the world.

The Practice of Educating (20 credits) – This module will teach you about the practice of educating in several contexts. You’ll be able to try out different educational approaches in practical sessions, and explore the ways we can meet the needs of diverse learners. This will consider factors like level of formality, group size and online technology. Micro-teaching activities will allow you to try out different approaches and reflect on your experiences.

Year 1 optional modules

You will choose 20 credits of optional modules in the school. In previous years options have included topics such as children’s rights, second language acquisition and building a career.

Year 2 compulsory modules

Research Methods (20 credits) – This module helps students who are new to research. It’ll give you a foundational understanding of what research is, why we do it and why it’s important. You’ll gain this understanding through a small-scale research project based on a real-world problem, which will inform your final year project proposal later in the course. Key concerns like ethics, credibility, quality and impact will also be explored at this point.

International Perspectives of Pedagogy and Practice (20 credits) – Drawing on ideas about childhood and child development, this module analyses teaching and learning practices from around the world. You’ll learn about the idea of curriculum as a mix of content, pedagogy and assessment practices, and be able to articulate your insights into today’s prevailing educational systems. You’ll also learn why specific curriculum practices have developed at different times, with a particular emphasis on research studies about the quality of different learning experiences.

Inclusive Education (20 credits) – In this module you’ll explore how learning can take place in both formal and informal settings, and the role educators play in the process. You’ll consider how particular groups of learners can become marginalised, categorised and stereotyped, and what this means for both schools and broader society. You’ll also be able to explore the relationship between special educational needs and disability, and evaluate how we’re currently promoting more inclusive practices.

Contemporary Issues and Debates in Education 2 (20 credits) – It often seems that everyone has an opinion about education. This module is about developing your ability to move beyond mere opinions to being able to untangle the different perspectives and claims made about contemporary education. You will look at some of the research and other evidence that can be used to examine these issues critically.

Year 2 optional modules

You will choose 20 to 40 credits of optional modules in the school. In previous years options have included topics such as experiential learning, STEM education, primary and early years teaching, and using stories to develop learning.

Year 2 discovery modules

You will be able to take 20 credits of discovery modules.

Year 3 compulsory modules

Final Year Research Project (40 credits) – In this module you’ll explore, in depth, an aspect of your degree pathway that particularly interests you. It might be related to your next stage of study or professional training, and it could be either an empirical study or mainly desk based. In any case the project will allow you to connect theory and practice, allowing you to examine the relationship between the two of them.

Educational Futures: Challenges and Possibilities (20 credits) – In this module you will build on knowledge and understanding developed in earlier modules, exploring key ideas such as decolonising the curriculum, climate breakdown, emerging digital technologies and diversity. You will consider the potential impacts of these contexts and viewpoints on education, and ways that pedagogy, practice and policy can respond to them.

Year 3 optional modules

You will choose up to 60 credits of optional modules in the school, including the opportunity to gain practical experience with an optional work placement as part of our Students into Education module. In previous years options have included topics such as children’s literature, supporting additional needs, and technology enhanced learning.

Year 3 discovery modules

You will be able to take 20 credits of discovery modules.

Learning and teaching

We use a range of teaching and learning methods, including lectures supported by workshops and tutorials that allow you to focus on and discuss topics in greater depth. You’ll also learn through fieldwork, and use a wide range of online learning resources and discussions to develop and express your ideas.

We support you in developing your academic writing for your assessments, and help you to develop your communication skills and confidence for your placements. As a University of Leeds student, you'll also have access to our Skills@Library service.

Independent study is also an important part of this degree, allowing you to improve your critical thinking and research skills, develop your own interests and prepare for assessments.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods will vary depending on the modules you choose. They are likely to include essays, reports, poster and/or verbal presentations, media projects, fieldwork reports, group work, exams, literature reviews and research.

Entry requirements

A-level: ABB

We welcome applicants with a broad range of A-level subjects, including non-traditional subjects.

When an applicant is taking the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) this can be considered alongside A-levels and may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. If you are taking A-levels, this would be BBB at A-level and grade A in the EPQ.

GCSE: grade 4/C or above in English Language, or an equivalent qualification, or an appropriate English language qualification.

Other course specific tests:

DBS check

Should you wish to work with children or vulnerable adults, for example, whilst undertaking Placement as a component of our optional Students into Education modules as part of your degree, you will need to have a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) or equivalent by 30 September in the year you start the module, paid for by the School. You will be sent a form and related guidance once you have expressed your interest, which you should complete and return with the appropriate documents.

Find guidance on DBS checks and equivalent checks for international applicants on the DBS website.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds offer:

• BBC at A level. Applicants must also meet the University’s GCSE matriculation standard and pass the Access to Leeds module.

• For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, we offer a foundation year for UK students who meet specific widening participation criteria. Learn more about the BA Social Science (foundation year).

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant (over 21) and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and maths qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Contact the Lifelong Learning Centre for more information. lifelonglearning@leeds.ac.uk

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Education Undergraduate Admissions Team.

International foundation year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study a foundation year. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

If you are applying from an alternative foundation year provider, please contact our admissions team to find out if your qualification is suitable for entry to our courses.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

Read our admissions guidance for common queries, information on how we will process your application, and advice on personal statements.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Education

Contact us

School of Education Admission Team

Email: ugeducation@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

This degree will equip you with in-depth knowledge as well as a variety of transferable skills in areas such as communication, research, analysis and presentations.

You will be well-prepared to progress to a primary teacher training programme, or work in related fields such as educational psychology, publishing, child welfare and school administration and management.

Our graduates go on to secure a wide range of career destinations across the education sector and beyond. Among many career options you may choose a role as a teacher, lecturer, researcher, specialist tutor, education consultant or teaching assistant.

Among many career options you may choose a role as a teacher, lecturer, researcher, specialist tutor, education consultant or teaching assistant.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.

Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.

Students into Education

In your third year on this course, you’ll have the opportunity to spend 40 hours over two semesters working in a school or other educational setting alongside an established teacher and education professionals. You’ll be supported to apply your knowledge and the skills you’ve developed through your modules in a practical educational environment, where you’ll have the opportunity to create, develop and use your own materials.

You’ll attend regular seminars which will enable you to reflect on your experience, allowing you to focus and evaluate the theoretical and pedagogical underpinnings.

Work placements are a great opportunity to apply and develop your knowledge, broaden your skill set and gain valuable experience – to pursue a career in the education sector and beyond.