BA (Hons)Education

Core modules

How do Children Learn

Have you ever thought how children learn? This module will develop your knowledge and understanding of how children learn and how young people develop learning patterns. Previous experiences, cognitive functioning and environmental influences from an early age will be investigated, and you will develop a deeper appreciation of literacy and any unusual developmental patterns. This module will delve deeper and examine the theory which governs our knowledge and perceptions of learning, and will challenge your thoughts on how we, as educators, can facilitate equality, diversity and inclusion with effective learning practices which enable all children to learn.

Policy and Practice in Education

This module offers you the opportunity to learn about how policy has developed over the years and engage in discussion across a wide range of topical policy issues that influence professional practice. You will be encouraged to apply critical thinking and ask yourself: 'why do we have policy and what is its key priority'? The learning will encourage interactive discussion around the policy decisions made at central government level and the subsequent implementation within and across educational institutions. You will learn how to interpret key policy documents and government guidance and critically analyse its application. In support of the assessment and your future teaching career, you will be tasked to develop an evidence based portfolio.

Research Methods in Education

This module aims to introduce you to skills necessary to design, analyse, interpret and report research. The module will provide an opportunity for you to understand research philosophy, develop further research skills in the form of quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis techniques, and lead to the planning of an independent piece of research that is based on contemporary research and is both methodologically and ethically sound.

School-Based Placement

You will be given the opportunity to undertake a school-based placement, giving you excellent examples to consider, apply and critique the theory learnt throughout this module. You will explore a range of workplace practices surrounding the professional practices of equality, diversity and inclusion within a school setting. You will be given every opportunity to explore educational challenges within a contemporary climate, identify core values and observe practices in the delivery of your chosen professional area. With such a vast and complicated workplace, you will need to have an in-depth understanding of all aspects associated with this dynamic environment, including (but not limited to): School Management and Leadership; Teaching; Administration; Support Services, and the Wider School Community. As such, this module will encourage you to question your own knowledge and experiences for the world of education and begin to develop a deeper appreciation towards an effective whole school community.

Sociology of Education

This module builds upon knowledge developed in 'Social and Cultural Issues'. In this module, you will consider the role and purpose of education and critically analyse the ways in which it is designed, organised and delivered. To do this, you will be introduced to a variety of sociological theories and apply these to educational practices, systems and inequalities related to your specific area of study.

Teaching in the Curriculum

This module will develop your academic understanding of the curriculum and the wider factors within education that impact on it. It will identify key areas within curriculum design and encourage you to consider the wider implications such as participation, inclusion and development.

Core modules

Applied Pedagogy in Education

Applied Pedagogy in Education integrates your academic understanding and the application of your teaching pedagogical practices which are appropriate for the 21st century. The module will challenge your thinking on traditional methods, identify misconceptions and allow you to gain knowledge and understanding to make a difference in education. You will gain knowledge and understanding in a variety of curriculum areas, especially across the areas of equality, diversity and inclusion within a school setting.

Contemporary Issues In Education

Understanding the relevant and contemporary issues in education that impact on teachers, learners and leaders will help you to have better understanding of the education sector more broadly. Education is often used for political gain and is therefore subject to policy changes. What should be taught, who should be taught, who should pay, and who is qualified to ‘teach’ is contested and influenced by competing ideologies that will be discussed in this module. Starting with a historical overview of education in England, and how it has been shaped by the political landscape, the module will then explore issues such as underachievement, inclusion, mental health issues (in pupils and teachers), public and private education sectors and how as educators you can use this knowledge to be more effective and empathetic of those working and being educated in the sector.

Dissertation

In this module, you will research in a discipline related to your degree programme. You will synthesise knowledge from other modules to support the development of a research project that is relevant to your subject area. You will work with a supervisor and will utilise a range of research and academic skills to produce a written dissertation that demonstrates a systematic approach to the research process.

Professional Practice in Education

This module will enable you to develop your theoretical knowledge learnt through the duration of the course and apply it through a school placement. You will experience the intricacies of teaching, and explore policy and practice both at a school and national level. You will utilise your understanding of the philosophy of the subject to affect innovative change in the practice of teaching.

Optional modules

Please note: Not all optional modules are guaranteed to run each year.

Issues in Educational Psychology

You will learn about the impact of psychological research on education. We will explore psychological research within the classroom, at school level and outside of the school environment. Topics may include SEND, managing behaviour, Autism Spectrum Disorders, bullying, inclusive education and enhancing school readiness in pre-schoolers. We will consider a wide range of educational environments from pre-school to University. The aims of this module is to provide a strong foundation on how key cognitive, social and developmental theories have influenced the field of educational psychology over the years, and how such theories can be applied to educational settings to enhance learning and teaching. There will be a strong focus on critically evaluating relevant empirical research and its applications to educational environments.

Mindfulness-Based Practice and Approaches

Mindful living has been linked to good mental health, good physical health, and improved wellbeing. Mindfulness now underpins several therapeutic-approaches. Having an embodied personal practice enables you to develop your own understanding of mindfulness and to authentically teach mindfulness to clients and service users. This personal understanding will change the way in which you engage with the evidence-base for mindfulness-based approaches.