Education BA

Education sits in an ever-changing social, political and cultural context. This dynamic programme 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.

Placements in your second and third years of study will allow you to gain first-hand practical experience of classrooms or other education settings, while diverse optional modules will allow you to focus on the topics that excite you the most – from science, mathematics and language education to behaviour management.

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.

Studying in the School of Education

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Throughout your studies, you’ll build an understanding of key approaches and perspectives in education, drawing 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 the second year, you’ll also investigate the influence of politics and economics on education policy, and how educational practices vary around the world. Optional modules will allow you to focus on topics such as inclusive education or teaching and learning in core curriculum subjects, and you’ll also undertake the first of your two placements, applying your knowledge to real-life situations.

In your final year, you’ll focus on your own research project – an opportunity to work with your supervisor to examine a topic of your choice in greater depth. Your second 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.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

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

Modules

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Discovery modules

Throughout your degree you will benefit from the range of opportunities, expanding your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.

This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.

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 will 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

In general we expect applicants to have two ‘traditional’ academic subjects at A-level. See our accepted A-level subjects document to see which subjects we accept.

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.

Other course specific tests:

Applicants are also required to have a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) (or equivalent). Students who are accepted onto the programme are required to adhere to the University Disciplinary Regulations during their studies. Failure to do so may lead to exclusion from the programme. Find out more.

We’ll send you more guidance on the process over the summer. We’ll also send you a form which you should complete and return with the appropriate documents – the deadline to return these documents will be communicated clearly in the guidance literature you’ll recieve.

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

• Access to HE Diploma

  Complete 60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3 including 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit or above.

• BTEC

  DDM.

• International Baccalaureate

  34 overall (6,5,5 higher).

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 an alternative 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 alternative 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).

International

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

International foundation year

If you have the ability to study for a degree but don’t have the qualifications to enter directly to level one, you might consider studying a foundation year. We have formal links with the following foundation year programmes:

- University of Leeds International Foundation Year (IFY)

- Northern Consortium of UK Universities (NCUK)

- Study Group Leeds International Study Centre (LISC)

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.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU 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

Faculty of Social Sciences Taught Admissions Policy 2021

Fees

UK: See fees section below

International: £20,250 (per year)

Undergraduate tuition fees for 2020 entry 
For UK and non-UK EU full-time students starting in 2020, the fee for 2020/21 will be £9,250. 

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK and non-UK EU undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

The UK government has confirmed that non-UK EU students starting in the 2020/21 academic year will have home fee status and be eligible for UK government student loans for the duration of their course.

UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry 
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by Government and may vary if policy changes.

EU students starting in 2021/22 
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.

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.

Brexit 
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.

You will need to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure from DBS. If you’re an international student, you’ll need an equivalent level of clearance. Information on the cost of DBS checks is available on the DBS website.

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 about additional costs

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.

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 or 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.

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.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

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 at the Careers website.

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 second and third year on this course, you’ll have the opportunity to spend 35 hours over two semesters working in a school or other educational setting alongside established teacher and education professionals. You’ll be supported to apply your knowledge and 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.