BA

Education

Key Facts

X30F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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The Education degree at Aberystwyth University enables you to explore the development of children and adolescents, covering issues which are central to an understanding of educational systems. Our course aims to excite and stimulate you through the study of curriculum design and educational policy, with further insight into the disciplines of sociology, psychology and linguistics. A particular focus includes supporting learners throughout the education system.

The study of education involves aspects of psychology, sociology, politics and history. It delves into how people learn, how their surroundings influence their learning, how decision-making happens and how our understanding of learning and teaching has developed over the years. Observational placements available during the degree will also help you to see the theory in practice and a particular focus includes supporting learners throughout the education system.

An Education degree is an ideal basis for work in industry, policy or the charitable sector, or for entry to Primary PGCE teacher education programmes. Degrees with other subjects may qualify you for Secondary PGCE courses.

The integrated foundation year - designed for prospective students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background - is the perfect option to access this degree. In the Foundation Year, you will develop a solid academic base to enable you to go on to study the full BA Education course.

Course Overview

Following the foundation year, the syllabus of this course is identical to the standard three-year course [Education, X302].

Why study in the School of Education at Aberystwyth University?

  • The School of Education has been offering stimulating and innovative study programmes for over 100 years.
  • Research-led teaching informs our syllabus which means that you will benefit from the very latest information and developments in the subject, enabling you to critically engage with the key issues.
  • You will have an opportunity to develop an understanding of the complex body of knowledge associated with Education.
  • We will empower you to critically reflect on and manage your own learning and performance.
  • We will provide you with an opportunity to acquire employability skills and personal attributes and values that are necessary for employment, training, or further education.
Our Staff

Undergraduate lecturers in the School of Education are either qualified to PhD standard or are experienced practitioners in their field. All teaching staff currently possess, or are working towards, a recognised teaching qualification.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
How to be a Student 1 GS09520 20
How to be a Student 2 GS09320 20
Information in a Post-Truth World GS01120 20
Introduction to Social Science GS09720 20
The "Othered" Migrant: Social Science Perspectives GS09620 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Representing the Other: Cultures and Clashes GS09820 20
Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places GS00820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Children's Development and Learning * ED14520 20
Key Skills for University ED13620 20
Partnerships in Principle and Practice * ED14420 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Health and Wellbeing in the Early Years ED14620 20
Language Development ED14320 20
Play and Learning:Theory and Practice ED13720 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Psychology of Learning and Thinking * ED20120 20
Research Methods ED20320 20
Safeguarding and Professional Practice ED24320 20
Working with Children ED20620 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Discourses Language and Education ED22420 20
Education, Diversity and Equality ED20420 20
Literacy in Young Children ED20220 20
Making Sense of the Curriculum ED20820 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Assessment and Education * ED30120 20
Major dissertation ED33640 40

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Children's Rights ED30620 20
Communication ED34720 20
Emotional and Social Development ED34820 20
Mathematical Development in the Early Years ED30320 20
Special Educational Needs ED30420 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

About this course

In order to undertake some of the modules for this degree, it may be necessary for you to obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) enhanced check through the School of Education at a cost of about £40. In some circumstances, especially if you’ve lived outside of the UK for a period of time, the cost may be higher.

Careers

Employability is at the core of this degree. The School of Education has a well-established connection with the University Careers Service, where a dedicated adviser with experience in the educational field can provide advice from the beginning of your first year. On graduation you will be able to apply for a PGCE in Primary Education. An Education degree with other subjects may qualify you for Secondary PGCE courses.

Other graduates from the School of Education have explored careers in:

  • social care
  • nursing
  • speech therapy
  • social work
  • child welfare
  • play therapy
  • the leisure industry
  • child law
  • childhood research.

What work experience opportunities are available to me while I study?  

Find out about the various opportunities that our Careers Service offers. Enhance your employability prospects with our Year in Employment Scheme.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn? 

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

In the foundation year:

  • you will be introduced to core components of Education.

In your second year you may discover:

  • the theory and principles surrounding the learner and the learning environment
  • the technology and tools that are used within teaching and learning
  • effective classroom practices and teaching skills
  • inclusive learning practices
  • teaching numeracy and literacy.

 In your third year you may explore:

  • the importance of safeguarding and professional practice
  • how to support learners with complex needs
  • the policies and perspectives of learning differences and inclusion.

 In your final year you may undertake:

  • the role of assessment in education
  • teaching methods
  • a research project focusing on an area of interest and leading to a dissertation
  • children’s rights
  • supporting learners with special educational needs.

How will I be taught? 

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials. 

Assessment

You will be assessed through exams, course work and presentations.

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or who have completed Level 3 qualifications (eg, A-Levels or BTEC diploma) and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, experience and motivation.

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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