Education Studies (with Foundation Year)
UCAS code: X30X
COURSE OVERVIEW
- Excellent preparation if you want to become a teacher, or keep your options open for other careers in educational services
- Voluntary work in your second year counts towards academic credit
- Learn from passionate and dedicated staff in a community of knowledge
Educators make a lasting impact on people’s lives. Whether you want to become a teacher or work in educational charities, publishing, local government, or the service and heritage industries, Education Studies leads to challenging and rewarding careers.
Our BA degree goes far beyond teaching and learning: you explore a range of contexts from the classroom through to how education defines the world around us and is used as a lever for social and political change. You will learn things about the workings of society and education which will surprise you.
The programme examines education and policy in historical, sociological, cultural, political and philosophical contexts. You gain a deep understanding of education’s impact on gender, citizenship, childhood, family, technology and power. The course is both a rigorous academic degree and excellent preparation for those who wish to take a PGCE and become a teacher, or to pursue MA routes, such as the MA Philosophy of Education.
A Foundation Year is the perfect way to boost your academic skills, build your confidence and develop your wider subject knowledge so you can succeed at Winchester. This course offers an extra year of study at the start (Year 0) which leads onto a full degree programme (Years 1, 2 and 3).
A Foundation Year is ideal if you are returning to education after a break; haven’t quite achieved the entry qualifications required; are wanting more support during the transition to studying at university; or are unsure about which subject you wish to pursue.
In Year 0, you will study a set of modules from across the Faculty of Education which are designed to develop your academic and practical skills. This broader focus in your first year introduces you to studying at university level and provides you with a better understanding of Education Studies and related subjects.
You will experience a variety of teaching methods including lectures, discussion-based seminars and independent study. You will also receive support to boost your academic skills to prepare you for the rest of your time at Winchester. Find out more and hear from our Foundation Year students at winchester.ac.uk/foundation
While the degree is theory-based, you can select from optional volunteering modules in your second year that count towards academic credit. In Year 1, the focus is on coming to an in-depth understanding of key concepts and issues of the education process, and introductions to the well-known thinkers of educational theory. Your own experiences will be a key part of this learning effort. Core modules include Educators and Society, Introducing Childhood, Inclusive Education and more.
In Year 2, core modules focus on social, ethical and political thought in education. With a wide range of optional modules, you can pursue your personal and professional interests: such as physical education, education and religion, technology and early childhood education.
In Year 3, you write a dissertation or complete an independent study project on a topic of your choice. In addition, a wide range of optional modules include Holocaust education, film and politics. By the end of the programme, you graduate as a well-rounded, critical thinker in educational theory.
Throughout all levels, you are guaranteed to learn from passionate and committed staff who help you produce intellectually satisfying essays and presentations and encourage stimulating group discussions. Our staff challenge and support you in equal measure and the course consistently rates highly in the National Student Survey, and the UK engagement survey for undergraduates. What’s more, we care about your progress and wellbeing.
Education is fundamentally about the development of others and our graduates are employed in professions which involve care and service. Many go on to work in the classroom, but others take up educational roles within public services, such as social work or education management in central and local government, publishing, business, service industries, personnel, libraries, museums, and charities. The programme tutors form a dedicated and enthusiastic team who look forward to meeting you and talking about your ambitions.
Careers
Graduates enter educational roles within public services, business, service industries, personnel, libraries, museums, and charities.
The University of Winchester ranks in the top 10 in the UK for graduates in employment or further study according to the Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021, HESA.
Pre-approved for a Masters
If you study a Bachelor Honours degree with us, you will be pre-approved to start a Masters degree at Winchester. To be eligible, you will need to apply by the end of March in the final year of your degree and meet the entry requirements of your chosen Masters degree.
Suitable for Applicants from:
UK, EU, World
Field Trips
You will have the option to go on field trips in Year 2 and Year 3 of the course
Study Abroad
Our BA (Hons) Education Studies course provides an opportunity for you to study abroad in the United States of America (USA). For more information see our Study Abroad section.
Learning and Teaching
Our aim is to shape 'confident learners' by enabling you to develop the skills needed to excel in your studies here and as well as onto further studies or the employment market.
You are taught primarily through a combination of lectures and seminars, allowing opportunities to discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures in smaller groups.
In addition to the formally scheduled contact time such as lectures and seminars etc.), you are encouraged to access academic support from staff within the course team and the wide range of services available to you within the University.
Independent learning
Over the duration of your course, you will be expected to develop independent and critical learning, progressively building confidence and expertise through independent and collaborative research, problem-solving and analysis with the support of staff. You take responsibility for your own learning and are encouraged to make use of the wide range of available learning resources available.
Overall workload
Your overall workload consists of class contact hours, independent learning and assessment activity.
While your actual contact hours may depend on the optional modules you select, the following information gives an indication of how much time you will need to allocate to different activities at each level of the course.
Year 0 (Level 3): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
Independent learning: 1008 hours
Year 1 (Level 4): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 252 hours
Independent learning: 948 hours
Year 2 (Level 5): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 240 hours
Independent learning: 960 hours
Year 3 (Level 6): Timetabled teaching and learning activity*
Teaching, learning and assessment: 192 hours
Independent learning: 1008 hours
*Please note these are indicative hours for the course.
Education Studies is offered as a means to gain an intellectually satisfying grasp of the education of learners of all ages and the care of the very young. We believe with this intellectual background students will be in a far stronger position to be valued as individuals within educational institutions. We use a variety of teaching methods and try to listen and respond effectively to student comments. Teaching may be didactic, discussion-based or led by student presentation. This is accompanied by intellectual rigour in all forms of student work (essay, presentation, discussion). On all of the modules students will be expected to read widely, to reflect and comment on their reading and to express their ideas clearly and persuasively, both orally and in writing.
Location
Taught elements of the course take place on campus in Winchester.
Teaching hours
All class based teaching takes places between 9am – 6pm, Monday to Friday during term time. Wednesday afternoons are kept free from timetabled teaching for personal study time and for sports clubs and societies to train, meet and play matches. There may be some occasional learning opportunities (for example, an evening guest lecturer or performance) that take places outside of these hours for which you will be given forewarning.
Assessment
Our validated courses may adopt a range of means of assessing your learning. An indicative, and not necessarily comprehensive, list of assessment types you might encounter includes essays, portfolios, supervised independent work, presentations, written exams, or practical performances.
We ensure all students have an equal opportunity to achieve module learning outcomes. As such, where appropriate and necessary, students with recognised disabilities may have alternative assignments set that continue to test how successfully they have met the module's learning outcomes. Further details on assessment types used on the course you are interested in can be found on the course page, by attending an Open Day or Open Evening, or contacting our teaching staff.
Percentage of the course assessed by coursework
The assessment balance between examination and coursework depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose. The approximate percentage of the course assessed by different assessment modes is as follows:
Year 0 (Level 3)*:
83% coursework
4% written exams
13% practical exams
Year 1 (Level 4)*:
60% coursework
6% written exams
34% practical exams
Year 2 (Level 5)*:
87% coursework
0% written exams
13% practical exams
Year 3 (Level 6)*:
95% coursework
0% written exams
5% practical exams
*Please note these are indicative percentages and modes f.or the programme.
Feedback
We are committed to providing timely and appropriate feedback to you on your academic progress and achievement in order to enable you to reflect on your progress and plan your academic and skills development effectively. You are also encouraged to seek additional feedback from your course tutors.
Further information
For more information about our regulations for this course, please see our Academic Regulations, Policies and Procedures.
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
2023 Entry: 48 UCAS tariff points
Our offers are typically made using UCAS tariff points to allow you to include a range of level 3 qualifications and as a guide, the requirements for this course are equivalent to:
- A-Levels: EEE from 3 A Levels or equivalent grade combinations
- BTEC/CTEC: PPP from BTEC or Cambridge Technical (CTEC) qualifications
- International Baccalaureate: To include a minimum of 1 Higher Level certificates at grade H4
In addition to the above, we accept tariff points achieved for many other qualifications, such as the Access to Higher Education Diploma, Scottish Highers, UAL Diploma/Extended Diploma and WJEC Applied Certificate/Diploma, to name a few. We also accept tariff points from smaller level 3 qualifications, up to a maximum of 32, from qualifications like the Extended Project (EP/EPQ), music or dance qualifications. To find out more about UCAS tariff points, including what your qualifications are worth, please visit UCAS.
In addition to level 3 study, the following GCSE’s are required:
- GCSEs in Mathematics and English Language at grade 4 or C, or higher. Functional Skills at level 2 is accepted as an alternative, however Key Skills qualifications are not. If you hold another qualification, please get in touch and we will advise further.
If English is not your first language, a formal English language test will most likely be required and you will need to achieve the following:
- IELTS Academic at 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all four components (for year 1 entry)
- We also accept other English language qualifications, such as IELTS Indicator, Pearson PTE Academic, Cambridge C1 Advanced and TOEFL iBT.
If you will be over the age of 21 years of age at the beginning of your undergraduate study, you will be considered as a mature student. This means our offer may be different and any work or life experiences you have will be considered together with any qualifications you hold. UCAS have further information about studying as a mature student on their website which may be of interest.
Course Enquiries and Applications
Telephone: +44 (0) 1962 827234
Send us a message
International Students
If you are living outside of the UK or Europe, you can find out more about how to join this course by emailing our International Recruitment Team at International@winchester.ac.uk or calling +44 (0)1962 827023
Visit us
Explore our campus and find out more about studying at Winchester by coming to one of our Open Days.
Year 0 (Level 3)
Modules Credits
| Succeeding at University | 15 | |
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This module aims to build student self-awareness and confidence in their academic ability. By exploring their personal learning identity and skills set, and the meaning of educational success, students will develop their academic knowledge, skills and understanding to support their future studies. In this module, students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in searching for, identifying, reading and understanding academic texts. They will practice essay writing and examination techniques, and develop their presentation skills. Students will have opportunities for engaging in discussion and debates, and in the giving and receiving of constructive feedback. |
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| The Future of the Planet | 15 | |
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In 2015, global leaders committed to the 2030 Agenda of 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals putting sustainable development at the heart of the global development endeavour. The goals aim to address a range of challenges. These include the need for action on climate change and degraded natural resources and the distribution of power and resources that challenge poverty reduction efforts. This module introduces students to key concepts, literature and debates to investigate relationships between the topics and issues encompassed within (and beyond) the Sustainable Development Goals. |
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| Humanity’s Big Questions: Introduction to the Humanities | 15 | |
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The Humanities encompass numerous disciplines that all share the common theme of studying human beings in their social, cultural, political, religious and historical contexts. An ability to think about the issues and questions that human beings encounter in many ways requires an understanding of a variety of academic disciplines. This module introduces students to a range of humanities disciplines that will typically include archaeology, religious studies, philosophy, politics, theology and anthropology examining the ways each discipline examines many of the big questions facing humanity. |
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| Experiences and Theories of Education | 15 | |
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This module introduces students to the meaning of education in its broader sense. By considering a range of issues, experiences and approaches through an educational lens, significant questions about education, childhood, learning, special educational needs and alternative forms of education will be explored. Through the course of the module, students will develop their skills in identifying and using valid sources relevant to academic studies in education and develop their confidence in writing for academic purposes. |
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| Making Sense of the World: The Tools for Argument and Analysis | 15 | |
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This module introduces students to the meaning of education in its broader sense. By considering a range of issues, experiences and approaches through an educational lens, significant questions about education, childhood, learning, special educational needs and alternative forms of education will be explored. Through the course of the module, students will develop their skills in identifying and using valid sources relevant to academic studies in education and develop their confidence in writing for academic purposes. |
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| Society’s Big Questions: Introduction to the Social Sciences | 15 | |
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The Social Sciences encompass numerous disciplines that all share the common theme of studying the ways human societies operate and how humans interact with each other in society. An ability to think about the issues and questions in society requires an understanding of a variety of academic disciplines. This module introduces students to the social sciences and explores how diverse subjects such as criminology, geography, psychology and sociology examine society. |
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| Understanding Children and Young People | 15 | |
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This module is designed to introduce students to the study of children and young people. Through a combination of lectures and seminars, the module will explore the concept of childhood and adolescence, the issues that affect the development and wellbeing of children and young people, and who supports this. The lectures will introduce key topics, whilst in the seminars students will explore the topics in more depth. Students will be given key readings each week. The final presentation will cover topics presented in the course. |
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| Contemporary Issues in Education | 15 | |
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This module explores a range of contemporary issues in education. From the context of the uncertain world in which we live, we will explore how a range of current issues might impact upon experiences of childhood and education. This will lead us to begin thinking about the ways in which differing theories of childhood and education relate to differing approaches to understanding the world and how these might connect to differing ideas about changing the world for the better. |
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Year 1 (Level 4)
Modules Credits
| 1944-88 : The Acts | 15 | |
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This module provides an in-depth analysis of the 1944 and 1988 Education Acts. It looks at the historical and political backgrounds to the Acts, investigates the ideologies which lay behind the Acts, and looks at the influence of and reaction to them amongst different groups. The ideologies of the Acts are compared and related to the wider social and political context in which they originate. The module reflects on notions of educability, equality, selection and differentiation. It will explore how those notions have been related to differing philosophical and political views and how they have been implemented in relation to different economic models of education including the education market. The implications of changes in early years education are considered in relation to the ideologies underpinning the Acts. The introduction of Special Education Needs into the state provision of education in the 1944 Act is also considered. The module also raises questions about education and social and cultural reproduction. Students are encouraged to reflect upon the two Acts in the light of their own views about education provision and their own experience of education.
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| Political Perspectives on Education | 15 | |
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This module will ensure that students are well informed on a range of political concepts and perspectives. This is essential if they are, later in the programme, to make reasoned judgements on a variety of contemporary issues related to policy across the range of educational provision, including beyond the UK. The first half of this module introduces key concepts in political positioning. The second half of the module enables students to undertake a theoretical engagement with the question of children as citizens. |
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| Introducing Early Childhood | 15 | |
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Exploring a range of issues and themes relevant to early childhood experience, this module interrogates the ‘Early Childhood Studies’ (ECS) discipline in its political, professional and academic dimensions, and how ECS has been culturally constructed as a phenomenon of the Academy and of the Early Education and Care professions. The module considers what our construction(s) might mean, and what might be driving those constructions, at individual and societal levels. Before we can begin to achieve some clarity about what ‘early childhood’ might be or mean, we need to challenge many of our most taken-for-granted assumptions about such phenomena as ‘development’, ‘quality’, ‘learning’, ‘play’ etc. In successfully ‘deconstructing’ and ‘unlearning’ at least some of these assumptions, an opening-up of a critical space for deepening our understanding of the phenomenon of early childhood for the rest of the degree programme will have been achieved. |
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| Educational Reflections | 15 | |
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This module enables students to reflect meaningfully on their own educational experiences and provides an opportunity for collaborative work. Through studying a range of educational theorists, students will be introduced to various approaches to teaching and learning which will a) provide a point of departure and foundation for future study and b) provide a means through which they can reflect on their own educational experiences and those of others. In addition, students will be encouraged to explore and question what ‘educational experience’ might mean beyond formal, institutional settings. |
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| Educators | 15 | |
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The module combines an introduction to the ideas and theories of various educators concerned with education. Some of the educators encountered will offer ideas about education directly in relation to schooling whilst others offer insights into education in its broader sense. The range of educators examined will represent particular interests of course tutors and will introduce students to the breadth of content they will encounter during their studies. Drawing on a diverse range of figures from various fields, including the arts, religion, and philosophy, this module asks students, not only to engage with the insights and teachings of each of the individuals they encounter, but also with the very question of what it means to be an educator and to educate. |
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| Principles in Education | 15 | |
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This module encourages you to discuss issues in education not just by asserting what you think to be right, but by working with a set of principles which enable you to make a sustained and coherent argument to defend and explain your position. You will be introduced to a series of differing forms of schooling and distinct educational practices in relation to educational contexts, issues and situations. Students are provided with opportunities to engage in independent and group research to examine these practices and issues. The module draws upon Kant’s notion of a universal principle to inform a substantive engagement with educational concepts, contexts and practices. |
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| Introducing Special and Inclusive Education | 15 | |
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This module introduces important policy, theory and debate in the fields of special and inclusive education. As it considers perspectives on various impairments, the module draws on insights and ideas from medical literature, and sociology. In this way, substantive questions in special and inclusive education are addressed. We will explore how might educational institutions most effectively respond to students with impairments. This exploration will lead us to investigate differences between impairment and disability and what it might mean to be an inclusive educator. |
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| Literacies in Higher Education | 15 | |
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‘Reading’ Education Studies requires more of the ‘reader’ than the basic ability to translate symbols on a page into words. The module provides an introduction into interpreting and referencing a range of resources which may include newspapers, films, internet websites, television, radio, fine art, popular art, ephemera, academic journals, novels, non-fiction books and music. In doing so, students will develop a broad range of higher education literacies. It will also prompt an exploration of what it means to be a higher education student in the larger context of society, including the implications and responsibilities which are the core of this new identity. |
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Year 2 (Level 5)
Modules Credits
| Education: Social and Political Thought (1) | 15 | |
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In this module, students will be introduced to a range of thinkers who have argued for education as a tool for social and political reform. The emphasis in this first module will be on the notion of education as enlightenment, both in ancient and modern versions. The goal is to extend our understanding of education beyond the classroom and into the wider world. It will, of necessity, introduce many important social and political issues, and will provide perspectives that can be employed in other optional modules. |
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| Education: Social and Political Thought (2) | 15 | |
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The thinkers that were encountered in Education: Social and Political Thought (1) set out clear visions for how education might best contribute to the relations between an individual and their society. In doing so, they somewhat took for granted the foundational and universal character of concepts such as truth, reason, freedom and knowledge, and how these could be realised through education. This second module aims to show how more recent theorists exposed these concepts as themselves being open to question, in terms of who controlled them, who had access to them, and how we all relate to them. This module disrupts some of the ‘grand narratives’ constructed by philosophers since the time of Plato and explores the significance of these disruptions for education. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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What is a Child? - 15 Credits Education for the ‘new age’ – 15 Credits |
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Optional Credits
| Education: Social and Political Thought (1) | 15 | |
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In this module, students will be introduced to a range of thinkers who have argued for education as a tool for social and political reform. The emphasis in this first module will be on the notion of education as enlightenment, both in ancient and modern versions. The goal is to extend our understanding of education beyond the classroom and into the wider world. It will, of necessity, introduce many important social and political issues, and will provide perspectives that can be employed in other optional modules. |
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| Education: Social and Political Thought (2) | 15 | |
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The thinkers that were encountered in Education: Social and Political Thought (1) set out clear visions for how education might best contribute to the relations between an individual and their society. In doing so, they somewhat took for granted the foundational and universal character of concepts such as truth, reason, freedom and knowledge, and how these could be realised through education. This second module aims to show how more recent theorists exposed these concepts as themselves being open to question, in terms of who controlled them, who had access to them, and how we all relate to them. This module disrupts some of the ‘grand narratives’ constructed by philosophers since the time of Plato and explores the significance of these disruptions for education. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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What is a Child? - 15 Credits Education for the ‘new age’ – 15 Credits |
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Year 3 (Level 6)
Modules Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
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The dissertation will be a piece of independent research undertaken by the student resulting in an 8,000 – 10,000 word project. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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Current Issues in Education - 15 Credits |
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Optional Credits
| Dissertation | 30 | |
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The dissertation will be a piece of independent research undertaken by the student resulting in an 8,000 – 10,000 word project. |
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| Optional Modules | ||
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Current Issues in Education - 15 Credits |
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Please note the modules listed are correct at the time of publishing, for full-time students entering the programme in Year 1. Optional modules are listed where applicable. Please note the University cannot guarantee the availability of all modules listed and modules may be subject to change. For further information please refer to the terms and conditions at www.winchester.ac.uk/termsandconditions.
The University will notify applicants of any changes made to the core modules listed above.
Progression from one level of the programme to the next is subject to meeting the University’s academic regulations.
2023 Course Tuition Fees
| UK / Channel Islands / Isle of Man / Republic of Ireland |
International | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 2 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 3 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Year 4 | £9,250 | £14,700 |
| Total | £37,000 | £58,800 |
| Optional Sandwich Year* | £1,385 | £1,440 |
| Total with Sandwich Year | £38,385 | £60,240 |
If you are a UK student starting your degree in September 2023, the first year will cost you £9,250**. Based on this fee level, the indicative fees for a four-year degree would be £37,000 for UK students.
Remember, you don't have to pay any of this upfront if you are able to get a tuition fee loan from the UK Government to cover the full cost of your fees each year. If finance is a worry for you, we are here to help. Take a look at the range of support we have on offer. This is a great investment you are making in your future, so make sure you know what is on offer to support you.
UK Part-Time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £77.08 and a 15 credit module is £1,156. Part-time students can take up to a maximum 90 credits per year, so the maximum fee in a given year will be the government permitted maximum fee of £6,935.
International part-time fees are calculated on a pro rata basis of the full-time fee for a 120 credit course. The fee for a single credit is £122.50 and a 15 credit module is £1,837.
* Please note that not all courses offer an optional sandwich year. To find out whether this course offers a sandwich year, please contact the programme leader for further information.
ADDITIONAL COSTS
As one of our students all of your teaching and assessments are included in your tuition fees, including, lectures/guest lectures and tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions and specialist teaching facilities. You will also have access to a wide range of student support and IT services.
There might be additional costs you may encounter whilst studying. The following highlights the mandatory and optional costs for this course:
Mandatory
In the student’s first year of study, students may be required to complete a poster assignment in one of the core modules. Indicative cost is £8.
Printing and Binding
The University is pleased to offer our students a printing allowance of £5 each academic year. This will print around 125 A4 (black and white) pages. If students wish to print more, printer credit can be topped up by the student. The University and Student Union are champions of sustainability and we ask all our students to consider the environmental impact before printing.
Disclosure and Barring Service
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance check may be required if you undertake a placement, volunteering, research or other course related activity where you will have contact with children or vulnerable adults. The requirement for a DBS check will be confirmed by staff as part of the process to approve your placement, research or other activity. The indicative cost is £40.
Optional
Assignments
In the second year, an optional module on Play requires the student to construct a play resource. Indicative cost is £5.
Books
In student’s second year of study, students are recommended to purchase four set books which are available second-hand. Indicative cost is £20.
Trip
Some optional modules in the second and third year may include non-mandatory external visits to locations in Hampshire or London. The cost of travel and expenses will need to be covered by the student and depending on location. Indicative cost is £5-£40.
Volunteering Placement
Optional volunteering in the second year may incur travel costs that need to be covered by the student and depends on the location of departure and destination. Students may choose their own placement setting (in a school or other institution with charitable status) in agreement with the Volunteering Module Leader and Volunteering Placement Co‐ordinator.
Study Abroad Students have the option to study a semester abroad in the USA in their second year of study. Indicative cost for flights is £1000-£1300.
SCHOLOARSHIPS, BURSARIES AND AWARDS
We have a variety of scholarship and bursaries available to support you financially with the cost of your course. To see if you’re eligible, please see our Scholarships and Awards page.
Key course details
- UCAS code
- X30X
- Duration
- 4 years full-time
- Typical offer
- 48 points
- Location
- On campus, Winchester
Studying Education Studies at Winchester
In Education Studies at Winchester, you really explore what education means to you, why it is important to you and to others, and consequently, what aspect of education can become your career. You are encouraged to find your own interests and expertise.
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