About this course
Learn how theory and research informs practice and policy in education. Discover how to unlock the potential in yourself and others.
Our courses in education focus on the rigorous, scientific study of the subject. You’ll study both UK and international systems, from primary to post-compulsory education. Topics include:
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IT in the classroom
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curriculum design
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lifelong and workplace learning
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international education systems
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special educational needs
As part of your education degree you can:
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explore key topics like social justice and inclusion, digital literacy and international perspectives
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access our Institute for Equity and Effectiveness in Education (IE3), one of the country’s leading institutes for education research
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continue your studies with a master's degree in education or a PGCE
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study abroad at one of our exchange partner universities
This course is for those with an interest in a broad range of education-related fields, research, public sector work or further study.
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
ABB
A-levels additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
BBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB from two A levels
DD in the BTEC Diploma plus B grade from one A-level
DDM in the BTEC Extended Diploma
BTEC additional information
There are no additional requirements
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 must be at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit
Access to HE additional information
There are no additional requirements
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1 H2 H2 H2 H3 H3
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
A1, A1, A1, A1, A2, A2
Irish certificate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3 M2 M2 in three Principal subjects
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels
or
AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
There are no additional requirements
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
76-78% overall
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
Each year you'll take 7 single modules plus a double module that runs across both semesters. We use small-group teaching and a personal tutor system to provide a supportive and friendly environment.
Your studies will include formal class time in lectures, seminars, workshops and practical sessions, as well as independent work, such as directed study, reading, assessment preparation and revision.
With our ‘Critical Observations’ modules you can visit schools and colleges and gain valuable experience. You’ll organise your own visits and we’ll provide advice and guidance.
You can choose optional modules from other subject areas. You can even learn a new language.
We offer a range of interdisciplinary modules, including 'Business Skills', 'Life in the Cosmos' or 'Understanding Modern China'. These are a great opportunity to expand your knowledge and create an impressive CV.
There is also the option to study a minor subject alongside your main degree.
Year 1 overview
You’ll take compulsory modules that will introduce you to a broad range of topics in education, including:
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Contemporary Education Issues
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Introduction to Teachers and Teaching
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Education in Other Countries
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Special Educational Needs
Year 2 overview
You’ll take a compulsory module to develop your knowledge and understanding of research methods in education.
You’ll choose your remaining modules from a wide range, including:
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Employability
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Adult Learners and Learning
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Leading and Managing in Education
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Early Years Education: Critical Observations
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Cognitive Psychology in Education
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Curriculum Design
Year 3 overview
You’ll write a dissertation on a topic of your choice within the field of education. Your dissertation supervisor will help you conduct your independent research, collect data and write up your findings.
You’ll also choose from a range of optional modules, including:
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Advanced Research Methods
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Post-16 Learning: Critical Observations
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Supporting Additional Learning Needs
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Social Justice and Inclusive Education
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Sociology of Education
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Autism Spectrum Disorders
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module will develop your critical knowledge and understanding of aspects of the work and lives of teachers in schools and relate this to your own experience. You will develop an understanding of key themes relating to teachers, teaching and classroo...
This module will provide you with a comprehensive overview of key issues and debates in contemporary education. Through studying this module, you will be introduced to some of the main approaches and concepts for understanding key contemporary education i...
To develop your understanding, this module poses questions such as: What is the Digital Society? Will the Digital Society offer more transparency, participation and innovation? What does the Digital Society mean for education and learners? You will have ...
This module is about exploring education systems in a wide range of different countries. In studying this module, you will develop your skills in assessing the outcomes and inequalities of different educational systems. You will also develop your understa...
This module aims to prepare you for the rest of the programme and so it is intended that you will develop skills that will support you in subsequent modules. You can expect to develop your knowledge and understanding of the complexity of the interaction b...
In this module you will learn about a variety of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SENDs). You will look at the impact of various SENDs on a child's education and progress. The module focusses mainly on the following aspects of Special Education...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
This module offers students opportunity to track and reflect on their understanding of the major themes featured in other modules within their degree with a view to indicating through the submission of an assessed piece of writing evidence that demonstrat...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following module in year 2:
This module aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of research methods in education. Working from research questions that might inform your future dissertation, the module builds on the Part 1 module: Researching Learning. You will cover fundame...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
The module is aimed at providing a broad overview of adult learning and adult learners. It touches upon FE, HE and work based learning. It aims to explore the barriers and enablers to adult learning and how such learning is a vital part of the world of ...
This module is designed to provide you with an overview of the human cognitive system and its principles of information processing, demonstrating how these have been applied to understanding learning at different educational levels and in different educat...
You will study approaches to curriculum design and the ideologies underpinning these approaches as well as the range of other factors that influence Curriculum design. You will consider the complex relationship between learners, teachers and policy makers...
This module explores the concept of employability both from a conceptual and practical perspective. It explores the many definitions and approaches to this issue, why it has gained significance in light of educational and employment changes and what this ...
This module offers students opportunity to track and reflect on their understanding of the major themes featured in other modules within their degree with a view to indicating through the submission of an assessed piece of writing evidence that demonstrat...
The forces of globalisation reach into all spheres of social life, including education. In this module you can expect to analyse internationalisation in education as a consequence of globalisation. You will consider how globalisation in its various dimens...
This module aims to introduce you to the core aspects of leadership and management theories. It will give you the opportunity to consider key themes related to leadership and management approaches and their impact on educational practice. This module aims...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following module in year 3:
This module provides you with a structure and some key milestones in the preparation and development and implementation of a selected research project. Your small-scale project can take different forms and be situated in a range of contexts. For example,...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
This module is designed to provide you with some of the research skills required to carry out a final year dissertation in psychology. It involves developing your ability to critically evaluate and review research articles in education and psychology, and...
This module offers you an opportunity to learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders. It provides different perspectives about how and when autism is identified. The module engages with the debates and controversies that exist in the field including: 'appropr...
You will engage in discussing and analysing contemporary debates in education and heighten your awareness of the relationship between empirical evidence and theoretical arguments in advancing public representations of educational issues. You will develop ...
This module aims to provide a descriptive and critical overview of the practice of educational psychology in the UK and to highlight some of the key debates.
Societies are increasingly diverse nowadays. This module aims to explore the complexity of the concepts of social justice and inclusive education and how everyone can contribute towards the development of a more inclusive world. This will be achieved ...
This module offers a critical perspective on the ways in which education is organised and delivered, the values and power relationships that underpin it, and the outcomes it produces. You will be introduced to a variety of sociology of education theories,...
This module will incorporate critical observation and analysis of educational and training provision for learners with additional needs. You will develop your knowledge and understanding of the underpinning values and theories of educational practices in ...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- dissertations
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Gary Kinchin is the course leader.
Careers
You’ll graduate with a bachelor's degree in education and a wide range of transferable skills, including:
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analysing results
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communicating effectively
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problem solving
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research methodologies and techniques
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team working
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understanding how people learn
After completing our undergraduate course, our highly employable graduates have pursued careers in:
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educational and community development
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educational welfare
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human resources
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local government
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marketing
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social or educational research
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teaching
Another popular career choice is to enrol on a PGCE (postgraduate certificate in education) and start teacher training. You’ll also be in a great position to continue your studies in education at master's or PhD level.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £18,520.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Extra costs you might have to pay
You’ll be responsible for paying certain costs not covered by the tuition fee. These include:
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Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) certification costs
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personal computer or laptop and data storage devices
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books that are not available in the library
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equipment and materials used in projects
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costs related to modules from different courses
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: X300
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
