Education Studies BA (UCAS X35B)
General entry requirements
A levels
A level typical offer
ABB.
A level additional information
You must also achieve grade B or 6 in GCSE English Language and grade C or 4 in GCSE Mathematics.
A level contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is BBB. See if you're eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
IB
IB typical offer
34
IB contextual offer
We welcome applications from candidates who meet the contextual eligibility criteria and whose predicted grades are close to, or slightly below, the contextual offer level. The typical contextual offer is 32. See if you're eligible.
General GCSE requirements
Unless specified differently above, you will also need a minimum of GCSE grade 4 or C (or an equivalent qualification) in English Language and either Mathematics or a Science subject. Find out more about our entry requirements and the qualifications we accept. We advise that you also check the English Language requirements for your course which may specify a higher GCSE English requirement. Please find the information about this below.
BTEC
DDD in a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma or National Extended Diploma in a relevant subject.
We also welcome applicants taking combinations of A level and BTEC qualifications.
International qualifications
Language requirements
All applicants have to meet our English Language requirements. If you cannot demonstrate that you meet these, you may be invited to take part in our Pre-sessional English course at Warwick.
Frequently asked questions
Warwick may make differential offers to students in a number of circumstances. These include students participating in a Widening Participation programme or who meet the contextual data criteria.
Differential offers will usually be one or two grades below Warwick’s standard offer.
All students who successfully complete the Warwick IFP and apply to Warwick through UCAS will receive a guaranteed conditional offer for a related undergraduate programme (selected courses only).
Find out more about standard offers and conditions for the IFP.
We welcome applications for deferred entry.
We do not typically interview applicants. Offers are made based on your UCAS form which includes predicted and actual grades, your personal statement and school reference.
Course overview
Critically analysing education in a fast-changing globalised world, the BA (Hons) Education Studies will introduce you to creative and forward-thinking approaches to teaching and learning.
It will also enable you to develop your understanding of contemporary educational policy at both global and local levels, while exploring the background to the history and development of education.
You will gain hands-on experience through a work-based placement, with tailored career advice throughout the course. With optional modules to choose across a range of different related disciplines, from philosophy to sociology, economics to psychology, you will gain a broad set of skills to help you progress to where you want to be.
Study abroad
Studying overseas can add immeasurably to your personal development and future study and career opportunities. As part of our BA Education Studies, we provide the opportunity for students to take either a 13-week placement abroad or a full year, where your third year will be spent at one of our partner Universities. For example:
- Dronning Mauds Minne Hogskole in Trondheim, Norway
- University of Boras, Sweden (13 weeks only)
- Maria Ulrich College of Early Childhood Education, Portugal (13 weeks only)
- Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
A year abroad will not count towards your final degree mark, but it will give you the chance to experience studying Education in another country as well as experiencing life in a new and exciting culture.
Core modules
In year one you will study eight compulsory modules (see below). In year two you will study compulsory modules in Research Methods, Globalisation and Education, Policies and Politics of the English Education System, and Professional Identity and Skills: Work Based Placement. You will then choose optional modules to complete your Year Two programme.
In year three you will study two core modules including dissertation, plus modules from within the Department or up to two education-focused modules from other Departments.
Year One
Theories of Learning
This module introduces you to various theories of how human beings learn. The module covers leading child development theorists' perspectives on learning in the early years (such as Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky) as well as examining the work of theorists who explore learning from the perspective of older children, young people and adults. By the end of the module you'll have acquired the tools for evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of contrasting learning theories. This module also aims to give you an insight into the relationship between social values, culture and theories of learning.
Social Contexts of Childhood and Education
This module investigates the relationships between childhood, education and society. Throughout the module, we explore a number of arenas through which children are nurtured, protected and socialised, including family, peer group and the virtual world of mass media and digital technology. These contexts are viewed as important educational sites in their own right, as well as providing crucial supportive networks for schools and children's schooling. The module focuses on the way that these social contexts have changed as well as concentrate on the expanding roles that children themselves play in their own socialisation, schooling and identity formation. We also critically analyse the impact of class, poverty, gender and ethnicity on education and childhood.
Foundations for Learning: The Early Years
What motivates children to learn? How do they learn? What should they learn? In this module, you’ll consider what very young children (0-5 years) need to take part in education and society. Topics include:
• Developmental theory (prenatal and through early years)
• Holistic learning
• Diversity and inclusion
• The role of adults in education and society
• Leadership and governance
• UK and international initiatives to improve the outcomes for disadvantaged young children and their life chances
International Education
This module will explore models, concepts and themes relating to education at a global level. There are two overarching trends which structure the sessions. First, processes of globalisation provide a theoretical frame within which students will examine themes and trends that cut across geographical and national boundaries. Among other things, globalisation and children’s rights to education, the Millennium Development Goals, the investment in early years education, and the marketisation of schooling and higher education are discussed. Second, the module will focus on the way that education is promoted within different international contexts, thereby exploring how factors such as ideology, culture and economics impact on education. There will be more of a case study approach here with students focusing on country specific education systems, such as Scandinavia, America or Italy. In each case the focus may be on the schooling system, the provision of early years education or the shifting role of higher education.
Creativity, Culture and Learning
The idea of creativity is at the heart of contemporary educational policy and practice. You could say that developing creativity is a 21st-century educational ideal. Yet claims about creativity often avoid questions of what creativity is and why creative activities might be valuable. Through this module, you’ll understand:
• The key debates and concepts relating to creativity
• How different forms of creative thinking, behaviour and learning can be encouraged
• The role of ideology in shaping personal, local, national and global attitudes to creative forms of thinking, learning and behaving
• How to debate and evaluate what a creative learning experience is
Introduction to the Philosophy of Education
What is philosophy? What does a philosophical question about education look like? What role has philosophical thought historically played in shaping education? What role and status should philosophy have in education today? Can teaching and learning be effective if there is not a philosophical element to it? This module considers these questions, in the context of exploring the relationship between the discipline of philosophy and the field of education. The module will provide an introductory starting point for wrestling with these questions through close reading of extracts of key philosophical texts and through practically exploring the teaching of philosophy with primary aged pupils in a local school setting.
Education Today
This module interrogates contemporary trends within education and the social values they reflect. The module will approach the topic of education through many contrasting perspectives. You'll critically appraise the social, cultural and political factors that affect students, teaching professionals, parents and other key stakeholders, as they negotiate and participate in the contemporary education 'offer' provided at a local, national and international level. Key practical approaches and philosophical perspectives will be introduced and debated, as you consider how factors such as inclusion, equality, diversity, community, religion, attainment, quality, excellence, economic growth and political instability interact within contemporary education systems.
Academic Identity and Skills
This reflective and practical module allows you to explore your preferred ways of learning. Through considering the academic standards, assessment methods and teaching and learning practices used in Higher Education this module will support you to develop an informed, personalised and critical approach to academic scholarship.
Year Two
Globalisation and Education
This module will explore models, concepts and themes relating to the globalisation of education. In particular, there are two general trends outlined and critically examined with reference to globalisation.
The first overarching theme is the idea of globalisation as a process of global standardisation. The module will pick up on a number of debates and issues relating to how attempts have been made to homogenise education globally, or at least move towards more universal provision at a number of different levels. This will involve analyses of the political and economic dimensions of globalisation as it affects education including the involvement of supra-national organisations, NGOs, and nation states.
The second dominant theme is the emphasis on global diversity. Attempts at globalising education come up against political and cultural obstacles. The second half of the module will focus more on trends and cases of education and schooling that highlight the diversity of provision, and practices within education. The sessions will refer to global and national policy contexts where relevant, as well as pick up on novel attempts to provide education and schooling in contexts of political and economic adversity.
Policies and Politics of the English Education System
This module will introduce you to the core areas of policy contention, innovation and development in the English educational system. Starting with the historical context, you’ll discover how the major reviews of education in the 20th and 21st centuries have shaped educational policy and practice. You’ll also explore:
• formal educational assessment
• how policy affects educational inequality
• how social and cultural changes within English society have affected the education system and curriculum
• different approaches to teacher training
• trends in the marketisation of education in England
Professional Identity and Skills: Work-Based Placement
This module gives you the opportunity to hone your professional skills and career aspirations through an education-based, work-based placement. In taught sessions you’ll explore the professional characteristics of organisations who work with children, young people and their families in an educational capacity. This will include investigating the staffing and leadership structures of example organisations, their policies, their modes of work, professional roles and conduct. In addition, the role of reflective practice in professional development will be examined from both theoretical and practical angles. You’ll be given support with organising your placement, which can be in a location of your choice (however, approval must be gained from the module leader who must see a clear connection between the work of your chosen organisation and the concept of ‘education’) or may be based with one of the Department of Education Studies’ key partners. Education Studies placement partners consist of organisations that deliver both formal and informal education in a variety of contexts (i.e. schools, hospitals, charities, children’s centres, sports organisations, youth theatres, community organisations).
Research Methods
This module will equip you with the theoretical knowledge, and the practical research design and ICT skills, required for research in the education field. You’ll study:
• How to form research questions and hypotheses
• How to match research questions to appropriate research methodologies
• When to employ quantitative or qualitative research, and what their strengths and limitations in education are
• How to design data collection materials such as questionnaires and interview schedules
• Ethical and legal issues involved with research in an education field
Year Three
21st Century Educational Innovation
This module explores current and future innovation in education. Topics include: the future needs of education practice, from birth to adult; global and local cultures and practice; multiliteracy; diversity; social justice; the marketisation of education; and governance. You’ll also investigate the difference between equity and equality – and analyse how different models of education positively or negatively impact students’ learning.
After three years of study, this module will enable you to apply the knowledge you’ve gathered during your course to present your own possible alternative models of education.
Optional modules
- Philosophy in Education
- Education, Race and Ethnicity
- Children’s Literature in Childhood
- Introduction to Special Educational Needs and Disability
- Education and Social Justice
- Education for Sustainability
- Masculinities, Fatherhood and Young Children
- Social Theory and Education
- Arts-Based Learning in Education
- The Developing Child in the School Context
Assessment
Assessment takes a number of different forms on the course, including essays, presentations, reflective portfolios, creative projects and the development of policy ideas and other professional documents. There are no formal examinations on the course.
Alongside the assessed work that counts towards your marks for each module, you will receive a range of formative (non-credit) feedback, including comments on written work, seminar contributions or peer-group presentation skills.
This formative feedback is invaluable in helping you to get the most from your degree - pushing you to achieve more, and ensuring you are always learning and developing the quality of the work you produce.
In addition to course and module leaders, you will have a personal tutor to support you with any issues you might have - either academic or more generally - helping to keep you on track with your studies. In your third year you will also have a dissertation tutor to guide you through this important piece of work and help you develop the extended research skills you will need.
Teaching
Teaching sessions tend to be in smaller, seminar-type groups rather than large lecture theatres. As you would expect, our course uses a wide variety of teaching and learning methods ranging from traditional lectures to practical workshops where you'll collaborate with your fellow students.
Class sizes
Tend to be smaller groups of around 10-25 students with some taught sessions of around 50 students.
Typical contact hours
12 hours per week in the first year, and additional time for self-directed study. For your second and third years, the amount of time you spend in lectures, seminars or tutorials will depend on the modules you choose.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees cover the majority of the costs of your study, including teaching and assessment. Fees are charged at the start of each academic year. If you pay your fees directly to the University, you can choose to pay in instalments.
Undergraduate fees
If you are a home student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be £9,250. In the future, these fees might change for new and continuing students.
How are fees set?
The British Government sets tuition fee rates.
Undergraduate fees
If you are an overseas or EU student enrolling in 2024, your annual tuition fees will be as follows:
- Band 1 – £24,800 per year (classroom-based courses, including Humanities and most Social Science courses)
- Band 2 – £31,620 per year (laboratory-based courses, plus Maths, Statistics, Theatre and Performance Studies, Economics, and courses provided by Warwick Business School, with exceptions)
Fees for 2025 entry have not been set. We will publish updated information here as soon as it becomes available, so please check back for updates about 2025 fee rates before you apply.
Fee status guidance
We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Students will be classified as Home or Overseas fee status. Your fee status determines tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available. If you receive an offer, your fee status will be clearly stated alongside the tuition fee information.
Do you need your fee classification to be reviewed?
If you believe that your fee status has been classified incorrectly, you can complete a fee status assessment questionnaire. Please follow the instructions in your offer information and provide the documents needed to reassess your status.
Find out more about how universities assess fee status.Link opens in a new window
Additional course costs
As well as tuition fees and living expenses, some courses may require you to cover the cost of field trips or costs associated with travel abroad.
For departmental specific costs, please see the Modules tab on this web page for the list of core and optional core modules with hyperlinks to our Module CatalogueLink opens in a new window (please visit the Department’s website if the Module Catalogue hyperlinks are not provided).
Associated costs can be found on the Study tab for each module listed in the Module Catalogue (please note most of the module content applies to 2024/25 year of study). Information about module specific costs should be considered in conjunction with the more general costs below:
- Core text books
- Printer credits
- Dissertation binding
- Robe hire for your degree ceremony
Further information
Find out more about tuition fees from our Student Finance team.
Scholarships and bursaries
Learn about scholarships and bursaries available to undergraduate students.
We offer a number of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries to full-time undergraduate students. These include sporting and musical bursaries, and scholarships offered by commercial organisations.
Find out more about funding opportunities for full-time students.Link opens in a new window
If you are an international student, a limited number of scholarships may be available.
Find out more information on our international scholarship pages.Link opens in a new window
You may be eligible for financial help from your own government, from the British Council or from other funding agencies. You can usually request information on scholarships from the Ministry of Education in your home country, or from the local British Council office.
Warwick Undergraduate Global Excellence Scholarship
We believe there should be no barrier to talent. That's why we are committed to offering a scholarship that makes it easier for gifted, ambitious international learners to pursue their academic interests at one of the UK's most prestigious universities.
We provide extra financial support for qualifying students from lower income families. The Warwick Undergraduate Bursary is an annual award of up to £3,000 per annum. It is intended to help with course-related costs and you do not have to pay it back.
As part of the 'City of Sanctuary' movement, we are committed to building a culture of hospitality and welcome, especially for those seeking sanctuary from war and persecution. We provide a range of scholarships to enable people seeking sanctuary or asylum to progress to access university education.
Further information
Find out more about Warwick undergraduate bursaries and scholarships.
Eligibility for student loans
Your eligibility for student finance will depend on certain criteria, such as your nationality and residency status, your course, and previous study at higher education level.
Check if you're eligible for student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
You can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your tuition fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you can receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won’t have to set up any payments.
Maintenance Loan for living costs
You can apply for a Maintenance Loan towards your living costs such as accommodation, food and bills. This loan is means-tested, so the amount you receive is partially based on your household income and whether you choose to live at home or in student accommodation.
If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2021, you usually must have settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement SchemeLink opens in a new window to get student finance.
Tuition Fee Loan
If you are an EU student and eligible for student finance you may be able to get a Tuition Fee Loan to cover your fees. It is non-means tested, which means the amount you may receive is not based on your household income. The Loan is paid directly to the University so, if you choose to take the full Tuition Fee Loan, you won't have to set up any payments.
Help with living costs
For the 2024 academic year, you may be eligible for help with your living costs if both of the following apply:
- You have lived in the UK for more than 3 years before the first day of the first academic year of your course
And
- You have Settled Status (see further details on Settled Status)Link opens in a new window
If you are coming to the UK from 1st January 2021, you may need to apply for a visaLink opens in a new window to study here.
Please note: Irish citizens do not need to apply for a visa or to the EU Settlement Scheme.
Find out more about government student loans for EU studentsLink opens in a new window
Repaying your loans
You will repay your loan or loans gradually once you are working and earning above a certain amount (for students starting their course after 1 August 2023 the repayment threshold is £25,000). Repayments will be taken directly from your salary if you are an employee. If your income falls below the earnings threshold, your repayments will stop until your income goes back up above this figure.
Find out more about repaying your student loan.Link opens in a new window
Placements and work experience
You can take a work-based placement module (core) in Year Two, with a minimum of 15 hours on placement.
Find out more about our work placements
Your career
Graduates from these courses have gone on to work in a wide range of sectors, including careers in:
- Primary School teaching
- Secondary School and Post-16 teaching
- Arts and Heritage work
- Community-based, Charity and NGO work
- Family Liaison and Social Work
- Training and Development roles
- Social Research
Supporting your career
Our department has a dedicated professionally qualified Senior Careers Consultant to support you. They offer impartial advice and guidance, together with workshops and events throughout the year.
Previous examples of workshops and events include:
- Meet Your Alumni: real-life career stories from the Department of Education Studies Alumni
- Careers in Education
- Careers with children and young people
- Warwick careers fairs throughout the year
- Department of Education Studies Careers Workshops
Education Studies at Warwick
Education has the power to change lives
Education changes lives through teaching, coaching, training, and through work in local and global communities. What do you understand about that power? Bring your fascination for the way we communicate and learn to Warwick.
Find out more about us on our website
Our courses
An Education Studies degree at Warwick will give you a stronger appreciation of education’s transformative power. Explore the developmental, social and cultural aspects of the discipline, and think across disciplinary boundaries to gain a broader understanding.
Our joint programme with Psychology focuses on critically analysing the nature, purposes and complexities of psychology and education in a globalised world.
Psychology with Education Studies (BSc)
Our joint degree with Global Sustainable Development seeks to prepare you to become Global Citizens with a conscience, equipped with knowledge and understanding of the key issues of sustainable development from across a broad range of disciplines.
Education Studies and Global Sustainable Development (BASc)
Related degrees
Life at Warwick
Within a close-knit community of staff and students from all over the world, discover a campus alive with possibilities. A place where all the elements of your student experience come together in one place. Our supportive, energising, welcoming space creates the ideal environment for forging new connections, having fun and finding inspiration.
Find out how to apply to us, ask your questions, and find out more.
Warwick Accommodation
Finding the right accommodation is key to helping you settle in quickly.
We have 12 self-catering undergraduate halls of residence on campus.
Our student property management and lettings agency manages more than 8,000 rooms both on and off campus, and provides advice to all full-time undergraduates.
Our campus
You won't be short of ways to spend your time on campus - whether it's visiting Warwick Arts Centre, using our incredible new sports facilities, socialising in our bars, nightclub and cafés, or enjoying an open-air event. Or if you need some peace and quiet, you can explore lakes, woodland and green spaces just a few minutes’ walk from central campus.
Food and drink
We have lots of cafés, restaurants and shops on campus. You can enjoy great quality food and drink, with plenty of choice for all tastes and budgets. There is a convenience store on central campus, as well as two supermarkets and a small shopping centre in the nearby Cannon Park Retail Park. Several of them offer delivery services to help you stay stocked up.
And don't miss our regular food market day on the Piazza with tempting, fresh and delicious street food. Soak up the atmosphere and try something new, with mouth-watering food for all tastes.
Clubs and societies
We currently have more than 300 student-run societies.
So whether you’re into films, martial arts, astronomy, gaming or musical theatre, you can instantly connect with people with similar interests.
Or you could try something new, or even form your own society.
Sports and fitness
Staying active at Warwick is no sweat, thanks to our amazing new Sports and Wellness Hub, indoor and outdoor tennis centre, 60 acres of sports pitches, and more than 60 sports clubs.
Whether you want to compete, relax or just have fun, you can achieve your fitness goals.
Studying on campus
Our campus is designed to cater for all of your learning needs.
You will benefit from a variety of flexible, well-equipped study spaces and teaching facilities across the University.
- The Oculus, our outstanding learning hub, houses state-of-the-art lecture theatres and innovative social learning and network areas.
- The University Library provides access to over one million printed works and tens of thousands of electronic journals
- Three Learning Grids offering you flexible individual and group study spaces.
Travel and local area
Our campus is in Coventry, a modern city with high street shops, restaurants, nightclubs and bars sitting alongside medieval monuments. The Warwickshire towns of Leamington Spa and Kenilworth are also nearby.
The University is close to major road, rail and air links. London is just an hour by direct train from Coventry, with Birmingham a 20-minute trip. Birmingham International Airport is nearby (a 20-minute drive).
Wellbeing support and faith provision
Our continuous support network is here to help you adjust to student life and to ensure you can easily access advice on many different issues. These may include managing your finances and workload, and settling into shared accommodation. We also have specialist disability and mental health support teams.
Our Chaplaincy is home to Chaplains from the Christian, Jewish and Muslim faiths. We provide regular services for all Christian denominations and a Shabbat meal every Friday for our Jewish students. There is also an Islamic prayer hall, halal kitchen and ablution facilities.
How to apply
Learn more about our application process.
Key dates
Key dates for your application to Warwick.
Writing your personal statement
Make an impression and demonstrate your passion for your course.
After you've applied
Find out how we process your application.
Our Admission Statement
Read Warwick's Admission Statement
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Join us at a live event. You can ask about courses, applying to Warwick, life at Warwick, visas and immigration, and more.
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Don’t just take it from us, come and see for yourself what Warwick is all about. Whether it's a virtual visit or in-person, our University Open Days give you the chance to meet staff and students, visit academic departments, tour the campus and get a real feel for life at Warwick.
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