BA (Hons) Education Studies

What is Education Studies?• What is the BA (Hons) Education Studies course at

Plymouth like?• Academic study of education in the broadest sense• Sociology, psychology, history, politics, philosophy and

science• How many points do I need for entry?

Who studies Education Studies?

• Students interested in the field of education, but not 100% sure they want to be classroom teachers

• Option to go on to do a 1 year PGCE to gain Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

• Other career options?

What Would I Study?• Wide range of modules• Core modules: cover key graduate attributes• Option modules: Eco-education, inclusive

education, e-learning, children’s literature, English in schools, experiential education

• Placement: work based learning • Research project

Who Will Teach Me?• Academic tutors:

- have expertise in areas they teach- are active researchers with doctorates- have and, in some cases, continue to work in the mainstream education sector as practitioners (teachers, social workers, education psychologists, consultants, counselors)- National and International research projects with publications in their chosen fields

What Support Would I Get?

• Transition to HE especially year 1 and/or direct entrants year 2 and 3

• Emphasis on developing your own voice

• Emphasis on ‘Active Learning’• Friendly and accessible personal

academic tutors and professional services colleagues

• Support and input on academic writing in core modules

• A variety of forms of assessment

What Support Would I Get?• Regular meetings with personal

tutor- mid year annual evaluation of student profiles

• Regular input from Careers and Information and Library Services Access to ‘Disability Assist’: to support students with Dyslexia and/or other learning needs or disabilities

• Access to ‘Learning Development’: University tutors: http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/learn

The Plymouth Student experience!• Your Student Rep voice!• Friendly students: collegiate feel• City life of Plymouth• Beautiful countryside, moors and beaches of Devon• Active Student Union • New, good quality housing• The Plymouth Award

What Next?Careers are varied but may include:

• Teaching• Education Professionals e.g. behaviour

support officer, inclusion officer• Education Officer e.g.: charities, National Trust, environmental projects• Youth Engagement e.g.: youth work, youth

justice• Careers advisors (diploma required)• Trainer in business

What Next?• Social work (masters required)• Educational psychologist (psychology

modules and masters required)• Educational publishing and journalism• Consultancy• Local government• Civil service• Therapeutic work eg: art therapy, speech

and language therapy (masters required)• Links to Faculty MA, IMP, EdD, PhD

Successful Periodic Review 2011

Conclusions on innovation and good practice:• The well established ‘core of care’, evidenced in a

strongly student-centred approach and good pastoral care

• Evidence of the synergy of research and teaching in the design and delivery of the programme.

School of Education, Teaching and Learning Committee (2011). Report of the Stage 2 Periodic Review meeting to consider BA Education Studies.

Successful Periodic Review 2011

Conclusions on innovation and good practice:• The provision of opportunities for a variety of

entrants• Opportunities for the internationalisation of the

curriculum• An ethos of continuous review and development of

the provision, driven by the clear enthusiasm and passion of staff

School of Education, Teaching and Learning Committee (2011). Report of the Stage 2 Periodic Review meeting to consider BA Education Studies.

External Examiner’s view- 2012

External examiners commented that: • the course is fantastic lots of strengths and good

relationships between staff and students• good engagement with module evaluations and

shared teaching done by staff demonstrates good communication in the team

School of Education Subject Assessment Panel(June 2012). Record of Proceedings BA Education Studies.

What the Students Say

“I knew my career path lay within teaching or social care but I wanted to keep my options open and didn't want to be tied down to a teacher training course. The BA education studies degree is the perfect course for me as it covers a wide range of issues within and surrounding the education system. My advice to students on this course is to stay motivated and committed. The subject involves so many interesting areas so enjoy it and make the most of all the opportunities available."

Rebecca Ennis, Primary Teacher Graduated 2007

What the Students Say

“I went onto complete a Masters in SEN. Job wise I think the Education Studies degree developed many of my skills, I now work as an advisor and support tutor in

a Devon special school. The course was also very enjoyable to do, very fond memories.”

Veronica Clancy Graduated 2009

What the Students Say

“I have gone on to further study and been successful in accessing a fully funded four year PhD studentship at Plymouth. Some of the skills covered in the extended

projects in Years two and three helped in the research I am doing now.”

Ciaran O'Sullivan Graduated 2010

Places available and offers

• On average: 250 applications made annually• Plymouth University: offers made to 80% of

applicants across the University (unconfirmed offers) • On average: 60 (confirmed offers) entrants to year 1

Hope to see you next year!

Any Questions?

A copy of this presentation can be found on our open day web pages at: www.plymouth.ac.uk/ugopenday

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