Education

BA (Hons) Education is the new name for our BA (Hons) Education Studies course. This will be open for 1st and 2nd year only for 2026/7.

Why QMU?

Our expertise brings a new approach to education studies: This course offers a fresh, modern, interdisciplinary and ambitious approach to education studies that is based on contemporary research in the social sciences. You will develop a thorough understanding of current issues in education, psychology and sociology, and gain in-demand skills in research and interprofessional working.
A pathway to a range of careers: The versatility of skills acquired on this course opens doors to diverse career paths. This may involve working closely with people of all ages in communities and 3rd or private sector organisations, within creative and cultural sectors, outdoor learning and the nature-based services, or teaching via the postgraduate route.
A pathway to further study: The course offers opportunities to progress to further study in social and educational policy post-graduate research, leading toward careers in governmental, non-governmental or educational organisations.
Combines theoretical and practical learning opportunities: You will have the opportunity for community-based placements, chosen based on your own interests, which will help you connect educational research and theory in practical ways.
Benefits from the expertise, values and vision of the Education team at QMU: The course explores the challenges and the rewards of working in educational settings in the 21st century, including international perspectives of education, education for sustainable development, and creativity and the natural environment for our wellbeing.

On this course you will:

study contemporary issues in education, psychology and sociology to develop a sound knowledge base of human developmental pathways and the range of factors that affect them;
develop an understanding of the ways in which education is shaped by cultural, political, socio-ecological and colonial contexts.
gain an understanding of how educational theory and knowledge informs real-life practice;
develop your academic literacies including digital, data and outdoor literacy;
develop research skills to enable you to develop as an autonomous, critically thinking reflective professional;
learn how to build positive relationships with learners and work alongside other professionals through practical experience in educational and community settings;
learn how to assess individual needs and plan inclusive learning experiences taking account of diversity and difference;
develop in-demand and transferable skills in education and beyond;
be prepared for a variety of education-related careers;
engage in the wider socio-political issues that affect education on every level and how this in turn influences educational outcomes for children, young people and adults;
consider the historical trajectory of educational provision, current trends and the direction of education for the future, both in the UK and overseas; and
benefit from both practical and theoretical learning opportunities which enable you to meet the challenges, as well as recognise the rewards, of working in a wide variety of formal and informal educational settings.
To apply and enact creative and critical pedagogies, based on developed values, knowledge and understanding, to support rights based educational practices.

At QMU we are committed to widening access to education and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and genders.

Year One, Introduction to Education Studies in 21st century, Developing Academic Literacies, Introduction to Psychology 1, Learning through the Lifespan, Sustainable Human Behaviour Learning for Sustainability, The Sociological Imagination Year Two, Creativity, Culture & Learning in 21st Century, Early Childhood Learning in Context, Developmental and Social Psychology OR Individual Differences and Wellbeing, Education, Race and Ethnicity, Society and Sustainable Lifestyles, Engaged Sociology, Year Three, Inclusive Practice: Difference & Diversity, Social Psychology and Social Justice OR Developmental Psychology, Research Methods, Global Health and International Education, Poverty & Social Exclusion, Year Four, Dissertation, Peer Relations in Childhood & Adolescence, Leadership in Outdoor Learning, Community-based Education, Inequality, Poverty and Social Policy in Comparative Perspective, The modules listed here are correct at time of posting (Feb 2024) but may differ slightly to those offered in 2025. Please check back here for any updates.

You’ll learn through lectures, seminars, workshops, enquiry-based learning, student-led activity, independent study, online group tutorials, school experience, and community placements. Assessment methods are varied, including essays, reports, presentations, blogs and audiovisual submissions.