Education Studies (with Foundation Year)

21st for Satisfied with Teaching for Education –The Guardian University Guide 2025 (Education League Table)

The Integrated Foundation Year offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree, attracting ambitious and driven students who are willing to learn and advance.

If you have non-standard qualifications or do not quite meet the admissions requirements for Education Studies we can offer you a fantastic opportunity to study a four year Education Studies programme which includes an Integrated Foundation Year. The Integrated Foundation Year will help you develop the theoretical/practical and academic skills you need, in order to successfully progress to the full award.

Featuring a reduced tuition fee in the first year, this four-year course will enable you to successfully follow the degree pathway of your choice while gaining essential study skills. The foundation year of your chosen degree will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting the transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

Why choose the University of Northampton?

At the University of Northampton, you’ll benefit from a supportive, career-focused experience designed to help you succeed.

Personalised learning

Study in small groups led by expert academics, with dedicated one-to-one support. Our close-knit community ensures you receive individual guidance while being challenged to achieve your best.

Built for your future

Whatever your goals, we’ll help you get there. You’ll develop valuable skills, discover your strengths, and gain real-world experience - so you’re ready to stand out when applying for jobs or further study.

Guaranteed accommodation

We guarantee a room in our Halls of Residence for all new full-time first-year students who apply and accept their offer by June 2027*.

Exceptional student benefits

You’ll receive a brand-new laptop at no additional cost**, and all essential textbooks are available through our library - helping you save money throughout your studies.

A modern campus experience

Study at our student-led purpose-built Waterside Campus, designed to provide an inspiring and dynamic environment for learning and student life. Visit us at an Open Day to see it for yourself.

The Northampton Employment Promise

We’re confident you’ll graduate ready to launch your career. If you’re not in employment within six months, you’ll receive dedicated support from a Careers Development Consultant. If you’re still seeking opportunities after that, we’ll offer you a paid internship.

✱ Eligibility criteria apply. See northampton.ac.uk/student-life/accommodation/ for more information
✱✱ Eligibility criteria and terms and conditions apply. See northampton.ac.uk/benefits for more information

Course Modules

The Integrated Foundation Year (IFY) offers a new and exciting route into studying for a degree. The foundation year will be studied on a full-time basis and is aimed at supporting your transition to higher education. Years two, three and four are then studied as a standard degree programme.

Stage 1a

• Professional and Academic Skilss for University Study (Compulsory)

• Applied Learning Project (Compulsory)

• Foundations in Education and Society (Compulsory)

Stage 1b

• Understanding Education (Compulsory)

• Educational Landscapes (Compulsory)

• Childhood through Time (Compulsory)

• Learning Re-imagined: disruptive and inclusive curriculum (Compulsory)

• Professional Practice in Educational Settings (Compulsory)

• Understanding Child Development in Education (Compulsory)

• Educational Inequalities (Compulsory)

• School: Past, Present and Future (Compulsory)

Stage 2

• Debates in Education (Compulsory)

• Special Education Needs and Inclusion (Compulsory)

• Learning through Education Research (Compulsory)

• Education in a Diverse Society (Compulsory)

• Education and Technology (Compulsory)

• Education in a Global Context (Compulsory)

Stage 3

• Education Studies Dissertation (Compulsory)

• Education, Culture and Society (Compulsory)

• Exploring Deviance and Disaffection (Compulsory)

• Empowering Change in Professional Practice (Compulsory)

• Education, Heritage & Communities (Compulsory)

Module information is quoted for 2026 entry. Please note that modules run subject to student numbers and staff availability, any changes will be communicated to applicants accordingly.

There are no exams for Education Studies. Instead, assessments take the form of essays, portfolios, presentations, analysis and reflection.