Applied Education Studies

This degree programme is a great option for anyone who is interested in working in the education sector but may be unsure which career route they would like to take. It’s been designed to develop knowledge, understanding and critical reflection of the contemporary educational landscape through the lens of Early Years, Compulsory Education and Vocational/Post Compulsory settings.

This award is validated by The Open University.

About the course

The BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies programme seeks to prepare graduates for the diverse range of careers within educational settings such as: Further Education Sector teachers, Nursery Nurses, Teaching Assistants, education administration, community development, health and social care environments, human resources, youth and community work or the voluntary sector.

Year 1 (Level 4) modules include:

-Methods of Enquiry
-Education in Context
-Theories of Learning
-Education for All
-Safeguarding

Year 2 (Level 5) modules include:

-Dismantling Barriers to Education
-Research in Education

And choose from:
-Early Years' Education
-Post-Compulsory Education and training
-Teaching, Learning and Assessment

Year 3 (Level 6) modules include:

-Contemporary Issues in Education
-Dissertation/primary research project

Basford campus

From September 2025, the Education department will be based at the college's new Basford campus. The campus features state of the art teaching and learning facilities, with cafe and library. This relocation enables closer collaboration with our Supported Learning Faculty next door at The Gateway, providing even greater real-life learning experience.

Assessments

A mixture of traditional and innovative assessment methods will be used, including individual and group presentations, discussions, report writing, case studies, presentations, research and project work, reflective journals and work-based projects.

Qualification awarded:

Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Applied Education Studies - awarded by The Open University (OU).

Bursaries

We want our courses to be accessible to students from any background, so we’ve put together a cash support package in the form of non-repayable bursaries to provide financial help where it’s really needed. Details for 2025-26 will be advertised once approved by the university regulator – the Office for Students (OfS). Please check our website - www.nottinghamcollege.ac.uk - for more information.

Your career and progression

Graduates will be well-placed for careers in a wide range of educational settings in the public, private and voluntary sectors.

The programme offers an excellent foundation for career progression to more senior educational roles. It can also provide a route into training and consultancy, youth and community work, local government, play work, speech therapy, social work, offender learning and day care management.

Other possible careers could include: special educational needs coordinator (SENCO), nursery manager, family support manager, youth leader, community liaison officer, careers adviser, personal tutor, mentor or behavioural support manager.

Please note: this programme does not qualify you as a teacher. However, the qualification is an excellent route towards Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) via a Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE), or other postgraduate study options.