Overview

Education shapes individuals and societies alike, sitting at the intersection of human development, culture and social change in an increasingly globalised world. The BA (Hons) Education at the University of Birmingham draws on psychology, sociology, philosophy and history to build a genuinely rounded understanding of education, taught within a School of Education ranked 3rd in the UK's Research Excellence Framework. Students benefit from a vocational placement in an educational setting, alongside the option to study overseas at a partner institution during the second year. The course suits students with a genuine interest in working with children and young people, or those drawn to the social and psychological questions education raises more broadly.

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What You'll Learn

• Contemporary issues in education, alongside the philosophy and history of schooling

• Developmental psychology and how children learn and grow

• Equality, diversity and the social context of children, families and society

• Education policy and its relationship to social justice

• Research methods for studying childhood and education

• Optional areas such as cognitive psychology, ethics in education, or primary and early years practice

• A vocational placement in an educational setting, in the UK or overseas

• An independent dissertation on a topic of personal interest

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Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse education as a social, cultural and psychological phenomenon, drawing on multiple academic disciplines. They will be equipped to evaluate education policy and its impact on social justice, and to apply developmental and psychological theory to real educational contexts. Through a vocational placement and an independent dissertation, students will develop practical, reflective and research skills grounded in real educational settings. Graduates will leave with strong analytical and communication skills, well suited to careers in teaching, social work, speech and language therapy, youth work, or a wide range of other graduate professions.