Overview

Education looks strikingly different around the world, shaped by culture, politics and global economic forces that determine the opportunities available to different people. The BA (Hons) Education Studies - Geography at Durham University combines the study of the education process with current issues in geography, letting students explore topics as diverse as childhood development and global economic change. The course examines how social, cultural, political and economic forces shape educational experiences worldwide, engaging with key theories from both educational and geographical disciplines. Students study within the School of Education's vibrant, research-active learning community, with teaching drawing on multiple expert-led research clusters to keep the curriculum genuinely current. Flexible module choices, spanning topics from economic geography to the history and philosophy of education, let students tailor their degree around their own interests while preparing for a wide range of careers. It suits students fascinated by education as a genuinely global phenomenon, who want to investigate contemporary challenges through a combined educational and geographical lens.

What You'll Learn

• How to read and interpret educational research, building core analytical skills from the first year

• The types of questions asked in education and why they matter

• Historical and philosophical perspectives shaping education today

• Foundational geographical research methods, alongside modules in human or physical geography

• Contemporary global challenges, from economic geography to geographies of development

• The purposes and implications of educational research, including how it is designed and analysed

• Co-designed solutions to real-world educational challenges, issues or questions

• An independent dissertation applying your skills to a self-chosen educational and geographical topic

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will be able to critically analyse how social, cultural, political and economic forces shape educational experiences around the world, drawing on both educational and geographical theory. They will be equipped to read, interpret and appraise educational and geographical research, understanding how such research is designed, conducted and applied to real-world questions. Through co-designed problem-solving and an independent dissertation, students will develop the ability to reason critically, think creatively and propose innovative solutions to genuine global educational challenges. Graduates will leave with strong analytical, research and collaborative skills, well suited to careers in teaching, educational research, policy, publishing, charities, public service and international organisations, or as a foundation for postgraduate study.