Studying education degree guide

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A good education can be a vital stepping stone for young people in our society. Studying education will help prepare you for a career in the education system where you’ll be able to make a positive impact on other people’s lives. Think about some of the best teachers and educational role models you’ve ever had – if you want to follow in their footsteps, a degree in education might be perfect for you.

Find education courses.

What do you need to apply for an education degree?

Average entry requirements for education are:

UCAS points:128
A-levels: ABB
Scottish Highers: AAABB
BTEC Nationals: DDD
International Baccalaureate: 32

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

The good news is most unis won’t ask for specific A-levels (or equivalent) unless you do a combined course (e.g., education and chemistry).

Most unis will want you to have at least 5 GCSEs at grade C or higher and further education qualifications (like A-levels).

Find out how to apply to uni through UCAS.

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What are your study options for education?

Degrees in education include:

BSc Education
BA Education
BSc Education with Psychology
BA Education, Culture and Childhood
BA Primary Education

Although most unis offer education as an individual degree, plenty will also offer the option of a joint honours degree. This means you’ll study it alongside another subject.

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics will you study on an education degree?

Common modules for education include:

Psychology of education
Education theories and techniques
Education studies
Education in society
History of education
Theories of learning

What skills will you learn studying an education degree?

Studying an education degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

Knowledge of the education system
Knowledge of the curriculum
Teaching and education techniques
Understanding students

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

Communication – written and verbal
Critical evaluation
Research
Reporting
Creativity
Organisation
Leadership

What jobs can you get with an education degree?

Of course, becoming a teacher is one of the main jobs you can get with an education degree. But there are plenty of other areas of work, like:

Curriculum designer
Educational psychologist
Education officer
Social work
Government work
Journalism

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Which unis rank well for education?

Check the latest ranking of unis offering education courses by the Complete University Guide.

How long does an education course last?

Most undergraduate education degrees last three years.

How will you be assessed when studying education?

Education courses usually involve assessment through:

Essays
Reviews
Poster presentations
Reflective reports
Exams

What postgraduate opportunities are there for education?

Your options for further study include:

Courses that provide Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) e.g., PGCE
Master’s degree in a social science subject e.g., education
TEFL qualification to allow you to teach English abroad
Study for a doctorate in education to become a researcher or lecturer in a university

What alternatives are there to an education degree?

Not sure if an education degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects:

Social work.

Find education courses.

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Studying education degree guide

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Early Years: Teaching and Learning (Top-Up) BA (Hons)

Outdoor and Experiential Learning (Top-up) BA (Hons)

Primary Education with Qualified Teacher Status BA (Hons)

Psychology in Education BA (Hons)

Primary Education and Teaching Studies BA (Hons)

YOUR UCAS POINTS 0