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.
What do you need to get on an education degree?
Average entry requirements for education are:
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UCAS points: 152–80
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A-levels: A*AA – CDD
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BTEC Nationals: DDD – PPP
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International Baccalaureate: 36–28
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).
What education degrees can you study?
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.
What topics does an education degree cover?
Common modules for education include:
- Psychology of education
- Education theories and techniques
- Education studies
- Education in society
- History of education
- Theories of learning
What do 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 can you do 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
Where to study education?
How long is an education degree?
Most undergraduate education degrees last three years.
How will you be assessed?
Education courses usually involve assessment through:
- Essays
- Reviews
- Poster presentations
- Reflective reports
- Exams
What are the postgraduate opportunities?
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: