Curious about studying Education Studies - BA (Hons)at Leeds Beckett University? We've gathered all the key details—entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Hear from real students by checking out reviews, or take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
Bachelor of Arts (with Honours) - BA (Hons)
Headingley Campus
Full Time
Sep 2026
3 Year
How can education change lives?
Education is one of the most powerful forces for change. It creates opportunities, transforms lives, challenges inequality, and influences the future of individuals, communities, and society. Discover how learning empowers people and communities to confront real-world challenges and create meaningful change together. On this education studies degree, you’ll explore education far beyond the classroom, examining how learning intersects with politics, culture, identity, and social justice. You’ll question established thinking, debate the issues shaping education today, and investigate how education can create fairer, more inclusive opportunities for everyone. As part of this course, you’ll: * Explore education from social, cultural, political, and global perspectives, examining the issues that matter most * Discover how education shapes policy, opportunity, and social mobility across diverse communities * Challenge educational inequality through critical enquiry, collaboration, and evidence-informed practice * Build the skills, confidence, and knowledge for a career across education, community, public sectors, and beyond * Personalise your degree with specialist modules, placements, and an independent research project
Find out moreExplore the big ideas
Throughout your studies, you’ll investigate the ideas, debates, and challenges shaping education today through three connected themes: * Social justice, inequality, and the lived experiences of diverse communities * Contemporary debates that examine the relationship between education policy, democracy, and the state * Questioning, reflection, and educational research
Shape your degreeTailor your degree around your own interests and career ambitions through a choice of specialist modules, giving you the freedom to explore areas of education that inspire you most. You’ll also undertake an independent research project, developing your skills to investigate real educational issues, generate new insights, and deepen your expertise in a subject that matters to you.
Learn beyond the classroomPut your learning into practice through professional placements across a wide range of educational and community settings. Previous students have gained valuable experience in schools, museums, hospitals, charities, refuges, youth organisations, and other community-based organisations, building the skills, networks, and confidence to thrive in their future careers.
Join the Carnegie communityBecome part of a vibrant learning community within the Carnegie School of Education, where you’ll learn alongside fellow students studying education and teacher training programmes. You’ll benefit from teaching shaped by the latest research, shared ideas, and a school committed to breaking down barriers to learning and improving educational outcomes locally, nationally, and internationally.
Why study the BA Education Studies course at Leeds Beckett University?*
Develop the knowledge and confidenceto challenge inequality and champion social justice through education *
Tailor your degreethrough specialist modules, professional placements, and an independent research project *
Explore beyond the classroom and gain real-world experiencethrough opportunities in schools, charities, museums, healthcare, and community organisations *
Challenge ideas, test theory, and spark critical thinkingthrough hands-on learning that tackles education’s biggest issues *
Learn from experts in the Carnegie School of Education, where research, policy, and practice shape every stage of your learning
Explore a range of key issues in education in England. Studying this module will enable you to start to understand issues which impact on education across the lifespan, can create barriers to learning and limit a leaner’s performance. You'll learn about approaches to the study of education, the purpose of education, conflicting theories and ideologies, and the complex interactions between education and contexts. You'll build a foundation of knowledge to develop in later modules on your course. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Study the development of educational provision. This will include the place of education in national and local political life, and the successive ideologies that have underpinned education in England. You'll begin to understand the political drivers in governmental policy making, and you'll contextualise historical developments. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
You’ll be introduced to a range of key personal, inter-personal and transferable skills and academic knowledge to assist with the transition to academic learning. You'll focus on your professional development and future career. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
You'll build your knowledge and skills to increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a two-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Develop your ability to critically understand policy and practice assumptions around the nature of education. You'll work in small groups to explore some key aspects of policy and legislation in relation to an area of your choice from the contemporary educational landscape. You'll be encouraged to engage with theory and research related to the area your group has selected. This module will enable you to work as a team of educationalists and reflect upon educational assumptions within the schooling system. You'll produce a presentation in the format of a debate to demonstrate your understanding. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Build your understanding of the use of research-generated materials in academic work, for example published academic work and government reports, to help build a critical perspective. You'll use research and policy related to contemporary concerns and issues in education as a vehicle to develop your critical engagement with research publications. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Consider the social, cultural and economic factors that mediate school experiences and educational outcomes. This module will draw on sociology, politics and policy analysis. You'll examine how gender, social class, poverty and race impact upon the achievement and the progression of children and young people through systems of education. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Study key educational thinkers in the international field of education. You'll develop their knowledge and understanding of educational issues that are impacting educational practice, nationally and internationally. This module will develop your awareness of the theory-practice nexus. You'll be encouraged to engage with educational thinkers to better understand educational practice in a variety of professional educational settings. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
This module introduces a range research methodologies and explores the ethical considerations involved in conducting research. It provides a solid foundation for developing your major independent study project in your final year. You'll learn to identify key debates in social and educational research, and develop a critical awareness of the values and assumptions that underpin different methodological approaches. Throughout, academic literature will inform your understanding. Upon completion, you'll have a well-rounded understanding of common data collection methods used in education and social research. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Study the key issues in global education. You'll explore education systems in a range of countries and how they relate to comparative educations. This module will focus on the impact of the millennium goals on education systems and outcomes in developing countries. As you develop independent researching skills, you'll gain understanding of the economic, political, social and environmental factors that impact on educational experiences and systems throughout the world. You'll work in groups to explore how education systems reflect and influence social values. Your work will consider education's role in enhancing the life chances of individuals, ensuring productive economies, and promoting sustainable development. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Further develop the knowledge and skills you gained in your first year as you increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a three-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Study contemporary issues, developments and initiatives. This module will explore the relationship between the education of children and the other services and professionals who are concerned with the health and welfare of children, young people and families. You'll engage with education policy across all levels of education from early years through to adult education and training. You'll steer your learning to support your individual career direction. Studying this module will enable you to learn from diverse leaders, from schooling through to social care. This will enhance your understanding of the complexity of the children, young people, family and school workforce and the nature of multi-professional working. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
You'll build your knowledge and skills to increase your employability after graduation. You'll secure a four-week placement in a setting of your choosing to gain experience of working with or for the needs of children, young people or their families. You'll draw upon learning from your other modules to critically reflect on this experience and demonstrate knowledge of the main policies and ethical principles that underpin the profession. Drawing upon research and theory, you'll reflect on your own personal and professional development, and how this relates to your graduate employability portfolio. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
Complete a research-based inquiry into an area of education/educational concern. This module will cover all aspects of the research process, from design through to presenting a written dissertation. You'll choose your own research focus, linked with your individual career aspirations. You'll need to put together a research proposal and a mandatory university ethics approval. Your dissertation will demonstrate engagement with the research process, analytical skills, and the ability to mobilise theory and evidence in synthesising new arguments. Optional modules may also be available for this course.
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