Applied Education Studies (Daytime Delivery) Bedford

Applied education studies is a field concerned with the theory and practice of education in its broadest sense, examining how learning occurs across different contexts, how educational institutions and systems are organised, and what the social, political and cultural forces are that shape educational opportunity and outcomes. It draws on psychology, sociology, policy studies and professional practice to give students a nuanced and critical understanding of education as both a personal experience and a public institution.

At the University of Bedfordshire, this programme is offered on a part-time, daytime basis at the Bedford campus, making it accessible to students who are already working in educational or community settings and wish to develop their professional understanding formally. The applied focus means that theoretical frameworks are consistently connected to practice, and you will examine issues such as inclusion, curriculum design, assessment, early years education, learner motivation, educational policy and the role of education in addressing social inequality. The programme is designed for people working in or around education, including teaching assistants, learning mentors, family support workers, community educators and those in adjacent roles who want to develop a more systematic understanding of the educational context in which they work.

Graduates progress into a range of roles in education and related fields. Many move into qualified teacher status programmes, progressing to classroom teaching. Others develop their careers in educational leadership, special educational needs support, family learning, community education, children's services, curriculum development and educational research.

The applied education studies foundation is also a valuable platform for postgraduate study in education, social work, public health or early childhood studies.