Education Studies

Education studies is a discipline that takes education seriously as both a social institution and an object of critical inquiry. It examines how education systems are organised, what values and assumptions they embody, how teaching and learning work across different contexts and stages of life, and how education is shaped by and in turn shapes the broader society. It covers education from birth through to adult and lifelong learning, drawing on sociology, psychology, philosophy, and policy studies to develop a comprehensive and critical perspective on what education does and what it should do.

At Birmingham City University this three-year full-time programme covers theoretical and practical aspects of education from a variety of perspectives. You will explore the history and politics of education, theories of learning and development, inclusion and special educational needs, the curriculum, educational policy, and the international and comparative dimensions of educational systems. The programme develops your capacity to analyse educational questions critically and to engage with the evidence base on what makes education effective and equitable.

Birmingham, as a major and diverse city, provides a rich real-world context for the study of education in all its complexity. The typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects the accessible and broadly welcoming character of the programme.

You will develop analytical and research skills, the ability to write clearly and argue persuasively about educational questions, and a reflective and critical approach to professional practice.

Graduates pursue careers in schools, early years and further education settings, educational research, community and adult learning, social work, youth work, the voluntary sector, and educational policy. Education studies also provides a foundation for further professional training in teaching, educational psychology, or social work, and for postgraduate study in education or related social sciences.