Education

Education as an academic discipline asks fundamental questions about how learning happens, what schools and other educational institutions are for, how education intersects with society and inequality, and how teaching and learning can be made more effective and more just. It is a field that draws on psychology, sociology, philosophy, and policy studies, and it is one of the most practically relevant subjects available, given the central role that education plays in shaping individual lives and social possibilities.

At the University of Sussex, this programme is designed to challenge you to reimagine how education can meet the needs of a rapidly changing world. Studying education at Sussex means engaging seriously with the social dimensions of learning, asking how social injustice, climate challenges, and transformations driven by technology shape what education needs to do and how it should be done. You will study the history and sociology of education, learning theory, curriculum and assessment, educational policy, and the ethics of teaching and learning.

The programme includes a foundation year for those who need additional preparation, alongside sandwich year, year abroad, and work placement opportunities, meaning you can develop professional experience in educational settings and encounter education systems in other countries as part of your qualification.

You will develop research skills, critical analytical thinking, and the ability to engage with complex social and ethical questions, alongside practical understanding of how educational institutions work and how they can be improved.

Graduates go on to careers in teaching (with further professional training), educational administration, policy, community education, international development, research, and a wide range of roles in the third sector and public services. Postgraduate study in education, including teacher education qualifications, is a well-supported route. Many graduates also apply their education expertise in healthcare, social work, and professional development contexts.