Education

Education as an academic subject asks the fundamental questions that lie beneath every classroom, curriculum, and policy decision: what is the purpose of education, who benefits and who is excluded, how do learners develop, and how do social contexts shape what children and young people are able to become? These are questions that draw on sociology, psychology, philosophy, history, and politics, and answering them seriously requires both theoretical rigour and attention to real educational lives and institutions.

At Manchester Metropolitan University, this three-year, full-time programme explores key educational theories, policies, and practices, with a strong emphasis on inclusion, sustainability, and the social context of learning. You will study alongside students from related disciplines in shared settings before engaging in more focused specialist seminars and assessments. As you progress, your study becomes increasingly specialised, culminating in an independent research project in your final year that allows you to pursue a question that genuinely interests you.

The programme is designed to serve a wide range of intended careers: whether you are aiming for teaching, youth work, policy, or education leadership, the combination of academic knowledge and practical thinking the degree develops gives you a strong foundation. A typical entry tariff of 120 points reflects a welcoming and accessible programme.

Graduates from education degrees pursue careers in primary and secondary teaching, early years education, further and higher education, educational management and leadership, youth work, community education, educational research, policy development, and international educational consultancy. The analytical skills and knowledge of social context that the degree builds are also valued in roles in the civil service, charities, social work, and public health. Many graduates go on to initial teacher training (PGCE or School Direct) or postgraduate study in education, psychology, or social policy, building on the undergraduate foundation to develop a more specialised professional identity.