Education

Education as an academic discipline is not the same as teacher training, though the two are closely related. It is the study of how learning happens, how educational systems are organised and governed, how children and young people develop, and what role schools and other institutions play in shaping society. Drawing on sociology, psychology, linguistics, and policy studies, it asks both empirical and normative questions: not just what education does, but what it should do, and for whom.

At Aberystwyth, this three-year full-time degree enables you to explore the development of children and adolescents in depth, engaging with the issues that are central to understanding educational systems in the UK and beyond. You will study curriculum design and educational policy alongside the psychological and sociological forces that shape learning environments and outcomes. The programme takes a particular interest in how learners can best be supported throughout their educational journey, drawing on insights from linguistics, developmental psychology, and the sociology of education.

The approach is both theoretically grounded and practically relevant, preparing you to think rigorously about the purposes and practices of education while developing skills in research, analysis, and communication. The typical entry tariff is 136 UCAS points.

Graduates of education degrees go on to careers in teaching, educational psychology, school leadership, pastoral support, community and youth work, educational research, policy development, and the management of educational organisations. A degree in education is also an excellent foundation for postgraduate teacher training (PGCE) for those who wish to qualify as a teacher. Others use their understanding of learning and human development in roles in social work, counselling, publishing, and the third sector.