Education Studies

Education studies is the academic study of education as a social, cultural, philosophical, and political phenomenon, rather than a vocational training in teaching. It takes education as its subject matter and examines it through the lenses of sociology, psychology, history, philosophy, and policy, asking fundamental questions about why education is organised as it is, what purposes it serves, who benefits from it, and how it might be changed. It is a degree that cultivates critical thinking about one of the institutions that affects every person's life.

At the University of Portsmouth, this three-year degree gives you a broad and intellectually rigorous education in the study of education. You will engage with the sociology of educational inequality, asking how class, gender, race, and disability intersect with educational outcomes. You will examine the psychology of learning and how developmental and cognitive perspectives inform our understanding of what helps children and adults learn effectively.

Philosophy of education raises questions about what knowledge is worth having and what a good education looks like. Educational policy examines how national and international policy decisions shape what happens in classrooms and institutions. The programme includes a year abroad, which provides the opportunity to experience education in a different national or cultural context and to compare educational systems and practices internationally.

Education studies graduates pursue a wide range of careers. Many choose to undertake postgraduate teacher training, for which education studies provides an excellent preparation, and go on to teach in schools at primary or secondary level. Others move into roles in community education, youth work, educational support, and special educational needs.

Policy and research roles in local authorities, charities, think tanks, and government agencies that work on education issues draw graduates with strong analytical skills. Educational publishing, educational technology, and roles in international education and development are further destinations. The degree's breadth and its focus on critical thinking equip graduates for many careers beyond education itself, including social research, journalism, and the public sector.