Education Studies with Foundation Year

Education studies is the academic examination of how learning happens, how educational institutions are organised and governed, and what role education plays in society. It draws on psychology, sociology, history, philosophy, and policy analysis to ask fundamental questions: what are schools for, whose interests do they serve, how do children and adults learn, and how can educational practice be improved? Unlike a teaching qualification, education studies is a critical and interdisciplinary degree that prepares you to think rigorously about education as a social and political phenomenon as well as a practical enterprise.

At Birmingham City University, this four-year, full-time programme includes a foundation year designed to build the academic and analytical skills you need to succeed in the main degree. The foundation year provides a supportive entry point for students who may not have the typical A-level background or who are returning to education, ensuring that you develop the confidence and knowledge required to engage fully with degree-level study. Through the degree itself, you will explore learning and development across the lifespan, educational policy and systems, inclusion and diversity in education, and the relationship between education and wider social inequalities.

The curriculum is designed to be genuinely open, allowing you to focus on areas that match your interests and career ambitions. The typical entry tariff of 88 points reflects the foundation year entry.

Education studies graduates go on to a wide range of careers. Many pursue postgraduate teacher training, using the degree as preparation for qualified teacher status in primary or secondary schools. Others work in early years provision, further education, community learning, educational research, policy, or social care.

Roles in the charity sector, youth work, and public administration also draw on the skills and knowledge this degree develops. For those interested in research or academic careers, the degree provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study in education, sociology, psychology, or related fields.