Education

Education studies is the academic examination of how education systems, institutions, and practices are organised, what purposes they serve, how learning occurs, and what the consequences of different educational approaches are for individuals and societies. It draws on sociology, psychology, history, philosophy, and policy analysis to develop a critical understanding of education in all its forms, from early years through to higher education and adult learning. Studying education does not necessarily mean intending to teach: many graduates go on to research, policy, management, and a wide range of roles in and around education that do not involve classroom teaching.

At the University of Bedfordshire, this four-year programme includes a foundation year, making it accessible to students who need a structured academic preparation before the main degree begins. A typical entry tariff of 88 points at the foundation level reflects the programme's broad accessibility, and the university has a track record of strong student satisfaction in its education courses, with high scores for teaching quality, learning opportunities, assessment and feedback, academic support, and organisation and management. The programme develops your understanding of educational theory, learning and development, policy, inequality, and the social and cultural dimensions of how education systems work and for whom they work well.

Bedfordshire's programmes are delivered with a strong commitment to supporting students from diverse backgrounds, and the education faculty has practical links with schools and educational organisations in the region.

Graduates work in education management, early years settings, school support roles, community education, educational research, policy, publishing, social work, and a range of other roles where a thorough understanding of how education works is professionally valuable. Many also continue to teacher training qualifications after graduation. Postgraduate study in education, educational psychology, or policy is a further route for those who wish to develop their expertise.