BA (Hons) Education Studies (In-service)

Program Overview

The Education Studies (In-service) BA (Hons) at the University of Sunderland is a part-time program designed for professionals in educational contexts. It provides a comprehensive understanding of education principles, systems, and structures, enabling participants to critically explore various educational phases and develop skills in curriculum design, resource development, and solution-focused practice. The program offers flexible study options, allowing individuals to balance work and study commitments while enhancing their professional practice and preparing them for career advancement in the education sector.

Program Outline

Education Studies (In-service) BA (Hons) at the University of Sunderland

Degree Overview

This part-time, in-service Education Studies course is designed for individuals already working or with experience in an educational context, such as teaching assistants, vocational trainers, public and third sector trainers, lecturers, curriculum designers, and policymakers. Applicants with these experiences can enter the part-time course at level 5 and complete the degree in two years. The program aims to provide a broad and thorough understanding of education principles, systems, and structures. It critically explores various phases of education, drawing upon historical, economic, philosophical, sociological, and psychological perspectives. The course is suitable for practitioners and educators in all educational phases, offering opportunities for tailoring it to individual career aspirations.

Objectives:

• Equip participants with a comprehensive understanding of the principles, systems, and structures of education.
• Enable critical exploration of various educational phases from diverse perspectives.
• Foster adaptability in the face of ever-changing educational landscape.
• Develop skills in curriculum design, resource development, and solution-focused practice.
• Provide opportunities for tailoring the course to individual career goals.

Outline

#Course Structure

This part-time program involves attending core lectures on evenings or weekends, supplemented by self-study. Participants enter the course at level 5 and complete the degree in two years. The course utilizes diverse learning methods, including small group work, workshops, lectures, tutorials, computer-based learning, presentations, and independent learning. Progress is assessed through essays, reports, group work, seminar presentations, and self-evaluation. Students receive ongoing support from academic staff throughout the degree program.

#Course Modules

Year 1 (Level 5):

• Core Modules:
• Research in Education (30 credits): Explores research skills and techniques, preparing participants to conduct small-scale research projects within an educational context.
Examines the research process and delves into the merits and demerits of qualitative and quantitative research.
• The Future of Learning (30 credits): Reconsiders the purpose of education and analyzes current and future needs of society, exploring education's role in this evolving landscape.
Investigates how education adapts and responds to a constantly changing world, focusing on individual and societal needs.
• Optional Modules:
• Teaching and Learning in Mathematics (30 credits): Explores the nature and perception of mathematics in society.
Develops subject knowledge and evaluates relevant pedagogies for teaching and learning mathematics. Examines the impact of mathematics in different contexts and how to assess areas within the mathematics curriculum, including statutory assessment requirements.
• Teaching and Learning in English (30 credits): Explores the nature and perception of English in society.
Develops subject knowledge and evaluates appropriate pedagogies for teaching and learning English. Examines the impact of literacy in different contexts and how to assess areas within the English curriculum, including statutory assessment requirements.

Year 2 (Level 6):

• Core Modules:
• Design and Innovation in Education (30 credits): Develops professional problem-solving, innovation, and autonomy skills.
Undertake self-initiated projects aligned with your subject interests and career aspirations. Explore design processes to create appropriate solutions, including those relevant to curriculum design, resource development, and solution-focused practice in education.
• Dissertation in Education Studies (40 credits): Investigate a specific area of educational research relevant to your studies and future career goals.
Demonstrate a critical understanding of your chosen educational issue by conducting, analyzing, evaluating, and communicating your independent research dissertation. Prepare for postgraduate studies or gain employment at more senior levels within your existing or aspired field.
• Optional Modules:
• Leading Change in Education (20 credits): Explores the nature of leadership and change management in various educational contexts both in the UK and abroad, including psychological, political, and practical aspects.
Raises awareness of professional responsibility as an educator and clarifies your role as a leader within the profession. Develops a deeper understanding of your professional practice's impact on others and their influence on your professional practice.
• Ethics, Morals, and Values in Education (20 credits): Investigates the moral life of educational organizations and critically evaluates the values underpinning their judgments and practices.
Identifies dominant ethical frameworks guiding complex decision-making in education and applies these frameworks to your own thinking. Explores various ethical theories, including morality of religion, utilitarian theory, obligation or duty, promoting virtue, and whether care for one another should be the overriding concern in education.

Assessment

This program utilizes various assessment methods to measure student learning and achievement:

• Essays: Assess understanding of key concepts, theories, and their application to educational practice.
• Reports: Evaluate research findings and present data analysis, conclusions, and recommendations.
• Group Work: Assess collaborative skills, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities within group settings.
• Seminar Presentations: Gauge knowledge acquisition, critical analysis, and communication skills in presenting educational topics and research findings.
• Self-Evaluation: Evaluate personal and professional development alongside self-reflection on strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement.
Assessment criteria vary depending on the specific tasks and learning outcomes for each module. Students receive clear guidelines and expectations to ensure fair and consistent evaluation.

Teaching

This program utilizes diverse teaching methods to cater to different learning styles and preferences:

• Lectures: Introduce key concepts, theories, and frameworks in education studies.
• Workshops: Engage in hands-on activities and apply concepts to real-world scenarios.
• Tutorials: Provide personalized guidance and support for deeper understanding and clarification of complex topics.
• Computer-based learning: Utilize technology for independent study, research, and online resources.
• Presentations: Encourage active engagement and knowledge application through individual and group presentations.
• Independent Learning: Promote autonomy, self-directed study, and in-depth exploration of specific areas of interest.
The program benefits from a highly experienced and dedicated faculty who are actively engaged in research and professional practice within the educational field. They bring real-world insights and research expertise to the classroom, fostering a dynamic and stimulating learning environment.

Careers

This program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience to pursue various careers within the education sector:

• Teaching and Learning: This program prepares graduates to enter various teaching roles within schools, colleges, and other educational settings.
However, it is important to note that this course does not qualify individuals as fully qualified teachers.
• Curriculum Design and Development: Graduates may develop careers as curriculum designers, instructional material specialists, and educational consultants, working with schools, universities, and training providers to create effective learning resources.
• Educational Research and Policy: The research and analytical skills gained through this program can open doors to careers in educational research, policy development, and evaluation.
These roles may involve conducting independent research or working for government agencies, think tanks, or educational organizations.
• Educational Leadership and Management: The knowledge and skills in leadership, change management, and ethics can prepare graduates for leadership positions within schools, colleges, and educational organizations.
This could include roles such as head teacher, principal, educational leader, or policy manager.
• Educational Technology and Innovation: With the growing role of technology in education, this program equips graduates with the skills to work in educational technology development, implementation, and training.
They may work for software companies, educational technology startups, or educational institutions to integrate technology effectively into learning processes. The specific career path a graduate chooses will depend on their individual interests, qualifications, and experience. However, this program provides a strong foundation for success in various roles within the education sector.

Other

• The program offers a flexible and part-time structure ideal for individuals currently employed or seeking to balance work and study commitments.
• The in-service nature of this program allows participants to apply their learning directly to their professional practice, enhancing their skills and improving their effectiveness in the field.
• This program is designed to prepare participants for pursuing postgraduate studies in Education or related fields if they wish to advance their qualifications and career opportunities.
• Graduates are guaranteed an interview for a PGCE degree at the University of Sunderland if they decide to pursue a career as a teacher.
• The program may include guest speakers, industry visits, and project opportunities to provide exposure to real-world educational contexts and enrich the learning experience.

The fee for this course is £6,935 per 120 credits if you're from the UK/Ireland/EU settled/pre-settled. You'll study 80 credits per year. This part-time course isn't available to international students who require a student visa to study in the UK.