BA (Hons) Education Studies

Program Overview

This innovative Education Studies program combines psychology, sociology, and social sciences to provide a comprehensive understanding of contemporary education issues. It fosters critical thinking, research skills, and interprofessional collaboration, preparing graduates for a range of education-related careers. Through interdisciplinary learning, community placements, and international exchange opportunities, students gain a global perspective on education and develop 21st-century skills essential for success in the field.

Program Outline

Education Studies - BA (Hons)

Degree Overview

Overview:

This innovative program offers a fresh, modern, and interdisciplinary approach to understanding education, drawing from psychology, sociology, and social sciences research. It equips students with a comprehensive understanding of contemporary issues in education, fostering critical thinking, research skills, and interprofessional collaboration.

Objectives:

• Prepare graduates for a range of education-related careers.
• Develop critical thinking, research skills, and interprofessional collaboration.
• Foster understanding of current issues in education, psychology, and sociology.
• Apply theoretical knowledge to real-life practice.
• Build positive relationships with learners and work alongside other professionals.
• Understand the challenges and rewards of working in diverse educational settings.
• Explore historical, current, and future trends in education.
• Gain a global perspective on education through international exchange opportunities.

Description:

This program provides a robust academic foundation and hands-on, applied content through diverse theoretical and practical learning opportunities. Students benefit from:

• Interdisciplinary approach: Drawing from psychology, sociology, and social sciences research.
• Community-based placements: Connecting educational theory with practical experiences.
• International exchange opportunities: Gaining global perspectives on education and broadening horizons.
• Small class sizes: Ensuring individual attention and personalized learning.
• Outdoor Learning Hub: Providing firsthand experience in sustainable learning.
• Focus on 21st-century skills: Developing critical thinking, research, digital literacy, and teamwork abilities.

Outline

Content:

• Modern educational issues and policies
• Psychology of human development and learning
• Social and cultural factors influencing education
• Educational leadership and administration
• Technology-enhanced learning
• Inclusive education and diversity
• International perspectives on education
• Education for sustainable development
• Research methods and data analysis

Structure:

• 4-year full-time program
• 3-year full-time program for students with relevant qualifications or experience
• Modular structure with a range of elective options
• Year-long research dissertation project

Course Schedule:

• Lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials
• Online group tutorials
• Community placements
• Research project work
• Independent study

Individual Modules:

Year 1:

• Introduction to Education Studies in the 21st Century
• Developing Academic Literacies for Learning
• Introduction to Psychology 1
• Learning through the Lifespan
• Sustainable Human Behaviour
• The Sociological Imagination

Year 2:

• Creativity, Culture & Learning in the 21st Century
• Early Childhood Development and Learning in Context
• Education, Race, and Ethnicity
• Society and Sustainable Lifestyles
• Engaged Sociology
• Developmental and Social Psychology

Year 3:

• Inclusive Practice: Difference & Diversity
• Research Methods
• Global Health and International Education
• Community Education & the Organic Intellectual
• Class, Poverty & Social Exclusion
• Social Psychology and Social Justice OR Developmental Psychology

Year 4:

• Peer Relations in Childhood & Adolescence
• Planning Places for Outdoor Learning
• Inequality, Poverty, and Social Policy in Comparative Perspective
• Community-based Education
• Dissertation

Assessment:

• Continuous assessment: Essays, reports, presentations, blogs, audiovisual submissions, group work, participation in discussions.
• Examinations: Written examinations may be used in some modules.
• Dissertation: Assessed for originality, research skills, critical analysis, and presentation.

Teaching:

• Expert faculty: Experienced professors with active research profiles in their respective fields.
• Small class sizes: Allowing for personalized attention and interaction.
• Interactive learning: Employing a variety of teaching methods, including lectures, seminars, workshops, and group discussions.
• Real-world application: Integrating theory and practice through community placements and research projects.
• Individualized support: Providing academic and career guidance through dedicated student support services.

Careers:

• Community learning and development
• Outdoor learning
• Museums and cultural institutions
• Education administration
• Curriculum development
• Educational technology
• International aid settings
• Policy work
• Teaching (further studies required)
• Social work (further studies required)
• Counselling (further studies required)

Other:

• The program is informed by cutting-edge research and evidence-based practice.
• It prepares students for a range of lifelong learning opportunities.
• The program is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment.
• Students can benefit from Careers support at QMU during their studies and after graduation.
• The program provides opportunities for personal and professional development.
• The curriculum is reviewed and updated regularly to ensure its relevance and innovation.