Education
BA Honours
- UCAS code: X390
- Full time
- 3 years
- Next start date: September 2021
Study the meaning of education across the globe and critically examine the place of education in society today in this Education BA degree.
Fees (per year)
- Home: £9250
- International: £18600
Entry requirements
- A Level: BBB
- IB: 32 points
UCAS Institution name and code:
- NEWC / N21
Course overview
This course poses challenging questions inspiring you to critically examine essential issues relating to education.
You'll be encouraged to explore what is meant by education and how it has changed over time, including its central place in the foundation of modern societies.
You'll examine what form education should take, who should make those decisions, and who will benefit.
You'll investigate how the media influences the portrayal of education and schooling, and whether the teacher still has a role to play in a society where Google knows more.
The diverse research interests and expertise of our staff offer you a broad range of topics and perspectives. Small group teaching provides opportunities for lively interaction and debate.
This course covers the study of education across the globe from sociological, philosophical, historical, political, and psychological perspectives. It investigates the role of international development in supporting education in developing countries.
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COVID-19
Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to COVID-19.
See our terms and conditions for more information
View our Frequently Asked Questions
Quality and ranking
- top 150 – Education category – QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020
- top 200 – Education category – Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2020
- top 20 in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2021
Teaching excellence
TEF GoldA ringing endorsement of Newcastle University’s long tradition of excellence in teaching.

Modules and learning
Modules
The information below is intended to provide an example of what you will study.
Most degrees are divided into stages. Each stage lasts for one academic year, and you'll complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each stage.
Our teaching is informed by research. Course content may change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.
Optional module availability
Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.
Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.
To find out more please see our terms and conditions.
You'll be introduced to the contested nature of education and the different conceptual frameworks we'll be using for explaining education – global, social, cultural, historical, political, philosophical, sociological, pedagogical and technological.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Education, Children and Society | 20 |
International Development | 20 |
The History of Education | 20 |
Education in Developing Countries | 20 |
Social Policy and Learning | 20 |
You'll develop a more specialised and sustained engagement with areas of study such as learning theory, the broader discourses of education in popular culture and innovative technologies of learning.
You'll begin the first of the two major career development modules in either student tutoring, student volunteering through the Students’ Union, or learning from work.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Psychological perspectives on teaching and learning | 20 |
Introduction to Research in Education | 20 |
Globalisation and Development | 20 |
Social Constructions of Childhood | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Gender and Education | 20 |
Child Development and Speech and Language Acquisition | 20 |
Career Development for second year students | 20 |
The emphasis is on you obtaining a deep and critical awareness of specific aspects of education both in its national and international contexts.
You'll become more deeply aware of the importance of attention to detail, argument, criticality, ambiguity and complexity through modules relating to social justice, inclusive education and international development.
You'll also complete a research dissertation.
Modules
Compulsory Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Research Dissertation | 40 |
Philosophy of Education | 20 |
Optional Modules | Credits |
---|---|
Responding to Special Educational Needs | 20 |
Child Development | 20 |
Adventures in Digital Learning | 20 |
Career Development for final year students | 20 |
Teaching and assessment
Teaching methods
Research-informed teaching and practice by leading academics and professional practitioners are central to the programme.
You'll learn through a combination of lectures and seminars. You also undertake a considerable amount of independent study, using study resources such as our award-winning Library Service.
You'll relate your acquired knowledge in practical settings – for example, exploring various pedagogical issues relating to teaching and learning, then relating these to the classroom or other educational settings, such as museums.
Assessment methods
You'll be assessed through a combination of:
-
Case studies
-
Coursework
-
Essays
-
Examinations – practical or online
-
Group work
-
Presentations
-
Projects
-
Reports
Skills and experience
Research skills
You'll join a thriving research community and have the chance to conduct your own original research through a dissertation.
Business skills
You'll have the opportunity to select two career development modules to enhance your employability. You'll also undertake a research project which enables you to showcase your knowledge and expertise.
You'll develop key skills including communication, teamwork, personal enterprise, problem-solving, planning and organising, which are directly transferable to a wide range of graduate employment contexts.
These assist our graduates to find work in areas such as primary teaching, community and social work and education management.
Chat to a student
I chose to study Education at Newcastle University because the department offers a high standard of teaching. The course provides me with the opportunity to discover the importance of education in different societies across the globe
Opportunities
Work placement
Get career ready with a work placement and leave as a confident professional in your field. You can apply to spend 9 to 12 months working in any organisation in the world, and receive University support from our dedicated team to secure your dream placement. Work placements take place between stages 2 and 3.
You'll gain first-hand experience of working in the sector, putting your learning into practice and developing your professional expertise.
If you choose to take a work placement, it will extend your degree by a year. Placements are subject to availability.
Facilities and environment
Facilities
You'll be based in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences, which has a wide range of facilities for studying how people learn and communicate.
There's a well-equipped Education Resource Centre with excellent computing facilities.
We have two active Research Centres engaging with the latest thinking and research in education:
- Centre for Learning and Teaching (CfLAT), which researches teaching and learning in different contexts
- SOLE Central, is a global hub for research into self-organised learning environments (SOLEs)

Support
You'll have the support of an academic member of staff as a personal tutor throughout your degree to help with academic and personal issues.
Peer mentors will help you in your first year. They are fellow students who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have when starting university.
Your future
A degree in education from Newcastle shapes your development and understanding, demonstrating your capacity to work individually and as part of a team.
It also provides you with the transferable skills, including workload management, meeting deadlines, written and oral communication, IT, problem-solving and the critical analysis and interpretation of complex ideas and policies.
You may use this degree as a springboard for further postgraduate study at Newcastle (for example, Primary PGCE, International Development, Cross-Cultural Communication, International Education).
Alternatively, you may find work in fields as diverse as community or health work, human resource/education management, widening participation or rehabilitation programmes, environmental organisations, heritage sites, museum, theatre and library provision or information management (eg digital learning).
Employability at Newcastle
96% of Newcastle University graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating, with 85.5% in graduate-level employment or further study.
Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates. See what they have gone on to achieve and be inspired to follow in their footsteps.
Statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation (Destinations of (undergraduate and postgraduate UK domiciled) Leavers from Higher Education Survey 2016/17).
Make a difference
Careers support
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.
Visit our Careers Service website
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK.
Entry requirements
All candidates are considered on an individual basis and we accept a broad range of qualifications. The entrance requirements below apply to 2021 entry.
A Level
BBB
International Baccalaureate
32 points
Other UK qualifications (and PARTNERS)
Qualifications from outside the UK
English Language requirements
PARTNERS
Through our PARTNERS programme, you could receive an offer up to three grades lower than the typical requirements, and get support throughout the application process. To apply through PARTNERS, you must be based in the UK and meet our eligibility criteria.
Entrance courses (INTO)
International Pathway Courses are specialist programmes designed for international students who want to study in the UK. We provide a range of study options for international students in partnership with INTO.
Find out more about International Pathway Courses
Admissions policy
This policy applies to all undergraduate and postgraduate admissions at Newcastle University, including Newcastle University London. It is intended to provide information about our admissions policies and procedures to applicants and potential applicants, to their advisors and family members, and to staff of the University.
Tuition fees and scholarships
Tuition fees for 2021 entry (per year)
Home Fee Students
£9250
International Fee Students
£18600
The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for home fee-paying students is set by the UK government.
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
You will be charged tuition fees for each year of your degree programme (unless you are on a shorter exchange programme).
The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightly year on year as a result of inflation.
For courses commencing from September 2021 and beyond, EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals will no longer be eligible for home fees or Student Finance England support.
If you are from the EU you will pay international tuition fees.
Year abroad and additional costs
For programmes where you can spend a year on a work placement or studying abroad, you will receive a significant fee reduction for that year.
Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.
Find out more about:
Scholarships
Find out more about:
Open days and events
The situation with Covid-19 means that we're unable to hold Open Days on campus. However, you don’t have to visit in person to experience Newcastle.
From the comfort of your sofa you'll be able to:
• explore our beautiful campus
• find out about our vibrant city
• discover what students think about studying at Newcastle
You'll also have the opportunity to speak to academic staff and find out more about the subjects you're interested in.
We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University. Visit our events calendar to find out when we're visiting your region.
How to apply
Apply through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle University, you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). All UK schools and colleges, and a small number of EU and international establishments, are registered with UCAS. You will need:
- the UCAS name and institution codes for Newcastle University (NEWC/N21)
- the UCAS code for the course you want to apply for
- the UCAS 'buzzword' for your school or college
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Apply through UCASApply through an agent
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Get in touch
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