Education BA (Hons) (with Foundation Year)
UCAS Code: XX32|Duration: 4 years|Full Time|Hope Park
UCAS Campus Code: L46
Work placement opportunities|International students can apply|Study Abroad opportunities
About the course
A degree in Education is a dynamic and stimulating opportunity to study the individual, social, and political forces that shape education, in all its forms. If you are interested in how and why we learn, both formally and informally, in the UK or abroad, then studying Education will challenge and excite you in equal measure.
Studying Education at Liverpool Hope will help you to develop academically as you engage with evidence and research, professionally as you link theory to practice, preparing you for a wide variety of work contexts, and personally as you think more deeply about your own values and aspirations. Our degree will bring education to life, tackling important questions such as ‘Can education help overcome inequality in society?’ and ‘How does modern technology transform the learning and teaching experience?’. It is structured around the four key disciplines of education: psychology, sociology, history, and philosophy. Each discipline provides a different lens through which key ideas and issues in education can be understood.
By studying Education at Liverpool Hope University, you will become a Hope Education Professional: inspired to put educational theory into practice, able to critically evaluate current policy, and willing to make a difference in the world. Single honours students complete a placement as part of the course and combined honours students will be offered optional placement opportunities. The degree is an ideal foundation for those who decide to go on to train to become a teacher, and a variety of other professions, at Liverpool Hope University or elsewhere.
Course structure
Education Studies is available as a single honours degree, or as part of a combined honours degree, in which you study Education alongside another subject.
On both degrees, teaching is structured into lectures, where all students are taught together, seminars of smaller groups of around 25 students, and tutorials of around 10 students. You will also have independent learning activities, guided reading activities, use online forum discussion groups, and use the University’s Virtual Learning Environment. You will also have the opportunity to meet one-to-one with your tutor each week.
Both single honours and combined honours students follow a core Education Studies curriculum. Single Honours students also follow an additional curriculum that explores the application of education theory to practice in areas such as Education Policy and Education for Social Justice.
If you are studying Education as a single honours degree, in your first year there are approximately 12 contact hours each week, which reduces to approximately 10 contact hours in your second and third years. If you are studying Education as a combined honours degree, in your first year there are approximately 6 contact hours each week, which reduces to approximately 5 teaching hours in your second and third years.
On top of teaching hours, you are also expected to study independently for around 18 hours each week, as well as working with other students and in groups to prepare for any group assessments you may have.
Assessment and feedback
Throughout your three years of study, you will have a variety of assessments including essays, exams, posters, and portfolios. In your final year, you will also complete a research project, supported by a tutor from the department. You will be given written feedback on your assessments, and you will have the opportunity to discuss this with your tutors in detail. Longer pieces of writing are supported by interim constructive written and oral feedback.
Curriculum overview
Here at Liverpool Hope we are interested in education inside and outside of schools, from early years to lifelong learning. In Year 1, you will begin to get to grips with how education has been shaped by and understood by philosophy, sociology and psychology over the course of history.
In Year 2, you will develop your own critical perspectives in all four disciplines of education. You will also learn about research methodologies through a variety of methods ranging from traditional lectures to collaborative research tutorials.
In your final year, you will have the opportunity to specialise in two out of the four disciplines of Education. By studying two disciplines in-depth, you can tailor your studies to your research interests and career aspirations. You will graduate as an engaged global citizen ready to make a positive difference in the world.
Foundation Year
The Foundation Year is a great opportunity if you have the ability and enthusiasm to study for a degree, but do not yet have the qualifications required to enter directly onto our degree programmes. A significant part of the Foundation Year focuses upon core skills such as academic writing at HE level, becoming an independent learner, structuring academic work, critical thinking, time management and note taking.
Successful completion of the Foundation Year will enable you to progress into the first year (Level C) of your chosen honours degree. Further details can be found here.
Year One
Your first year provides you with an introduction to the four key disciplines that underpin Education Studies. You will study:
Sociology of Education: Is society and education just?
You will explore the relationship between education and social inequality in contemporary society. This will include examining the relationship between the social dimensions of race, class, and gender, and educational attainment.
Psychology of Education: Who am I?
You will be introduced to the science of psychology and the use and purpose of the scientific method in psychology. You will focus upon developmental psychology, which explores changes in our behaviours and habits, our thinking, learning, and memory, and our identity at different life stages.
Philosophy of Education: What is education?
Your first year introduces you to philosophy as a subject, exploring a range of topics and thinkers that have had a central influence on education as we know it today. For example, you will study the earliest philosophy of education, found in Plato, the founders of child-centred education such as Rousseau and Freire.
History of Education: How did we get here?
This topic explores the key ideas and concepts in the history of education. Key themes will include the changing role of teacher and pupil and the history of different learning environments. You will complete an individual research task within the tutorials, such as an educational family tree.
Research component: ‘How do we know this? Becoming an educational researcher’
You will be introduced to the skills and techniques of educational research and enquiry. You will explore several research projects and sources in-depth to gain an understanding of qualitative, quantitative, and interpretive methods, and how these are used to derive conclusions in educational research.
Interdisciplinary component
You will explore case studies on contemporary educational issues, such as education and social exclusion, intelligence testing, and uses of technology.
Single honours students also study an introduction to education policy and investigate the relationship between education, culture and society.
Year Two
Your second year provides you with the knowledge and opportunities to develop your own critical perspectives in all four disciplines of education. You will also learn about research methodologies. You will study:
Sociology of Education: What is the relationship between education policy and society?
You will focus on UK education policy at all levels of education. You will develop an understanding of the social, cultural, historical, economic, and political forces that shape education policy. This will enable you to critically examine policy initiatives both as students and as future educational professionals.
Psychology of Education: How do I think?
In Year 2 Psychology of Education you will focus on cognitive psychology, exploring the concepts such as intelligence, creativity, motivation, and memory. You will develop an understanding of the key components essential to individuals’ cognitive development and learning.
Philosophy of Education: What does it mean to live well?
Your second year focuses on moral development and the ethics of educational practice. Drawing on classic moral theories and current research, you will consider the ethical and moral dimensions of education, using case studies related to Special Educational Needs, Religious Education, and Character Education.
History of Education: Why does educational change in history matter?
You will investigate the development of key levels and types of education in Britain and abroad. This will include primary and secondary education, adult, distance and popular education. You will be introduced to a detailed, source-based treatment of important educational themes.
Research component: Research design and collaboration
You will work closely with one tutor, learning about the practice of educational research through a ‘community of practice’. In small groups, you will work on an active research project related to the specific expertise of one tutor to gain an understanding of methodology, research ethics, and data analysis.
Interdisciplinary component
You will bring together the knowledge gained on the degree so far to understand a current educational policy or issue, such as teaching Fundamental British Values, for example.
Single honours students also explore different approaches to teaching and learning and develop understanding of professional practice through completing a placement.
Year Three
In your final year you will have the opportunity to specialise in two out of the four disciplines of Education. By studying two disciplines in-depth you can tailor your studies to your research interests and career aspirations.
Sociology of Education: How can education contribute to equality and social justice?
You will examine the role of power in educational contexts drawing upon the work of key theorists Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault. Linking theory to practice you explore how power plays out in educational practices. You will assess whether it is possible for educators to help develop a more equitable society in the UK and overseas.
Psychology of Education: How does social interaction operate?
In your final year you will have the opportunity to specialise in two out of the four disciplines of Education. By studying two disciplines in-depth you can tailor your studies to your research interests and career aspirations.
Sociology of Education: How can education contribute to equality and social justice?
You will examine the role of power in educational contexts drawing upon the work of key theorists Pierre Bourdieu and Michel Foucault. Linking theory to practice you explore how power plays out in educational practices. You will assess whether it is possible for educators to help develop a more equitable society in the UK and overseas.
Psychology of Education: How does social interaction operate?
You will broaden your understanding of psychology by exploring social psychology. This includes understanding our membership of social groups, the impact that membership can have on our behaviour, how we perceive other people, as well as the impact that social processes such as prejudice, conflict, gender identity and others can have on education.
History of Education: Why is education politicised in Britain?
In Year 3 the focus is on key social, economic, and cultural revolutions in European history and their influence on education, such as the French Revolution, the Industrial Revolution, and the Civil Rights Movement. You will also focus in detail on the period 1914-2000 in British education.
Research component: Conducting educational research
Your final year research project gives you the opportunity to apply your knowledge to a ‘real-life’ problem that interests you. You can choose to undertake a full dissertation, combining Education and your other Major subject, or a shorter research report in Education. This will involve working under the supervision of one of the Education tutors on a 1-to-1 basis. You will have to present your work in progress at a number of points during your research, including at a ‘dissertation conference’.
Single honours students also study the future of education including the use of digital technology and artificial intelligence. You will also investigate education policy and practice internationally.
Entry requirements
There may be some flexibility for mature students offering non-tariff qualifications and students meeting particular widening participation criteria.
Careers
Past graduates of Education have gone on to have careers as Teachers, Safeguarding Officers, Care Support Workers, and Coaches, as well as careers in the social and caring professions, journalism, administration, human resources and general management.
The creative, transferable skills that you will develop as part of the degree are ideal preparation for a wide range of careers in the education system, professional training, personal development and more.
Many graduates choose to continue their studies by doing either an MA, PGCE or PGDE postgraduate degree. You will also be offered the opportunity to apply to transfer onto the 4-year Master of Education degree course during your first 2 years of study.
Enhancement opportunities
Work Placement Opportunities
All students will be offered placement opportunities.
For students on the BA Education single honours programme this will be related to an assessed part of the course.
The 4-year Master of Education degree course
The 4-year Master of Education (MEd) course is an integrated 4-year degree course for Education students. The first 3 years are in common with the BA Education single honours or combined honours course. Students studying the BA Education may apply to transfer to the MEd at any time during their first two years, subject to the University regulations on completion and progression.
SALA
The Service and Leadership Award (SALA) is offered as an extra-curricular programme involving service-based experiences, development of leadership potential and equipping you for a career in a rapidly changing world. It enhances your degree, it is something which is complimentary but different and which has a distinct ‘value-added’ component. Find out more on our Service and Leadership Award page.
Study Abroad
As part of your degree, you can choose to spend either a semester or a full year of study at one of our partner universities as part of our Study Abroad programme. Find out more on our Study Abroad page.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year are £9,535* for full-time undergraduate courses.
If you are a student from the Isle of Man or the Channel Islands, your tuition fees will also be £9,535*.
The University reserves the right to increase Home and EU Undergraduate and PGCE tuition fees in line with any inflationary or other increase authorised by the Secretary of State for future years of study.
*subject to Council approval.
Additional costs
As well as tuition fees, we estimate that you will need approximately £100 to purchase core texts needed for the degree. For some placements, an additional cost will be required to cover DBS clearance.
You will also need to consider the cost of your accommodation each year whilst you study at university. Visit our accommodation pages for further details about our Halls of Residence.
Scholarships
We have a range of scholarships to help with the cost of your studies. Visit our scholarships page to find out more.
International tuition fees
The International Tuition fees for 2025/26 are £14,500.
Visit our International fees page for more information.
Course combinations
This course is also available with Foundation Year as a Combined Honours degree with the following subjects: