BA Education Studies (with Optional Pathway in SEND or TESOL)

About this course

Education Studies sits at the intersection of philosophy, sociology, psychology and policy, asking fundamental questions about why we teach, who benefits from learning, and how societies reproduce or challenge inequality through formal and informal education. It is a degree that rewards curiosity about human development and a commitment to understanding the world from the perspectives of those who are often overlooked by mainstream institutions. Rather than training you to teach in a specific classroom setting, it equips you with the analytical tools to think critically about education in all its forms, from early years provision through to adult and lifelong learning. Studying at the University of Derby, you will explore the full arc of educational experience, examining early childhood learning, schooling systems, higher education and community-based practice. A strong emphasis on social equality runs through the programme, encouraging you to consider whose knowledge counts, how power operates within educational institutions, and what it means to create genuinely inclusive environments. You can also take a specialist optional pathway, either in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) or in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL), allowing you to develop focused expertise alongside your broader studies. The degree includes a foundation year, giving you a supported transition into university-level thinking, and incorporates international learning opportunities that bring a genuinely global dimension to your understanding of educational systems and cultures. The programme is studied part time and also includes a year abroad, which can deepen your appreciation of how education varies dramatically across contexts and cultures. Graduates from Education Studies pursue roles across a wide range of settings. Many go on to teacher training, qualifying for primary, secondary or further education. Others work in educational policy, local authority advisory services, community learning projects, international development organisations, charity and voluntary sector roles, or educational publishing and research. The analytical skills developed, particularly around inequality, inclusion and policy critique, are valued in social work, youth work and public sector leadership. Further study at postgraduate level opens doors to specialist roles in educational psychology, SEND coordination, leadership and management in schools, or academic research.

Student Satisfaction