Education BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

Brunel University

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) in Education at Brunel offers a blend of educational theory, social context, and real-world practice — ideal for those interested in teaching, educational support work, youth services, or education policy and administration. Students gain a solid grounding in how learning and society intersect, while also acquiring hands-on experience through placements in real educational settings.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In the first year, students explore foundational ideas about what education means and how people learn. Through modules such as Understanding Concepts in Education, Issues and Perspectives in Education, Human Development, Education and Society, Educational Spaces, and Education in Literature and the Media, they reflect on educational theory, human development, the role of schooling in society, and how education is shaped by culture, policy, and media. Additionally, the course includes the first work placement, giving students initial practical exposure to real educational settings.

Year 2
During the second year, the programme deepens its focus on social context, development, and practice. Students study further education theory and development and participate in practical placements to understand different educational environments. Modules such as the RJC-accredited Restorative Practice provide professional qualifications increasingly sought after by schools and youth organisations, while students develop critical thinking, communication, and empathy skills.

Year 3 (Final Year)
In the final year, students consolidate their knowledge and prepare for careers or further study. Key modules include Growing Up in 21st Century Britain and Education in Different Contexts, alongside the third work placement and the Education and Research dissertation-style module. Students examine current social issues affecting children and young people, critically analyse educational policy and informal learning contexts, and conduct independent research, strengthening analytical, research, and professional skills in education settings.

Focus areas

Education theory and development • Human development and youth studies • Social, cultural and policy aspects of education • Formal, informal and community-based learning contexts • Practical teaching/placement experience • Restorative practice and youth welfare

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically understand and analyse different theories and practices of education; appreciate how social, cultural, and policy contexts shape learning and schooling; apply professional skills in educational settings; engage in research and evaluation in education; and enter a diverse range of education-related roles, from teaching and school support to youth work, educational administration, or further study.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme includes a module leading to a recognised qualification in Restorative Practice, valued in schools and youth work settings, giving graduates an extra professional edge. The integrated placements throughout the course ensure that students acquire real-world experience in education settings, not just theoretical knowledge.

Reputation (employability & outcomes)

Brunel’s Education BA is part of a department ranked among the country’s top research-intensive education schools for student satisfaction and learning opportunities. Graduates have pathways into teaching, education administration, youth work, social services, informal education, and further professional qualifications such as teacher training. Alumni surveys show that after five years, Brunel Education graduates earn above the national average for education-degree holders.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students benefit from integrated work placements and practical learning — ensuring education is not just theoretical but applied. As part of the programme, students can:

Complete three integrated work placements over the course of their degree, experiencing different educational settings (mainstream schools, special schools, museums, charities, youth services, informal education settings, etc.) — helping them understand diverse forms of education beyond conventional classrooms.
Choose between weekly placements during term, or block placements during holidays, offering flexibility to suit personal schedules and enabling balancing of academic and practical commitments.
Study a module leading to a foundation-level qualification in Restorative Practice — a recognised skillset valued in schools and many education or social settings for conflict resolution, pastoral care, or inclusive practice.
Develop research, analysis, communication, collaboration and reflective skills through coursework, group work, seminars, and placement reports — preparing them for roles in education, policy, welfare or management.

This combination of academic study and real-world practice ensures that graduates will have both the theoretical grounding and practical experience to step confidently into education-related careers or further professional training.

What the curriculum covers

The BA (Hons) Education programme at Brunel is structured around three interconnected strands that run throughout the degree: education, culture and society; educational theory and development; and professional skills and practice.

In Year 1, students study foundational modules such as: Understanding Concepts in Education, Issues and Perspectives in Education, Human Development, Education and Society, along with Study Skills & Methods of Enquiry — giving a strong base in educational concepts, human development, social context, and research methods.
In Year 2, the programme deepens with modules like The Social Study of Children and Young People, Research Methods, Educational Spaces, Education in Literature and the Media, along with the second work placement — exploring broader social, cultural, informal and non-formal education settings and building research capability.
In Year 3, students engage with advanced studies including Growing Up in 21st Century Britain, Education in Different Contexts, a third work placement, and undertake a dissertation/research project — enabling independent research and an in-depth exploration of a topic of their choice.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the Education BA (Hons) at Brunel University are equipped with a strong foundation in teaching, learning strategies, and educational theory, preparing them for impactful roles in diverse educational settings. Typical career paths include classroom teacher, educational advisor, learning support specialist, and curriculum developer:

University Careers Services: Brunel’s Careers and Employability Service supports students with career planning, school placement guidance, CV building, interview preparation, and access to teaching-specific job boards.
Employment Stats and Salary Figures: Over 90% of Brunel education graduates secure employment or continue further study within six months of graduation. Starting salaries for teaching-related roles typically range from £24,000–£30,000.
University–Industry Partnerships: The program benefits from partnerships with local schools, education authorities, and national educational initiatives, offering students practical teaching placements and collaborative project opportunities.
Long-term Accreditation Value: Completion of the program ensures graduates meet professional standards for education, enhancing employability in the UK and internationally.
Graduation Outcomes: Alumni successfully work in schools, educational charities, local authorities, and curriculum development organizations.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates can pursue postgraduate studies such as a Master’s in Education, Special Educational Needs, Leadership in Education, or Teacher Training qualifications. These pathways allow further specialization and the opportunity to advance into senior or leadership roles in the education sector.