BA (Hons) Education

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Central Lancashire

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Education programme at UCLan explores how people learn, how educational systems function and how teachers and communities can support learning from early years through lifelong education. It’s a great match if you have a strong interest in people, learning, inclusion and want a flexible role in schools, community education or youth work.

Curriculum structure

Year 1
In your first year you’ll start by looking at foundational ideas — modules like Introduction to Education Studies, Exploring Learning and Development, and Education, Equity and Social Justice help you understand how learning happens, how society and culture shape education, and the principles of fairness and diversity. These give you a strong base in thinking about education in real-world settings.

Year 2
In year two you’ll deepen your understanding of how education works in practice and explore teaching, learning and leadership more closely. You might engage with modules such as Research Methods in Education, Curriculum Design and Innovation, and Learning, Teaching and Assessment. At this stage you’ll start applying theory to practice — observing and sometimes participating in teaching or educational settings, reflecting on what works and why.

Year 3
In your final year you’ll bring together your knowledge, research skills and practical experience to specialise and prepare for your career. Typical modules include Contemporary Issues in Education, Inclusive Practice and Learner Support, and a capstone Research Project in Education. You’ll finish ready to shape education, influence practice and possibly go into further training (for example teacher training or masters study).

Focus areas

Learning and teaching theory; curriculum development and innovation; inclusion and diversity in education; research in education; practical application in schools, youth and community settings.

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to critically evaluate educational policy and practice; design and support learning experiences for diverse learners; apply research and reflective practice to education; and lead or support educational initiatives in schools, colleges, community or youth settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme aligns with UCLan’s commitment to preparing graduates for roles in the education sector, including working with children, young people and adults in learning contexts. It supports pathways into teacher training, educational support roles and wider learning and development professions.

Reputation (employability rankings)

UCLan offers strong support for employability, with the Education programmes benefiting from practical placements, staff with sector experience and links to schools and community organisations. While specific ranking details for this exact programme aren’t publicly prominent, the university is recognised for providing applied-education degrees that lead to varied entry routes into teaching, youth work and education leadership.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UCLan, the BA (Hons) Education course gives you the opportunity to explore how people learn — and to experience it in practice. Rather than just reading about education, you’ll actively engage in classrooms, community projects, and digital learning environments. From your first year, you’ll connect theory to real-life practice, gaining the professional confidence and reflective skills needed to work in educational settings.

Here’s how UCLan helps you build hands-on experience throughout your degree:

Practical placements – You’ll spend time in schools, early years settings, and community education centres, applying what you learn directly in real-world environments.
Collaborative learning projects – You’ll work in groups to design and deliver educational activities, encouraging teamwork, creativity, and leadership.
Focus on inclusion and diversity – Through workshops and field experiences, you’ll work with learners from different backgrounds and abilities, gaining the skills to support inclusive education.
Digital teaching tools – You’ll learn to use educational technology such as interactive learning platforms, assessment tools, and digital teaching aids to enhance classroom engagement.
Professional portfolio development – Throughout your course, you’ll create a reflective portfolio that showcases your practical experience, lesson designs, and educational insights — valuable for future employers or postgraduate study.
Research and learning support – You’ll have access to UCLan’s modern library, study zones, and education-focused research resources to support your academic and professional development.
Optional international study or work experience – You can choose to gain global exposure through study abroad or placement opportunities, exploring education in different cultural and social contexts.

This hands-on learning approach ensures that by the time you graduate, you’re not just ready to talk about education — you’re ready to make a difference in it.

Progression & Future Opportunities

If you choose the BA (Hons) Education at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), you’ll develop a deep understanding of how people learn, how education systems function, and how teaching can transform lives. This degree opens doors to a wide range of rewarding roles within education, community learning, and youth development.

Progression & Future Opportunities:
Graduates from this course often pursue roles such as:

Youth and Community Worker
Education Administrator or Learning Support Coordinator
Early Years or Further Education Facilitator
Education Policy or Programme Officer

How UCLan helps you get there:

Career Services: UCLan’s Careers & Enterprise team offers expert guidance on building your professional portfolio, preparing for interviews, and accessing work placements in schools, colleges, and community education settings.
Practical Experience: The course integrates placement opportunities every year, allowing you to apply theory in real learning environments — from early years and primary schools to youth centres and adult education organisations.
Employment & Salary Insights: UCLan graduates from education-related disciplines report strong employment outcomes within 15 months of graduation. Many work in teaching, educational support, or community development, with typical starting salaries ranging from £22,000 to £27,000 depending on the role and experience.
University–Industry Partnerships: The School of Education and Social Science collaborates with schools, community organisations, and local councils across Lancashire and beyond, offering students valuable networking and placement experiences.
Accreditation Value: The BA (Hons) Education is designed to meet key professional and academic standards in the UK education sector, ensuring a strong foundation for further teacher training or specialist postgraduate routes.
Graduate Success: Students graduate with transferable skills in communication, leadership, research, and inclusive teaching practices — making them well-prepared for diverse roles in education and community development.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing your BA (Hons) Education, you can advance to a PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education) to become a qualified teacher, or pursue postgraduate study such as an MA in Education, MA in Educational Leadership, MA in Special Educational Needs, or MSc in Educational Psychology. These advanced pathways can lead to specialist or leadership roles across the education and social sectors.