Education BA (Hons)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Sussex

Program Overview

The Education BA (Hons) at the University of Sussex offers an interdisciplinary approach to understanding education across diverse contexts, from schools to community settings. This program is ideal for those passionate about influencing educational practices and policies, focusing on areas such as inclusion, digital education, and social justice.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: Foundations of Education

In your first year, you'll delve into the core principles of education, exploring how learning is shaped by culture, society, and policy. Modules like Introduction to Education Studies and Theories of Learning will provide a solid grounding in educational theory and practice. You'll also engage with topics such as Education and Democracy, examining the role of education in fostering democratic values.

Year 2: Exploring Diversity and Inclusion

The second year expands your understanding of education by focusing on diversity and inclusion. Modules such as Inclusive Education and Global Perspectives on Education will challenge you to think critically about educational equity and access. You'll also have the opportunity to choose elective modules that align with your interests, allowing you to tailor your learning experience.

Year 3: Research and Professional Practice

In your final year, you'll engage in independent research through the Education Dissertation, allowing you to explore a topic of your choice in depth. Modules like Education Policy and Practice will prepare you for professional roles in education, equipping you with the skills needed to implement change in educational settings.

Focus Areas

Inclusion, digital education, social justice, global perspectives, educational policy, and research methodology.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates will possess a critical understanding of educational theories, the ability to analyze educational policies, skills to promote inclusive practices, and the capacity to conduct independent research.

Professional Alignment

The program is designed to align with professional standards in education, preparing graduates for roles in teaching, policy analysis, and educational research.

Reputation

The University of Sussex is renowned for its research impact in Education, ranking 1st in the UK for research impact in Education according to REF 2021. Additionally, it is ranked 2nd in the UK for graduate prospects in Education by The Complete University Guide 2026.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The University of Sussex (UK) BA (Hons) in Education is designed for you to not only learn theory but to gain practical, real-world skills that you can apply from day one. Here’s how you’ll get hands-on experience early on, and how the university supports you with strong facilities, research environments and authentic tasks:

You’ll engage actively in seminars and group work, form and test your ideas about how people learn, while the university’s research-rich environment means you’ll be working in collaboration with world-class centres such as the Centre for International Education and the Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth.
You’ll also take part in placement work where you apply your learning in educational settings (for example schools, museums, community education) and work on research projects--so you’re not just studying concepts, you’re doing them.

Here’s a breakdown of how your experiential learning looks in this programme:

You’ll complete a placement of 40-60 hours in an educational context (for example in a school, museum, refugee or arts education setting) as part of the programme.
You’ll conduct a final research project (dissertation) where you collect and analyse your own data, often linked to your placement context.
You’ll have group work, seminars, and interactive activities built into teaching, so you’ll practice teamwork, discussion, peer-led learning and collaborative investigation.
Electives let you customise your experience—choose from themes like digital and data futures, sustainability, languages—giving you broader tools and perspectives.
You’ll benefit from the university’s research centres (for example for international education, childhood & youth) which feed into teaching: giving you access to leading-edge research, tools and the chance to connect theory to practice.
You’ll engage with digital education and AI in learning within the course modules (e.g., “Digital Education in the Age of Artificial Intelligence”) so you’ll gain experience of contemporary tools and thinking in education.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BA (Hons) in Education at the University of Sussex, you’ll step into a career path where you can work with children, young people and adult learners, shape educational policy, and contribute to community or global learning initiatives. Typical roles might include education researcher or policy analyst in government or NGO settings, learning and development officer in community or adult education programmes, educational projects manager in arts or outreach initiatives, and curriculum developer or inclusion specialist in schools or non-formal education contexts.

Here’s how the Sussex Education BA sets you up for success:

The university’s Careers and Entrepreneurship Team offers tailored support through one-to-one consultations, internships, community consultancy projects, and employer connections with organisations such as Brighton & Hove Albion FC, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project.
There is a strong work-experience culture, with 86% of undergraduates in this programme completing some form of work experience by graduation.
The Education subject area at Sussex is ranked first in the UK for research impact in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework (REF).
The School of Education and Social Work has partnerships with over 200 local primary, secondary and special schools, providing placement opportunities and mentor support.
The flexible curriculum explores both formal and informal education settings, preparing you with transferable skills for diverse professional contexts.

Graduation outcomes: On finishing, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and skills to step into roles in educational research, policy, adult learning, community and charity education, or arts and environmental education. Many graduates also continue into teacher training (PGCE) or postgraduate study in education or related fields.

Further Academic Progression:
After this BA, you can continue your studies with a specialised master’s such as an MA in Education, an MA in International Education and Development, or an MSc in Psychology if you wish to move into learning or behavioural research. You could also pursue teacher training through a PGCE and later progress into leadership or research positions within the education sector.