• Undergraduate

Education Studies with Foundation Year BA (Hons)

Overview

Overview

Why study at UWL? 
  • In the top 30% of universities nationwide - The Guardian University Guide 2024
  • University of the Year for Social Inclusion - Daily Mail University Guide 2024
  • Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK - The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024
  • Number 1 London university (non-specialist) - National Student Survey 2023**
Why study this course?

Our Education Studies degree will prepare you for a wide range of graduate careers in education, including those in family support, youth work, museums and galleries, local authorities and charities.

As well as giving you the skills to work with learners of different age groups, through drawing on the fields of psychology, sociology and history, the course can also lead to further study in these areas.

The course covers a wide range of crucial topics, including:

  • inclusion, equality and social justice
  • international and comparative education
  • education policy
  • language development
  • leadership and management.

Inclusion is a central theme running through the course, and the skills and knowledge that you gain in this area will be valued by employers.

Foundation Year

The foundation year course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to continue onto your Honours degree. You will study a range of subjects that will underpin your future study and also gain valuable experience of university life, with full access to campus facilities. Successful completion of the year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Select your desired study option, then pick a start date to see relevant course information:

Study options:
We support flexible study by offering some of our courses part-time or via distance learning. To give you real world experience before you graduate, we also offer some courses with a placement or internship. All available options are listed here. Your choices may affect some details of your course, such as the duration and cost per year. Please re-check the details on this page if you change your selection.

Start date:

If your desired start date is not available, try selecting a different study option.

Why study Education Studies with Foundation Year with us?

Why study Education Studies with Foundation Year with us?

What our students say…

This course helped me develop my pedagogy skills which boosted my self-efficacy. In first year it touches basic topics on education as an intro and then is followed by core learning. The course has been challenging, interesting and very rewarding. The teachers have been very supportive, are always available to help and the extra weekly academic support is very valuable.

Nazneen Zahir
Next
Benefits of this course include integrated work experience
statistic announcing this course has been ranked 23rd overall in the UK by the Guardian University Guide
Industry focused teaching
Lifelong careers support from the UWL Careers Service.
Course detail & modules

Course detail & modules

Your BA (Hons) Education Studies will cover the social, economic, cultural and psychological factors that influence the education system.

As you improve your understanding of these factors and how they affect people who work and learn within the system, you will be better equipped to initiate positive change.

You will explore contemporary debates about sustainable development goals, quality and innovations in education with particular attention to attainment gap and pedagogic strategies.

The course will teach you how children and young people learn and develop, how the education system has evolved in England, as well as exploring global perspectives on education.

Additionally, you will learn about inequalities that exist in education and how you can tackle these as an educator.

In the final year of your degree, you will embark upon an independent research project, pursuing your own passions and developing your research skills, essential for any graduate study.

Teaching

You will learn through interactive and engaging lectures and seminars, taught by lecturers with expertise in language, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, philosophy of education, the early years and education policy.

Placement

You can engage in a placement in an education setting, developing practical, hands-on skills and experience that are sought after by employers.

Support

In addition to the support you will receive from your tutors, we have a dedicated Study Support team to help you develop study skills. Our excellent Student Support services can also help you to find part-time employment or voluntary roles that will further boost your CV. Financial advice, wellbeing support, and support for students with disabilities and mental health conditions is also available.

Foundation year

There are many reasons for joining a foundation year course; you may not have the exact subjects or grades at A level to meet the entry requirements, you may have been living abroad or want to change direction with your career. Whatever your starting point, the foundation year offers a firm grounding in the skills and knowledge that you will need to get the most from your studies and thrive at University. Successful completion of the foundation year allows you to progress straight onto Level 4 of this course.

Compulsory modules

  • Personalised Learning

    The Personalised Learning module is intended to equip you with the study skills needed to successfully progress onto level 4, the first year of undergraduate study. Tutor group sessions are an integral part of the module, where you will consolidate your learning and frame it in the context of your subject area. The module will focus on various aspects of study skills, such as those skills related to reading and writing, learning approaches, problem-solving techniques, critical thinking, researching, referencing, plagiarism, legal research and time management.

  • Study Skills for Success

    This module will enable you to read critically, present an argument, and distinguish between the quality and suitability of materials. It will prepare you to use and evaluate a range of evidence sources throughout your degree.

  • Understanding Global Inequality

    This module explores global political issues around the general topic of inequality. The goal is to examine this topic from all sides in order to discover why inequality exists to such an enormous extent in the world. We will look at issues around trade, travel, gender, race and education, as well as historical factors, such as the transatlantic slave trade, postcolonialism and migration. The students will be expected to discuss and debate competing perspectives relating to global inequality, learning to reflect on a range of global social problems. By the end of the module students will have the theoretical and conceptual foundations for further investigation into global and social issues.

  • Unlocking Research Perspectives: Inclusivity and Diversity

    This module aims to give you foundation knowledge of the most prominent learning theories in the discipline of education. These theories underpin many educational policies, processes and practices.  You will also gain an awareness of the importance of assessment in education and some of the tools educators might use for assessment in education.  You will begin to recognise how different people learn and knowledge about who you are as a learner.

  • How Do We Learn?

    This module aims to give you foundation knowledge of the most prominent learning theories in the discipline of education. These theories underpin many educational policies, processes and practices.  You will also gain an awareness of the importance of assessment in education and some of the tools educators might use for assessment in education.  You will begin to recognise how different people learn and knowledge about who you are as a learner.

  • Effective Communication in Education

    This module aims to give you foundation knowledge of the most prominent learning theories in the discipline of education. These theories underpin many educational policies, processes and practices.  You will also gain an awareness of the importance of assessment in education and some of the tools educators might use for assessment in education.  You will begin to recognise how different people learn and knowledge about who you are as a learner.

Compulsory modules

Compulsory modules

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

72 UCAS points required from level 3 qualifications

These can include:

  • A Levels at grades B and C (if you have two A levels) or grades D, D and D (if you have three), or above
  • BTEC Extended Diploma with Merit, Merit, Pass
  • Access to HE Diploma
  • T Levels

You also need GCSE English and Maths (grade 9 – 4 / A* - C) or Level 2 equivalents.

Your UCAS points (based on Level 3 qualifications) will normally be in a minimum of two subject areas.

Looking for BA (Hons) Education Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You will also need a satisfactory enhanced DBS and you will have to sign up to the online update system so that your details are regularly updated: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Education Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
5.5 IELTS or above

You need to meet our English language requirement - a minimum of IELTS 5.5 for each of the four individual components (Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening). Visit our English language requirements page for information on other English language tests we accept.

You also need academic qualifications at the same level as UK applicants. In some countries where teaching is in English, we may accept local qualifications. Check for local equivalents

We offer pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet these requirements.

Find out more about our English Language courses.

Looking for BA (Hons) Education Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.

You will also need a satisfactory enhanced DBS and you will have to sign up to the online update system so that your details are regularly updated: Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Mature applicants (aged 21+): If you do not hold the qualifications listed but have relevant work experience, you are welcome to apply. Your application will be considered on an individual basis.

We take pride in our inclusiveness and the diversity of our student population. We have a vibrant mature student community and look forward to welcoming you.

Looking for BA (Hons) Education Studies without Foundation Year?

View course
Whether you are changing career or don't have the exact subjects and grades required for this course, you might want to choose this course with a foundation year. This will give you an extra year's study to prepare you for the standard degree programme, where you can go on to graduate with a full Honours degree. Follow the link to see full details of the course with foundation year.
Fees & funding

Fees & funding

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The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

Funding your studies

You may be eligible for a student loan to cover the cost of tuition fees, or a maintenance loan. Additional funding is available under special circumstances such as if you have dependants or a disability.

We offer generous bursaries and scholarships to make sure your aspirations are your only limit. In recent years, hundreds of students on a four-year degree with a foundation year have received our Path to Success Scholarship. View full details, including conditions and eligibility.

{{ formatCurrencyValue(currentVariantData.field_p_cv_int_main_fee.name) }} per year

The fee above is the cost per year of your course.

If your course runs for two years or more, you will need to pay the fee for each academic year at the start of that year. If your course runs for less than two years, the cost above is for your full course and you will need to pay the full fee upfront.

Government regulation does affect tuition fees and the fees listed for courses starting in the 2025/26 academic year are subject to change.

If no fee is shown above then the fees for this course are not available yet. Please check again later for updates.

International students - funding your studies

We offer scholarships for international students including International Ambassador Scholarships. 

Further information about funding and financial support for international students is available from the UK Council for International Student Affairs.

 

Teaching staff

Teaching staff

Viktoria Magne image

Dr Viktoria Magne

Viktoria Magne is an Associate Professor of Education Studies and Early Childhood at the University of West London. She started her teaching career as an ESOL teacher working mainly in higher education. Viktoria completed a PhD in Education from the Université de Sherbrooke.

Her main research interests are in the area of critical applied linguistics with a particular focus on sociolinguistic aspects of second language speech. Viktoria has also collaborated on projects related to second language acquisition, psycholinguistic and student assessment.

Viktoria has published articles in a number of journals including Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, TESOL Quarterly, Studies in Second Language Acquisition and Applied Psycholinguistics. Viktoria is a member of the London Second Language Acquisition Research Forum (L-SLARF) and the London TESOL Research Forum.

Viktoria Magne is an Associate Professor of Education Studies and Early Childhood at the University of West London. She started her teaching career as an ESOL teacher working mainly in higher education. Viktoria completed a PhD in Education from the Université de Sherbrooke.

Her main research interests are in the area of critical applied linguistics with a particular focus on sociolinguistic aspects of second language speech. Viktoria has also collaborated on projects related to second language acquisition, psycholinguistic and student assessment.

Viktoria has published articles in a number of journals including Critical Inquiry in Language Studies, TESOL Quarterly, Studies in Second Language Acquisition and Applied Psycholinguistics. Viktoria is a member of the London Second Language Acquisition Research Forum (L-SLARF) and the London TESOL Research Forum.

Study & career progression

Study & career progression

A blonde female teacher writing on a whiteboard next to a young student

Once you graduate, you could go on to work in:

  • teaching1
  • higher or further education 
  • educational management and leadership
  • teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) or teaching English as a second language (TESL)2
  • education consultancy
  • education publishing
  • charities or voluntary organisations
  • social mobility and social justice organisations
  • local or national government planning and policy
  • educational research

1further post-graduate training is required

2you may require an appropriate teaching qualification

You could also continue your studies, specialising in an area of interest or exploring something new. See our postgraduate courses.

How to apply

How to apply

Important notes for applicants

Disclaimer

*Modern universities - defined as higher education institutions that were granted university status in, and subsequent to, 1992.

**The National Student Survey 2022 and 2023 - Based on an average of all 27 questions. Excludes specialist institutions.

Testimonials - our students or former students provided all of our testimonials - often a student from the course but sometimes another student. For example, the testimonial often comes from another UWL student when the course is new.

Optional modules - where optional modules are offered they will run subject to staff availability and viable student numbers opting to take the module.

Videos - all videos on our course pages were accurate at the time of filming. In some cases a new Course Leader has joined the University since the video was filmed.

Availability of placements - if you choose a course with placement/internship route we would like to advise you that if a placement/internship opportunity does not arise when you are expected to undertake the placement then the University will automatically transfer you to the non-internship route, this is to ensure you are still successful in being awarded a degree.