BSc Education

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
Duration
3 years
Typical A-level offer
ABB
Typical contextual A-level offer

BBC

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.

We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS

Course overview

  • Study with one of the Top Ten Education departments in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). 
  • Develop your critical understanding of the role education plays in addressing key global problems such as social inequality, childhood mental health, literacy, and lifelong learning. 
  • Examine effective teaching and learning strategies both inside formal schooling and beyond. 
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BSc Education Animation 2023

Open days

We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.

Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.

If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester. 

Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events. 

You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,000 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

We are committed to attracting and supporting the very best students from all backgrounds to study this course.  

You could be eligible for cash bursaries of up to £2,500 to support your studies. 

Find out about our funding opportunities

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 4700
Email
School/Faculty overview
See: The School .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

ABB

In most circumstances we will expect candidates to complete three A-levels in one sitting to demonstrate the ability to manage a high level and volume of study.

We will consider the subjects you have taken in addition to your individual grades. Due to the popularity of our courses we may prioritise applicants based on the number of preferred subjects that they are studying. We may also take into consideration the combination of subjects taken. Please use the list below to check our preferred subjects for BSc Education: 

Anthropology; Biology; Business Studies; Communication Studies; Child and Youth Development; Economics; Economic and Social History; English Language; English Literature; Environmental Studies; Geography; Global Development; Government and Politics; History; Information and Communication Technology; Modern Languages ( Spanish, German and French) Philosophy; Psychology; Religious Studies; Sociology;

Contextual offer

Grades BBC including subject specific requirements for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria.  For further information and to check eligibility visit our Contextual Offers page

AS-level

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.

International Baccalaureate

34 points overall. 6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects.

We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the academic School prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

Scottish requirements

We normally require grades  AABBC or ABBBB  in Scottish Highers.  In addition, Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers  ABB

or

Two Advanced Highers AB , plus two additional Higher BB

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this.

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

European Baccalaureate

The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate. Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.

We normally require: 80% overall.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve   ABB  and an EAP score of  B overall with B in writing and speaking and with C in reading and listening. 

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve   ABB  and an EAP score of  B overall with B in writing and speaking and with C in reading and listening.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with Grades DDM

Please note that the National Diploma and the National Extended Certificate must be studied alongside A-levels. We are unable to accept combinations of the BTEC qualification.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades DM, plus an A-level at grade B.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

We consider the National Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. 

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels at grades BB.

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with Grades DDM 

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with Grades DM plus an additional level 3 qualification such as an A Level at Grade A .

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Foundation Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with Grades MM plus additional level 3 qualifications such as A Level at Grade BB. 

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

We consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.  Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with Grade D plus additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at Grades BB.  

University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.  The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits with a distinction grade, with the remaining level 3 credits at merit. Applicants must have GCSE in English and Maths at grade C or 4.

Cambridge Pre-U

We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.

Candidates are expected to achieve D3, M2, M2.

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer we make. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics. Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.

A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course. We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you. 

Non-standard educational routes

Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.  Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest.  There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.

The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.  If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.  Further information for mature students can be found here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:

We do not offer Pre-sessional English Language courses for entry onto our undergraduate programmes within the School of Environment, Education and Development.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'. Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found  here .

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS

How your application is considered

Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, the academic reference and personal statement.

Returning to education

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are 60 credits overall with 45 at Level 3. Minimum of 30 credits with a distinction grade; with the remaining level 3 credits at merit. Applicants must have GCSE in English and Maths at grade C or 4.

Disclosure and Barring Service check

As placements are a mandatory element of the course, all students will be required to complete a DBS check upon entry.

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

The University will consider applicants who have re-sat individual modules. If you have re-sat your final examinations we will consider your application but may require further information in order to make an informed academic judgement on your application.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.  In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.  We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course. If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Course details

Course description

BSc Education draws upon psychology, sociology and critical policy analysis to help explain and understand formal teaching and learning processes, the mechanisms of and solutions to global inequalities both within and beyond education, and how such issues are affected by government policies on education.

A key feature of the BSc Education is the opportunity to choose from one of three specialist pathways through the degree, to enable students to focus their studies on a particular career trajectory. This is not compulsory and you are welcome to tailor all your optional units to your own preferences instead.

  • BSc Education (Primary/Early Years Education) - This pathway is ideal if you want to focus on the Primary and Early Years settings, and how children learn. You will have the opportunity to gain comprehensive knowledge of the core (English, Mathematics and Science) and Foundation subjects, and learning in the Early Years. This pathway enables you to gain sound practical and theoretical knowledge of teaching.
  • BSc Education (International Education) - In response to an increasingly globally mobile and globally connected world, this pathway provides an exciting opportunity for students whose interests lie in education with an international scope. You will consider educational systems and policies, educational purposes, methods and approaches relevant to a shifting global landscape. This pathway offers a well-rounded knowledge of international education and globalisation, including issues and challenges, research-informed policy and practice, and latest developments. You will leave with the knowledge and skills relevant to policy and practice in international education.
  • BSc Education (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)) - The SEND pathway is for students interested in exploring core areas of psychology specifically in relation to education, particularly how cognitive processes are used by typical and atypical learners in educational settings. You will explore theories of development and learning, and consider how these might be used to make learning environments more inclusive of learners in schools and other educational settings.

The course is ideally suited for those who wish to:

  • begin a career pathway towards Primary or Early Years teaching (e.g. through PGCE Primary);
  • begin a career pathway towards professional psychology training routes, with an educational focus (e.g. educational psychology);
  • enter into other education-based vocations, with a specialism towards pastoral responsibilities and/or special educational needs;
  • enter into a career in Teaching English as a Second Language and/or Non-Government Organisations (NGO) focused on community education or adult learning both in the UK and overseas;
  • prepare for a research career within the public sector and/or private industry. 

A key feature of the course is its `Learning through Research' approach, which enables you to develop skills relevant to employment in a range of professions (including teaching but also civil service, third sector, NGOs, and educational psychology). These include:

  • the ability to collate and analyse data, information, evidence;
  • critical analysis of contemporary global problems in education;
  • written and oral communication skills.

In Year 2, this is supported by planning a research project and spending time with a host organisation in an educational setting. This helps build skills to undertake a substantial piece of research in Year 3.

Aims

The BSc Education aims overall to offer students a broad-based but thorough education, underpinned by research at the cutting edge of theory and practice. It will equip students to contribute to improvements in the quality of education for students, their families and communities in educational settings throughout the world.  Through the provision of carefully selected specialisms that reflect the research strengths of the Manchester Institute for Education, the BSc Education also aims to develop specialist knowledge, whilst simultaneously developing employability skills targeted at relevant careers.

Teaching and learning

Teaching sessions will typically include a mixture of formats (e.g. lectures/flipped classroom approach), to present knowledge in a systematic and comprehensible way. This will be accompanied by individual and group tasks to provide further opportunities for the discussion and processing of new knowledge.  

The development of specialist knowledge will further be supported through individual tutorial support and dissertation supervision.

Coursework and assessment

To reflect the variety in teaching methods and the range of knowledge and skills covered in the curriculum, in the majority of course units throughout the three years, knowledge will be assessed through a number of different formats.  For instance, presentations, portfolios, research reports, critical essays, research proposals and a dissertation. Where possible, assessment tasks build explicitly on learning in previous or adjacent course units and provide opportunities to draw on knowledge from a range of units. 

Course content for year 1

Year 1 introduces the research and study skills expected of students accessing a first year undergraduate course.This includes developing understanding in the core disciplines that underpin education - psychology, sociology and critical policy studies for instance, by recognising and juxtaposing key theories and issues regarding education locally and globally. 

It also includes developing competencies and skills in research methods and obtaining relevant literature sources, effective inter- and intra-personal skills, and independent and sustained motivation for autonomous learning.

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Developing Academic Writing and Digital Study Skills EDUC10631 10 Mandatory
Understanding Research EDUC10642 20 Mandatory
Key Issues in Education EDUC11100 20 Mandatory
Sociology of Education EDUC14051 20 Mandatory
Education in a Global Context EDUC14082 20 Mandatory
Education Futures: Navigating Careers and Professionalism in a Global Context EDUC14092 10 Mandatory
Introduction to Psychology of Education EDUC14701 20 Mandatory
Development and childhood EDUC13022 20 Optional
Digital Technologies in Education EDUC14021 20 Optional

Course content for year 2

Year 2 places stronger demands on students to think critically and evaluate information and evidence. 

There is a greater emphasis on the application of theory to key educational problems through preparing for a research project and the completion of 40 hours in an educational organisation of your choice. 

You will continue to build and deepen their knowledge of the course's core areas, and have the opportunity to choose a specialism in either primary and early year's education, international education, or special educational needs and disabilities.

Course units for year 2

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Planning for an Education Research Project with Placement EDUC20730 20 Mandatory
Social Psychology of Schooling EDUC21742 20 Mandatory
Social Justice in Education EDUC24051 20 Mandatory
Inclusive Education in Practice EDUC21722 20 Optional
Teaching and Learning of Mathematics EDUC22001 20 Optional
Teaching & Learning Literacy EDUC22012 20 Optional
Pedagogic Practices in Action in Education EDUC24042 20 Optional
Intercultural Learning EDUC24062 20 Optional
International Education Systems and Policy EDUC24072 20 Optional
Critical Perspectives on Difference in Education Internationally EDUC24081 20 Optional
Childhood and Youth in Society EDUC24402 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 11 course units for year 2

Course content for year 3

In Year 3, you are offered the opportunity to deepen and apply your skills and knowledge - through your elected specialism (if you have chosen one), a range of optional units, and your dissertation project. 

Students are given more demanding assignments than in Year 2 and are required to foster further independence in their learning, appropriate to the ultimate aims and objectives of the course. The application of theory to practical educational problems is further developed through the Year 3 research- or literature-based dissertation.

Course units for year 3

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
Dissertation BSc (Hons) Education EDUC34000 40 Mandatory
Democratising Education EDUC34701 20 Mandatory
Theories of Equity in Education EDUC30652 20 Optional
Classroom Communication and Learning EDUC31052 20 Optional
Current Issues in Special Educational Needs EDUC33002 20 Optional
Critical pedagogies and Higher Education in Global Majority Contexts EDUC34052 20 Optional
Language Acquisition at Home and School EDUC34071 20 Optional
Race, Racism and Ethnicity in Education EDUC34091 20 Optional
Environment Sustainability Education EDUC34402 20 Optional
Mental Health and Wellbeing in Continuing (Further, Adult and Higher) Education EDUC34502 20 Optional
Curriculum and pedagogy: international comparisons EDUC34552 20 Optional
Educational Leadership EDUC34752 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 12 course units for year 3

What our students say

Facilities

This course is taught by the Manchester Institute of Education (MIE), which has an incredibly strong heritage - education has been a field of study at The University of Manchester since 1890. 

You will benefit from studying within an environment that has a national and international reputation for quality in teaching, scholarship, and research in this field.  

We pride ourselves on close staff-student relationships and guided, one-to-one supervision. 

The Institute promotes equality and diversity, and you will study in an environment that embraces values of cultural diversity and is fundamentally committed to equality of opportunity, regardless of race, disability, religious or other beliefs, sexual orientation, or age.

MIE provides opportunities for progression to taught and research master's degrees, as well as our Ofsted 'Outstanding' Primary PGCE.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

Graduates will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of education and competency in professional educational environments. Potential career routes for BSc Education graduates include:

  • primary and early years education;
  • special needs teaching;
  • youth work;
  • child and adolescent counselling and educational psychology;
  • mental health assistance;
  • school-based intervention training and delivery;
  • educational officer training (for local authorities);
  • teaching English as a second language;
  • non-government organisations (NGOs) focused on community education;
  • or simply continue with their postgraduate studies and engage with academic research.

The skills you'll develop, such as written and oral communication, teamwork, project management, intercultural awareness, proficiency in research and critical evaluation, are vital for a variety of careers.

For more information, see careers and employability

The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate.

At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .