Overview

Course overview

  • Study with one of the top ten Education departments in the UK (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
  • Explore how education can drive social change and tackle some of the most pressing global challenges, from inequality and childhood mental health to literacy and lifelong learning.
  • Develop a strong critical understanding of how people learn, and examine what effective teaching and learning look like both inside schools and across wider community, digital and global contexts.
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A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

  • Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
  • Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
  • Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Explore how you'll make your mark

Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.

You will explore the following goals in your course:

  • Goal 4: Quality education

Open days

Join us on campus to learn more about your course, grab a chat with current students and academics, and explore our campus with its fantastic facilities

It’s an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy some of the vibes that attract so many students to Manchester.

Find out more about our upcoming open days.

Not in the UK or can’t make it? Not a problem. Check out our virtual open day content.

Contact details

School/Faculty
School of Environment, Education and Development
Telephone
+44 (0)161 529 4700
Email
Website
https://www.humanities.manchester.ac.uk/education/
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

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

A-level contextual offer

BBC

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

Contextual offers are available for applicants who:

  • live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
  • live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
  • have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

BBC

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below

UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:

  • have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
  • have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).

See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.

International Baccalaureate

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

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

GCSE/IGCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or Grade C 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 admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.

Other entry requirements

Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.

Country-specific 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

English language requirements

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:

GCSE/IGCSE English Language grade C/4, or;

IELTS 6.5 overall, with 6.5 in writing and no other sub-section below 6.0, or;

An acceptable equivalent qualification.

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.

If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa (previously known as a Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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.

Fees and funding

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £30,500 for the 2026/27 academic year. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap, which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).

The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee you pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year).

Additional expenses

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships. This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

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 £2,000 to support your studies.

Find out about our funding opportunities.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS.

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/ )

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 on psychology, sociology and critical policy analysis to explore how people learn, how education systems operate, and how global inequalities are created and addressed. The course also examines how government policy shapes teaching, learning and wider life chances.

A key feature of the degree is the option to specialise in one of three pathways. These allow you to focus your studies towards a particular career direction, although choosing a pathway is not compulsory and you are welcome to select optional units that reflect your own interests.

Pathway Options

BSc Education (Primary/Early Years Education)

This pathway is designed for students interested in how young children learn in Early Years and Primary settings. You will:

  • develop a global perspective on careers in early childhood education;
  • critically evaluate theories of mathematics and literacy learning;
  • explore research‑informed approaches to effective teaching and learning.

Your learning is supported by field trips to Early Years settings, giving you hands‑on experience to apply and deepen the skills developed on the course.

BSc Education (International Education)

This pathway focuses on education in an increasingly globally mobile and connected world. You will examine:

  • education systems and policies across different countries;
  • changing educational purposes, methods and approaches;
  • research‑informed practice and the latest developments in international education.

You will gain the knowledge and skills relevant to roles in NGOs, the Civil Service, and leadership or training roles within private‑sector education organisations, developing a strong global understanding of careers in international education.

BSc Education (Special Needs in Education)

The SNiE pathway is for students interested in the psychology of learning and the experiences of children and young people with additional needs. You will:

  • develop a global understanding of policy and practice in special educational needs and disability;
  • critically review international approaches to inclusion;
  • compare how mental health and wellbeing are supported across different educational settings.

This pathway equips you for careers such as Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENDCo) or for progression to training routes such as educational psychology.

Who the course is for

BSc Education is ideally suited for those who wish to:

  • progress towards Primary or Early Years teaching (for example, through a PGCE Primary)
  • work towards professional psychology routes with an educational focus (such as studying educational psychology);
  • pursue education‑based roles involving pastoral work or special educational needs;
  • undertake Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) or work with NGOs in community or adult education in the UK or overseas;
  • prepare for research careers in the public or private sector.

Learning Through Research

‘Learning through Research’ is a key feature of the course. You will develop transferable skills valued across teaching, civil service, third‑sector organisations, NGOs and educational psychology, including:

  • collating and analysing data, information and evidence;
  • critically analysing contemporary global issues in education;
  • developing strong written and oral communication skills.

In Year 2, you will plan a research project within an appropriate organisation (such as a school), which prepares you for your dissertation in Year 3. Students in Years 2 and 3 also have the opportunity to volunteer and help organise the annual BSc Education conference, attended by all year groups.

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

Important notice: factors affecting fieldwork and placements

The School of Environment, Education and Development (SEED) recognises the value of fieldwork and placements. However, the safety and wellbeing of our students and staff remains our priority.

The School will assess on a regular basis the viability of any travel and fieldwork and communicate any significant changes to our students at the earliest possible opportunity.

The role of SEED

  • changes to the rules and guidance on travel and activities implemented and published by the UK and overseas governments;
  • a risk assessment conducted by or on behalf of the University identifying unmanageable risk;
  • changes that enhance the educational value and student experience of the activity;
  • changes to the situation of a placement provider (for example, which cause them to be unable to accept students);
  • the unavailability of appropriate insurance cover;
  • the unavailability of appropriate travel and accommodation and any significant changes to their financial costs;
  • where fieldwork and placements are a compulsory element of the Programme, they will be replaced with something academically similar;
  • where a trip or placement is not a compulsory element of the Programme, it may not be replaced.

We will consult with affected students at the earliest possible opportunity and explore the options available to them.

The duty of students

Preparation, attendance and conduct

Attendance at preparatory classes is a compulsory pre-requisite of the fieldwork and placements to ensure safety and learning outcomes are met.

Students who do not attend the compulsory preparatory classes may be prevented from participating in the fieldwork or placement. It is the duty of students to discuss any attendance issues with the field course or placement convenor.

Students are representatives of the university during their fieldwork or placement.

Behaviour deemed by the convenor to be unacceptable may result in students being sent home.

Where a student is unable to attend or complete the fieldwork or placement (e.g. due to mitigating circumstances), is prevented from attending due to absence from compulsory preparatory classes, or returned home due to poor conduct:

  • a suitable alternative assessment will be offered (as appropriate) to ensure that the programme ILOs are met, and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
  • the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Immigration, passport and visa requirements

It is the responsibility of the individual student to ensure they have:

  • a valid passport to enter the destination country (including sufficient months prior to expiry);
  • a valid visa (where required) and comply with its requirements.

The School cannot guarantee that visas required for fieldwork or a placement will be granted by the relevant authority. Please note that countries may change their immigration and visa regulations at short notice.

Where a student is unable to attend fieldwork or a placement because they do not have the required visa or passport:

  • a suitable alternative assessment will be offered to ensure that the programme ILOs are met and that the student is not academically disadvantaged;
  • the University accepts no responsibility for any costs incurred by the student in relation to the fieldwork or placement.

Coursework and assessment

You will be assessed through various methods including:

  • essays;
  • team projects;
  • coursework;
  • presentations;
  • podcasts;
  • reflective portfolios;
  • blog posts;
  • a major project.

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
EDUC10631 10 Mandatory
EDUC10642 20 Mandatory
EDUC11100 20 Mandatory
EDUC14051 20 Mandatory
EDUC14082 20 Mandatory
EDUC14092 10 Mandatory
EDUC14701 20 Mandatory

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
EDUC20730 20 Mandatory
EDUC21742 20 Mandatory
EDUC24051 20 Mandatory
EDUC21722 20 Optional
EDUC22001 20 Optional
EDUC22012 20 Optional
EDUC24021 20 Optional
EDUC24042 20 Optional
EDUC24061 20 Optional
EDUC24072 20 Optional
EDUC24081 20 Optional
EDUC24402 20 Optional
Displaying 10 of 12 course units for year 2
Display all 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
EDUC34000 40 Mandatory
EDUC34701 20 Mandatory
EDUC31051 20 Optional
EDUC34051 20 Optional
EDUC34072 20 Optional
EDUC34091 20 Optional
EDUC34402 20 Optional
EDUC34501 20 Optional
EDUC34552 20 Optional
EDUC34752 20 Optional

What our students say

“One of my proudest achievements was presenting my research proposal at the 2025 ‘Education Matters’ conference… creating work you feel passionate about can be vital and rewarding.”

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' PGCE (2024).

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
  • continuing with your postgraduate studies and engaging 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.

Regulated by the Office for Students

The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.

You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.