- UCAS course code
- X300
- UCAS institution code
- M20
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.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS
- Sustainable Development Goals
Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:
- Goal 4: Quality education
- UCAS course code
- X300
- UCAS institution code
- M20
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.
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
UN Sustainable Development Goals
The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.
Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.
To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.
Goal 4: Quality education
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Environment, Education and Development
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 529 4700
- ugadmissions.seed@manchester.ac.uk
- 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
AS-level
Unit grade information
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
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
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
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
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
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
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:
- 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.
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
Application and selection
How to apply
How your application is considered
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
Deferrals
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
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 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. As part of the courses offered for this pathway, you will develop a global perspective on navigating early years and teaching careers in education, critically evaluate teaching and learning theories pertaining to mathematics and literacy learning in early and primary years and develop a research approach to developing teaching and learning. Your learning is accompanied with field trips to early years setting to give you a rich real life experience to embed the skills you will acquire through the courses.
- 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. As a result, you will develop a global perspective on navigating careers in NGOs, Civil Service, Leadership and Training in Private Sector education.
- BSc Education (Special Needs in Education) - The SNiE pathway is for students interested in exploring core areas of psychology specifically in relation to education. Students will develop a global perspective on navigating Special Needs and Disability Support worker careers in education. You will develop an understanding of international practice and policy on concept of difference in relation to special needs and disability, critically review policy on inclusive practice, and compare and contrast policy, provisions for mental health and wellbeing in different global contexts and educational settings through social theory. This will equip you to take up roles as SENDCo in schools and/or continue on further studies to become an educational psychologists amongst many other careers.
BSc Education course is ideally suited for those who wish to:
- begin a career pathway towards Primary or Early Years teaching (eg through PGCE Primary);
- begin a career pathway towards professional psychology training routes, with an educational focus (eg educational psychology);
- enter other education-based vocations, with a specialism towards pastoral responsibilities and/or special educational needs;
- enter 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 programme 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, and 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 in an appropriate organisation (eg a school). This helps build skills to undertake a substantial piece of research (dissertation) in Year 3. During Year 2 and 3, students also have the unique opportunity to volunteer and help organise our BSc Education conference, which is attended by all year groups.
Aims
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 |
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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 |
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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.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/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 |
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What our students say
- Read Bethany's blog where she discusses her typical week on the course
- Chat to Bethany and other students about student life
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
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 .