BA Education, Leadership and Culture

Year of entry: 2025

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Overview

Degree awarded: Bachelor of Arts with Honours
Duration: 3 Years
Typical A-level offer: ABB
Typical contextual A-level offer: BBB

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.
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
UCAS course code: X305
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).
Enjoy local study trips and fieldwork.
Opportunity to complete a professional placement.
Learn from experts at the highly-regarded Manchester Institute of Education (MIE).
Develop skills through project-orientated study and real-world examples.
Specialise in your area of interest through optional course units.

Study BA Education, Leadership and Culture 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

Fees for entry in 2025 have not yet been set. For entry in 2024 the tuition fees were £9,250 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2025 entry.

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
School/Faculty overview: See: The School .

Courses in related subject areas

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

Education

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

ABB

Contextual offer

BBB

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.

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

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: 75% overall and a minimum of 75% in English and Mathematics

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 DDMPlease 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 entryprovided 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 in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are 60 credits are required with 45 at level 3 and 30 credits at Distinction and the remaining 15 credits at Merit grade. We also consider other factors such as other educational achievements, life experience and skills on an individual basis.

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/ )

Academic entry qualification overview

ABB

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

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.

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

The BA Education, Leadership and Culture considers education in a range of formal and non-formal contexts and cultural settings. You will learn about the opportunities education has to offer in addressing some of the key social and cultural challenges of 21st century.

This involves exploring educational research and practice across different areas, including schools and universities; urban spaces; digital and social media; creative industries; art and heritage; the world of work; multicultural communities; and more.

By looking at educational leadership cultures and styles that enhance social responsibility and justice, you will gain knowledge and develop skills in innovative leadership practices.

Building on world-leading expertise at the Manchester Institute of Education, it helps you develop as culturally responsive and ethical leaders who collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders to tackle ‘real-world’ challenges.

Delve into ‘culture’ as a key concept and explore authentic and creative forms of learning, development, and problem solving that meet the complexities of 21st century life.

The course draws from shared experience and professional advice of both academic and non-academics working in educational and/or cultural institutions and communities across Manchester.

A key feature of the course is that you can put our theory into your practice and gain invaluable hands-on experience through placement in the second and third year. This is facilitated by project-based and collaborative learning with Manchester based public and third-sector partners such as; museums and heritage institutions, civic organisations, community groups and charities, schools, colleges and universities, and other stakeholders with a cultural and educational mission.

The programme will support you to:

Gain key insights and build experience in education and educational leadership in a wide variety of cultural contexts

Develop your own educational leadership practice, working towards equitable and sustainable social change

Engage with progressive theoretical debates and be enabled to apply your knowledge collaboratively in both formal and non-formal educational contexts

Obtain knowledge on inclusivity, sustainable leadership, and the purposeful curatorship of knowledge/information in increasingly diverse, complex, and often conflictual socio-cultural spaces

Benefit from practical experience in collaborative work and cultural co-production for the purposes of civic and democratic inquiry and practical problem solving in local, national, and global contexts.

Aims

Inform students of education occurring in both formal and informal settings

Develop theoretical understanding of education across cultural, generational, and institutional boundaries

Provide opportunities for students to engage in real-life education projects that create meaningful social and cultural change

Build ability to approach educational challenges through creative, collaborative, and inclusive means

Develop understanding of the relationship between education, citizenship, and culture across communities, sectors, and industries

Value knowledge developed through student’s own and others’ reflective thinking, practice, and experience

Special features

Build-in field work and study trips

Placement periods in second and third year of study

Collaboration opporutunities with educational, creative and cultural organisations in Manchester and beyond

Alternatives to written and exam-based assessment

Teaching and learning

Based on the problem-solving, community/ place-based, collaborative, and employability-focussed ethos, teaching, learning and assessment approaches on the programme are ‘real-world-’ and project-oriented.

This includes peer-to-peer and group work, as well as engagement with relevant public and third sector stakeholders in Manchester, charitable organisations and interest groups, policy makers, and local communities (with the additional aim to forge sustainable university-city/civic relationships ).

Coursework and assessment

In line with the teaching and learning approaches, the programme will go beyond exam and essay-based assignments by adopting ‘authentic’ methods of assessment where students can emphasise real-world impact and communication of findings.

Assessment of core course units will encourage collaborative group and project-based work and will seek to develop your confidence and a sense of professional identity. For example, you will communicate with both academic and non-academic audiences; write and communicate for different socio-cultural contexts; explore and analyse different media and communication channels. Supported by critical and research-based teaching and learning, you will be encouraged to develop your own interests, content, and experiences through a variety of educational formats (e.g., podcasts, blogs, journals, e-books, etc.).

The programme values and makes use of a range of feedback approaches including formative feedback from tutors, peer-to-peer feedback, and feedback from professionals or external collaborators in the field of Education, Leadership and Culture.

Course content for year 1

Gain a holistic understanding of ‘Education’ and explore how it relates to and defines contemporary culture and society.

This includes engaging with emerging formal and non-formal educational and cultural practices. You will consider education through digital technology/design and social media; arts, heritage and creative industries; the events, leisure, and tourism sectors, the world of work, as well as culturally diverse urban communities.

You can put theory into your practice and gain invaluable hands-on experience via place-based and collaborative learning across Manchester and beyond through local/regional study trips and fieldwork.

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

University - A Users Guide EDUC14101 20 Mandatory

Education in Context EDUC14201 20 Mandatory

Bourdieu's Capitals and the City EDUC14301 20 Mandatory

Heritage Education EDUC14402 20 Mandatory

Digital Learning Cultures EDUC14502 20 Mandatory

Culture, Equity and Community EDUC14602 20 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

Develop knowledge and understanding of educational leadership cultures and styles that enhance social responsibility and justice.

Enjoy your first placement and deepen your knowledge through optional course units to suit your development and employability needs.

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

Leadership Cultures in Education EDUC26011 20 Mandatory

Social and Cultural Research in Education EDUC26020 20 Mandatory

Professional Practice in Creative and Cultural Education EDUC26030 20 Mandatory

Digital Learning Design and Storytelling EDUC26042 20 Mandatory

Human Rights, Citizenship and Activism in Education EDUC26061 20 Optional

The University and the City EDUC26072 20 Optional

Course content for year 3

Explore ‘Culture’ as a key concept, resource, and asset in diverse educational environments. Enjoy further placement opportunity and gain invaluable hands-on experience.

Take advantage of optional course units and showcase your acquired skills and interests through a final Research Project.

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

Cultural Representation in Education EDUC33101 20 Mandatory

Final Year Project EDUC33300 40 Mandatory

Professional Practice in Education, Leadership and Culture EDUC33400 20 Mandatory

Urban Educational Inequalities EDUC33301 20 Optional

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, leadership and culture and competency in professional educational environments. Potential career routes for BA(hons) Education, Leadership and Culture graduates include:

Specialist areas of education such as the cultural, heritage, arts, and museum sectors, leisure and creative industries

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) anc charities focused on culture and community education, intergenerational and lifelong learning

Youth and community work

Cultural and educational policy

Educational project management

Education intervention training and delivery

Education outreach and public engagement for schools and organisations

Digital educational content creation

Academic research and scholarship

You’ll develop a range of skills that are vital for a variety of careers such as; written and oral communication; knowledge brokerage and exchange; teamwork, collaboration, and networking; project management; intercultural awareness and proficiency in research and critical evaluation. 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 .