FD in Education Studies

Course overview

This exciting and innovative degree course enables students to gain an academic qualification which is validated by The Open University. (*Subject to Final Validation by the OU).

You can find the programme specification for this course here and the programme handbook here.

Our Education Studies Foundation Degree covers the broad and balanced knowledge and understanding of the principal features of education in a wide range of contexts from 0-19.

This stimulating degree develops your critical understanding of theoretical and international perspectives and academic subjects to illuminate understanding of education and the setting within which it takes place. A two-year placement will form part of your module assignments which allows you to put theory in to practice.

This course will put you at the forefront of the contemporary issues faced by education due to globalisation, technology and wider themes.

You’ll receive a strong grounding in theory and research methods, along with programme enhancements like regular expert guest lectures. This degree helps to develop your critical thinking skills which enhances your employability, opening up a wide variety of career options in Education.

This programme is taught on a face-to-face basis over two evenings per week on the full-time route. There is no annual price increase and no additional costs will be incurred where possible. A copy of our Fee Policy is available upon request.

Course requirements

A genuine interest in the subject is essential - and an interview will take place.

A minimum of 80 UCAS Points from the following:

· A-Levels

· Level 3 Extended Diploma

· Level 3 Diploma

· A combination of Level 3 Certificates

· Access to HE with 80 UCAS points as a minimum.

· International qualifications equating to 80 UCAS points will be considered.

GCSE Maths and English at Grade 4/C or above; or Level 2 Functional Skills qualifications in English/Literacy and Maths/Numeracy.

Life and employment experience will also be considered when reviewing applications from mature students. Each individual applicant will be considered.

If you are unsure as to whether your previous qualifications would qualify you for entry onto our degree programme, please email start@bacoll.ac.uk and we will let you know if you are eligible.

What will I do?

Level 4 modules include:

Wider Context, Child Development, Education in a Diverse Society, Theory, Philosophy and Policy, Education in the Outdoor environment, Safeguarding in Education.

Level 5 Modules include:

Research methods, supporting wellbeing in Education, Supporting SEND in Education, International Perspectives, Families and Society, Professional Placement

What will it give me?

A Foundation Degree in Education Studies.

Materials needed

You will need all basic stationery items for studying. Students will also be made aware of any key texts / books which may be advisable to purchase for the programme. If this is the case, you will be notified of these during induction. A laptop computer would be advantageous however this is not essential as the College has dedicated IT facilities for degree students and adults.

What can I do when I finish?

Following successful completion of the Foundation Degree in Education Studies, students can apply for further study on our BA (Hons) Education Studies (L6 Top Up) where you will continue to study for one further year and achieve an overall honours degree qualification. Alternatively, you could move into a range of employed roles in the sector. You will be supported throughout this degree programme to consider your next steps, and you will be exposed to a range of employers and universities at which you can consider continuing your studies to Level 6 and beyond.

Graduates from this course can go on to find employment in organisations such as:

· Private Early Years Setting

· School Early Years Setting

· Primary School

· Secondary School

· Durham County Council

· SEND schools

· Private school

· Community based projects

What next?

If you would like to apply for this exciting degree programme, then please apply via our website if you already attend Bishop Auckland College. You can also attend our next Higher Education Open Night – please check our website homepage for details of this.