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Why study this course

Keep your career aims and options open as you study education in its broadest sense, from the development of the youngest children to how adults learn.

You’ll gain invaluable classroom practice and will have flexible opportunities to experience other educational settings through up to 9 weeks of work-based placements.

Do you want to be an advocate for change for atypical learners? Explore how categories of need are created through divisions within social and educational systems and learn to challenge these inequalities.

We are inclusive in all aspects of delivery and provide you with opportunities to have your say, to make and be the difference.

Course summary

Studying Education Studies at Lincoln Bishop will provide you with an excellent understanding of education in its widest sense, nationally and globally, and is a great course if you are interested in a career in teaching or are thinking about working in other education-related areas.

Throughout the study of Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (SENDI) you will examine theoretical arguments in relation to opportunities and challenges for different groups in society. The course offers placements where you can engage with practice and develop an understanding of different categories of need including; cognition & learning, social, emotional and mental health, sensory and communication needs. The course covers the broad spectrum to focus upon specific and more complex needs. On this degree will challenge your own beliefs and values, as well as those of others, and become an advocate for change.

Please note, this course is currently going through revalidation.

Key facts

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

XX1F

Duration

4 years

Mode of study

Full time

Start date

September 2026

Award

Lincoln Bishop University

Institution code

B38

Main Campus

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About this course

Education Studies

How do people learn? What gets in the way of learning? Where might people learn best – and how? Do we need schools? Is it possible to ‘school’ the world? Can education make a difference to human rights? Women's rights? Nationally? Globally? These are just some of the big questions that you will examine through studying Education Studies at Lincoln Bishop University. We are proud of our highly contemporary, reactive and issues-based course that has been carefully designed to give you that ‘bigger’ picture of education in a global society. An Education Studies degree from Lincoln Bishop will equip you well for the future, no matter what your career destination, but if you are planning to go on to teach you will find that our modules will open your eyes to some different ways of thinking about education and its purpose and place in society.

Studying Education Studies with us will provide you with an excellent understanding of education in its widest sense, nationally and globally, and is a great choice if you are interested in a career in teaching or are thinking about working in other education-related areas. The undergraduate degree provides you with a deep and reflective knowledge and understanding of contemporary issues in education, directly related to everyday practice. You’ll debate education policy, find out more about the drivers of educational change in England today and critically consider different approaches to schools and schooling, both within the UK and globally.

A key feature of Education Studies is a focus on you as a developing practitioner. You will be encouraged to develop a strong personal ideology of education during the course and will be supported in the development of secure employability skills through our work-based placements. A number of core modules each year incorporate placements in schools or other education-related settings and carefully structured placement tasks will ensure that you gain valuable first-hand practical experience.

Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion

This course equips you with a critical understanding of sociological, psychological and philosophical values that shape Special Educational Needs, Disability and Inclusion (SENDI). On this degree you will explore policy and practice, in different educational, cultural and social settings, promoting appreciation for the need for inclusive, relevant and ever changing strategies to meet diverse learning needs.

The programme challenges how we see, interpret and respond to needs in practice, seeking solutions and opportunities to become advocates for change. You will develop knowledge and understanding of different categories of need and acquire skills in meeting needs through examining theory and engaging in research based placements. The SENDI programme is structured to develop subject specific confidence and graduate attributes through study of broad themes initially to more specialised SENDI topics.

Applicants who have completed the FdA Professional Practice in SENDI may be eligible to apply for direct entry into the third year of this programme to top it up to a full degree. Get in touch with courseenquiries@lincolnbishop.ac.uk for more details.

Scheduled Teaching Hours

The Foundation Year is the first year of a four-year undergraduate degree and provides a pathway to undergraduate study for students who do not have the typical qualifications required for direct entry to Level 4. As an integrated Foundation Year it does not carry credits, as the purpose of the year is to facilitate students’ progression to Level 4 of their chosen undergraduate degree programme [see Undergraduate]. 

The delivery of the scheduled hours for the programme includes taught and independent study and is designed to support the needs of learners on Foundation Year programmes as they transition to the requirements of Higher Education study. Material is delivered in both face-to-face and asynchronous formats, totalling 176 hours of taught input, and includes both core academic skills training and additional input from subject specialists. Contact hours in taught sessions are complemented by an extensive support curriculum that operates through the year, typically comprising, but not limited to, additional tutorials, catch-up sessions, study groups, and personal support. 

What you will study

As a student on this course, you may study some or all of the modules listed below.

In this module, you will gain theoretical understanding and employthe practical application of core academic skills. You will understand the definition and importance of academic integrity and explore the key skills required for effective academic practice. You will develop skills in academic and information literacies, including the ability to locate, evaluate, and reference academic sources. The module will provide guidance and practice on academic writing conventions, critical reading strategies, reflective practice, and effective communication skills. You will consider these skills in the context of your chosen subject area and will engage in a range of learning approaches and opportunities, including tutorials and peer learning

In this module, you will identify and develop personal tools for effective learning as a student in Higher Education. The nature and purpose of Higher Education will be explored, including developing an understanding of independent and autonomous learning. You will 
reflect on your own skills as a learner and learn how to establish goals for self-development. A range of functional, organisational, and practical skills to support learning will be introduced, including time management, personal organisation, and professional etiquette. You will also engage in development of your digital skills to enable effective use of digital learning tools in your studies. 

In this module, you will define critical thinking and engagement and learn how to apply these in the construction of an academic discussion. You will explore practices to develop critical thinking and learn how to research, construct, and defend an academic argument. You will practise critical engagement with academic sources as part of research and begin developing skills of summary and synthesis to support your own arguments. You will apply critical thinking and engagement skills to an area of inquiry in your chosen subject area. 

In this module, you will explore the nature and use of documentary and evidence-based sources within academic practice. The module is interdisciplinary, allowing you to investigate a variety of evidentiary sources such as documentary sources, case studies, archival material, and policy. You will begin to learn to analyse and evaluate such sources critically and to consider them within the broader context of academic research. The use of documentary and evidence-based research across disciplines will be explored, analysed, and evaluated critically.

In this module, you will explore the nature and use of data within academic practices. The module is interdisciplinary, allowing you to investigate a variety of data sources and types, including qualitative and quantitative. You will begin to learn to interpret, analyse, and represent data in a meaningful way. You will learn about different methods of data collection and the use of data across disciplines will be explored, analysed, and evaluated critically.

In this interdisciplinary module, you will explore key ideas, theories, and philosophies that underpin a range of academic disciplines. You will learn how these ideas developed and influenced thinking and evaluate their importance within the context of an academic discipline. The module will explore how such ideas have evolved over time and their influence both on academic practice and broader contexts. You will develop and apply skills of critical analysis to discuss and evaluate the ideas and theories, and have the opportunity to explore them in depth in relation to your chosen subject area

In this interdisciplinary module, you will explore the role and impact of academic practices within the context of local communities. You will explore the social purposes of education, specifically Higher Education, and consider how academic research intersect with community and social practices. The module will explore how different academic disciplines can provide insight and enable interventions into local communities. You will develop and apply skills of critical analysis to explore a topic of local interest in relation to your chosen subject area.  

This module will introduce you to the field of Special Educational Needs and Inclusion (SENI). The module will look at educational and social models of disability within schools and across global and national levels of society. The impacts of competing perspectives and changing legislation will be discussed and critiqued. You will be expected to reflect upon your own experiences and perceptions of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). The introduction and induction to study skills will be integral to this module including engagement with VLE.

Unlock the secrets to effective learning! This module explores how we learn, offering innovative approaches and tools to help you and your future learners become lifelong, independent thinkers. Perfect for anyone passionate about inspiring curiosity and resilience in education.

Step into the fascinating world of child development. This module delves into the milestones, challenges, and wellbeing of children, equipping you to support their growth holistically. Ideal for those who want to make a real difference in young lives.

This module will enable you to identify some of the causes which impact upon learning in both educational and social settings. You will be introduced to policies and strategies adopted and adapted in response to different learning behaviours, which facilitate inclusive practice. The module will explore and promote an understanding of the how these barriers can be removed in practice, examining strategies to support pupils with complex learning needs and behaviours. You will examine theories related to motivation and engagement. Several sessions will explore a range of disabilities and difficulties which are causal factors of behaviour for learning e.g., Syndromes and disorders; Autism, Attention Deficit, Hyperactivity, Oppositional Defiant Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Depressive disorders. Consideration will be given to the seeming increase in numbers of children identified with these syndromes and associated learning needs.

Compulsory modules

This module will build and expand upon issues considered in Level 4 module, From Excluded to Included: A Century of Change. You will critically consider effective practice in a range of diverse settings and demonstrate increased knowledge and understanding of how individual needs are met. This module will also extend understanding of ideologies with reference to human rights of inclusion. Exploration and consideration of differing international practices will be undertaken. You will examine a range of diverse needs, considering cause and impact upon learning supported by up to 48 hours placement. By the end of the module, you will be able to reflect upon the impact of legislation and practice in meeting the learning needs of a range of disabilities. This module will contribute to an understanding of leading and managing (Level 6).

Become a champion for children’s safety and welfare. This essential module covers safeguarding principles, policies, and practices, ensuring you’re prepared to protect and advocate for vulnerable individuals in educational and care settings.

Embark on your journey to professional excellence. This module guides you through the values, ethics, and behaviours that define outstanding educators and practitioners, helping you to develop a strong professional identity and confidence.

Champion equality and inclusion in education. Explore how social justice shapes learning environments and discover strategies to break down barriers, ensuring every learner feels valued and supported.

Optional modules

Dive into the world of educational research! This module introduces you to key research principles and skills, giving you the tools to investigate, analyse, and contribute to best practice in education and care.

This module will introduce you to arange of needs exploring differences and difficulties that impact upon individuals during stages of their learning journey. You will be expected to critically reflect on issues associated with categories of need identified in the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs (2015), which can impact upon development and achievement. The impacts of issues and how these present themselves will be investigated and topics might include attachment disorders; eating disorders; mobility; sensory processing disorders; and others. Causes of problems will be explored e.g., neurological and or environmental. Emphasis will be placed on developing a reflective understanding of the nature of support that may be provided, examining how professional practice can be developed across categories of need.

Compulsory modules

This module will consider a range of factors, which can often impact upon learning and may potentially go unnoticed. You will consider different impacts of psychological, social and emotional disruption upon learning. This will range from prejudices, global and local social exclusion to mental well-being and academic progress. By the end of the module, you will recognise how a range of issues can affect individual learning needs and understand how different support networks and interventions can enable positive learning and life experiences for those who face hidden inequalities. You will be encouraged to engage in determining the content of the module.

Broaden your horizons with a global outlook on education. This module examines worldwide trends and future challenges, preparing you to innovate and lead in an ever-changing educational landscape.

Broaden your horizons with this dynamic module that takes you on a global journey through education! Explore diverse educational systems, cultures, and philosophies from around the world. You will critically examine international policies and practices, gaining insights into how global perspectives can inspire positive change in local contexts. Ideal for students eager to become globally minded educators and leaders.

Optional modules

This module will build on (EDU50322) Vision to Reality and introduce you to a further range of contexts and settings for learning, examining these from the perspective of educators and learners, policy and practice. Throughout the module you will be encouraged to consider and appreciate the scope and limitations of education within a variety of teaching and learning environments and organisations. You will be introduced to a wider and more complex range of research and theory related to the benefits and limitations of teaching and learning in informal and alternative learning environments alongside the unique personal embodiment / impact of these on the overall experience of learners and educators. You will consider how pedagogical approaches are utilised in these contexts and how such contexts are positioned in contemporary educational policy. You will develop and apply skills of critical analysis in module sessions and independent learning. First hand experiences of different learning contexts through study visits and work with visiting experts will be threaded through the module as a basis for comparison, analysis, evaluation and reflection.

Excellence and innovation in curricula are a central tenet of any world class education system. This highly responsive module provides you with a theoretical and critical understanding of key considerations in the development and implementation of curriculum policy, content and practice in educational settings. The module considers future developments in the current curriculum and possible alternative future directions. It provides you with an opportunity to study this at first hand in placement settings. A range of theoretical approaches to the curriculum will be critically examined. The syllabus may include topics such as differing views of the nature and organisation of knowledge, and examination of various curriculum frameworks, including aims, content and contemporary views of pedagogy. These will vary over time in order to ensure that the module is responsive to new developments and future directions in education for instance decolonising of the curriculum and environmental education. Innovative practice from inspirational educational settings may be showcased in order to provide models of excellence. Placement will allow you to gain real-world experiences of current curriculum arrangements.

Take your research skills to the next level. Learn how to structure impactful studies, analyse data, and present findings that shape educational practice and policy.

Bring your knowledge to life in this dynamic capstone module. Tackle complex problems, demonstrate your skills, and make a meaningful contribution to the field of education.

Complete your studies with a creative and collaborative capstone experience. This module encourages you to address contemporary challenges through innovative thinking and teamwork.

Become an inspiring leader in education. This module explores leadership styles, strategies, and skills to help you drive positive change and support continuous learning.

Entry requirements

Application for this course is via UCAS, although there is no formal requirement for UCAS points to access the course (normally GCSE English or equivalent is desirable). As part of your application you will have the opportunity to speak with a member of Lincoln Bishop Admissions staff to resolve any questions or queries you may have.

Different degree subjects may have specific entry requirements to allow you to progress from the Foundation Year. Whilst not a condition of entry onto the Foundation Year, you will need to have met these by the time you complete the first year of this four year course.

You will be required to pay for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and placement related travel costs (according to the Student Transport, Accommodation and Subsistence Policy). 

Further information

Click here for important information about this course including additional costs, resources and key policies.

The Foundation Year syllabus does not include any specific element of upskilling in English language and you are not entitled to apply for Accredited Prior Learning, AP(C)L into a Foundation Year.

How you will be taught

There is no one-size-fits-all method of teaching at Lincoln Bishop – we shape our methods to suit each subject and each group, combining the best aspects of traditional university teaching with innovative techniques to promote student participation and interactivity.

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Assessment

In Education Studies, assessment is carried out through coursework of different types, including essays, reports, oral presentations, multimedia presentations, reflective logs and portfolios. There are no examinations. You can expect to give one or two oral presentations or poster presentations as one of a small group of students throughout the course. You will gradually build up skills of multimedia presentation and third-year students currently share a short, assessed multimedia film to their peers. You will build up your writing skills steadily throughout the course and in the first year, you will complete a portfolio of shorter written pieces and two longer essays, receiving formative feedback from your tutors to help you build up your academic capabilities.

Your first year in SENDI is important. We know that you will need time to settle into university and build up your academic skills and so, we will give you detailed feedback on how you are doing and set your targets to improve your work. We use a wide range of different types of assessment throughout the course, including coursework portfolios, group discussions, multimedia technology presentations and individual projects, as well as essays and a timed assessment (year 3). You may even have the opportunity to get your dissertation research work published!

Careers & Further study

Education Studies

The depth and scope of the topics we cover, together with regular work-based placements, means that Education Studies graduates enjoy very high levels of employability in a wide range of fields. Currently, around 70% of our students complete a teacher training course and go on to be highly successful teachers in early years, primary, secondary or further education, working in the UK or abroad.

However, an Education Studies degree from Lincoln Bishop offers excellent versatility. It prepares you for direct employment in education-related fields, as well as jobs within the public and private sector. Our graduates have also gone on to have successful careers in diverse areas such as museums, galleries and charities, human resources, youth work, outdoor education, higher education administration and health and social care.

The diverse nature of this course will also enable you to go onto further postgraduate study, with previous students following this route to occupy roles such as social workers, speech and language therapists, higher education researchers and lecturers, mental health counsellors and drama therapists.

Special Educational Needs, Disability & Inclusion

You will be supported throughout your study by opportunities to explore different career aspirations, working with our specialist team at BGFutures. Guest speakers share their professional experiences which can open new ideas for you. Progression has included graduate employment, teaching, social work, creative therapies, speech and language therapy, senior education managers and residential care. Progression to further study at Master’s level is a further choice. This degree offers a range of possibilities which we are happy to discuss with you at any time.

What Our Students Say

Discover what life is like at Lincoln Bishop University from our students.

Fees & Funding

A lot of student finance information is available from numerous sources, but it is sometimes confusing and contradictory. That’s why at Lincoln Bishop we try to give you all the information and support we can to help to throughout the process. Our Student Advice team are experts in helping you sort out the funding arrangements for your studies, offering a range of services to guide you through all aspects of student finance step by step.

Click here to find information about fees, loans and support which will help to make the whole process a little easier to understand.

Undergraduate course applicants should apply via UCAS using the relevant UCAS code. For 2026 entry, the application fee is £28.95, and you can make a maximum of 5 choices.

For the 2025 cycle, UCAS is removing the undergraduate application fee for any student who is/or has received Free School Meals (FSM) during the last six years, up until the end of their final year at school or college. More information on the UCAS fee waiver can be found here.

For all applicants, there are full instructions at UCAS to make it as easy as possible for you to fill in your online application, plus help text where appropriate. Full details of all tuition fees can be found here.