Start Your Future at the UK’s No.1 for Teaching Quality (NSS 2025) - Apply for September 2026

Why study this course

A vibrant course with a dedicated team that provides personalised feedback and support.

Excellent opportunities to develop and practise your teaching knowledge and skills with language teaching experience.

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.

Course summary

The BA (Hons) Education Studies and TESOL is a brand-new course for 2023/24 at Lincoln Bishop, Lincoln and combines modules from our Education and English Language and Teaching programmes.

Key facts

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

X163

Typical offer

96 points (e.g. CCC)

Duration

3 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

Our BA (Hons) in Education Studies and TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) is the ideal programme for students who wish to pursue a career in education and have an interest in language and the language learning and teaching process. This exciting degree is designed to broaden your ideas and experiences of education, learners, and educational settings, and allows you to keep your options open to make informed choices about your future employment opportunities once you graduate.

The programme provides students the opportunity to engage in study that offers a balanced range of modules from both disciplines. We integrate the theory and practice of education, language learning and teaching to equip you with the academic, vocational, and professional skills and knowledge to start you on your education career path in teaching or non-teaching roles, or prepare you for entry to teacher training programmes to become a qualified teacher, such as a PGCE. Settings in which you gain practical experience may include those at primary, secondary and tertiary levels. You may also work with specific groups of learners, such as pupils who are learning English as an additional language (EAL).

On completion of the degree, you will have engaged with topics that will develop your communication skills, your knowledge of how language is used and perceived, how learners learn, and how educators can tailor teaching and resources to include a diverse range of learners.

Scheduled Teaching Hours

Undergraduate programmes consist of 360 HE credits, with each credit equating to 10 hours of learning. 

Depending upon the mode of delivery (i.e. face-to-face/in-person, online or a blend of these) and whether your course is full-time or part-time, the delivery of the scheduled hours for the programme will involve taught input, independent study, and where applicable, work-based or placement hours.

What you will study

Students on this course currently study some or all of the modules listed below.

What is the difference between how we produce the sounds 'p' and 'b' ? Why does the rhythm of English sound different to Spanish? What are the processes that allow us to create new words and phrases? In this module you will discover how we describe and analyse the sounds, words and structures of languages, with a focus on English. You will learn the fundamentals of how languages work and how to identify differences and similarities between them. In the process, you will be developing your knowledge of key concepts and terminology that professionals use to support a range of people and their language needs, from learners of English to those with speech and communication disorders.

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.

This module explores policy, provision, and practice both historically and currently, providing you with the opportunity to understand what shifts and shapes early years policy and the subsequent impact of policy on practice.

The module presents an historical overview of the development of early childhood provision using the lens of social and political discourse and, through an exploration of the work of key thinkers and philosophers who have influenced current policy and provision. The module includes a study of historical practice and provision for young children and covers the work of early social, educational and health reformers. You will also examine the work of more contemporary thinkers and will be introduced to some alternative education styles.

You will be encouraged to question underlying philosophies and the social and political motivations for shaping policy when creating provision for young children. You will be encouraged to reflect on your own personal philosophy and how this might have been influenced, and how this may subsequently influence your own practice.

During this module, you will have the opportunity to develop your graduate competencies with regards to your understanding of the relevant frameworks, and how these are applied to practice, as well as developing your understanding of policy.

Embark on an exciting exploration of how we learn language from birth and beyond! This introductory module delves into the key theories and stages of language acquisition, examining how children and adults develop communication skills. You’ll discover what makes language learning unique and how this knowledge can inform effective teaching. Perfect for those starting their journey into linguistics or education.

Compulsory modules

The TESOL Methodologies module will guide you through the approaches and techniques that professional language teachers use for teaching English, or other languages, in the UK and all over the world. You will find out about the development of methodologies over time, from audiolingualism to the post-methods era, enabling you to develop a toolkit of techniques that you can select from and identify in practical teaching modules. A particular focus will be how these methods can be applied for the teaching of the four skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Not only will you learn about language teaching methods and approaches, but you will understand the principles that underlie them by examining the relationship between method and general learning, as well as language learning, theories. This part of the study develops your criticality and professional capacity to select appropriate methods and builds on the theoretical knowledge of Second Language Acquisition you gained in Year 1. Further topics covered in the module will include lesson planning, classroom management, teacher and students roles, among others.

This module aims to develop the practical teaching skills and theoretical knowledge needed for the modern language classroom. In order to accomplish this, the module will include four elements.

• Language awareness & Skills

• Developing an Individual Learner Profile

• Study of an Unknown language

• Teaching Skills

You will explore one-to-one teaching methodology, needs analysis, linguistic analysis, lesson planning and syllabus design. This will inform the practical assignment associated with this module and will bring together what you have learnt.

The module covers teaching methodologies and introduces lesson planning, contrastive analysis, teaching skills, teaching practice and related portfolio, guided observation and related journal, course book and materials evaluation.

In this module you will collect your own data in the form of a needs analysis for the Learner Profile and be re-introduced to the importance of ethical consideration in research and the Research Ethics Policy.

How did schools come to assume their present form and function? Who were the architects of ideas about education? An understanding of ways in which different ideas about education have variously shaped policy and practice, both in the UK and worldwide will enable you to develop knowledge and understanding of the ‘bigger’ picture of education; beyond that of your immediate and most recent experience. This highly responsive and contemporary module builds on concepts from Level 4 and examines a range of different ideas about the purpose and practice of education, including those of the most recent Government, relating these to some common educational ideologies. It considers a variety of ways in which the purpose and outcomes of education may be interpreted, and the diversity of settings in which it may take place.

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.

Optional modules

In this module you will have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate how English language, in spoken, written or digital forms, shapes meaning for use in fields ranging from media to politics to marketing. You will also explore how factors such as audience, purpose, genre and mode affect our use of language.

Successful teaching involves educators being deliberate, thoughtful and purposeful in their decisions and actions. Choices and decisions about how to teach are constantly under scrutiny and are increasingly driven by national and international data. This module will build on the understanding of learners and learning developed at level 4, underpin concepts of innovative teaching and learning approaches introduced at level 5 (in semester 2); and will critically examine a range of views of effective pedagogical practice drawn from contemporary research. The syllabus will respond as necessary to contemporary developments as they arise drawing on international, national and comparative research. It may include social pedagogical approaches such as dialogic teaching, pupil talk, group work and other interactive teaching and learning approaches.

Compulsory modules

This module will give you the opportunity to evaluate and design materials for English language teaching use. You will develop a practical understanding of the role, principles and procedures of the design and evaluation of language teaching materials.

In this module you will use your creative skills and imagination to examine innovative ways in the teaching of English. You will have the opportunity to explore how to use technology, augmented and virtual reality and games as tools in English language teaching.

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.

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.

Dive into the fascinating world of how language and literacy shape learning! This advanced module explores the vital connections between language development, literacy skills, and educational practice. You will investigate current research, innovative strategies, and practical approaches that empower learners of all ages to become confident communicators and critical thinkers. Perfect for those passionate about making a real difference in language education.

Optional modules

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.

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.

This module will introduce you to the basic principles of how teachers construct and present English language tests. You will look at the different purposes of tests and you will critically evaluate testing techniques.

Entry requirements

You will normally need 96 UCAS tariff points (from a maximum of four Advanced Level qualifications). We welcome a range of qualifications that meet this requirement, such as A/AS Levels, BTEC, T Levels, Access Courses, International Baccalaureate (IB), Cambridge Pre-U, Extended Project etc.

However this list is not exhaustive – please click here for details of all qualifications in the UCAS tariff.

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). 

Find out more about the international application process including English Language requirements.

If you don’t have, or don’t think you will attain the normal tariff points for studying at Lincoln Bishop, click here to view Foundation Year courses.

Further information

Click here for key information for all undergraduate students. 

Click here for all programme specifications. 

In accordance with University conditions, students are entitled to apply for Recognition of Prior Learning, RP(C)L, based on relevant credit at another HE institution or credit Awarded for Experiential Learning, (RP(E)L).
 

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.

You will be taught in a variety of ways, from lectures, tutorials and seminars, to practical workshops, coursework and work-based placements. Small group seminars and workshops will provide you with an opportunity to review issues raised in lectures, and you will be expected to carry out independent study.

Placements are a key part of degree study within many courses at Lincoln Bishop. They provide an enriching learning experience for you to apply the skills and knowledge you will gain from your course and, in doing so, give valuable real-world experience to boost your career.

NSS-2025-Banners-voice-teaching2-1

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.

Assessment in English Language and Teaching is an integral part of your learning here at Lincoln Bishop and takes a variety of forms. Students will generally be assessed through a wide range of methods such as assessed presentations, written assignments, online discussion and ICT based tasks, teaching practice and portfolios of work. A research project in the form of the final dissertation in the third year of the course will encourage students to become research-informed English language teachers who have the ability to make knowledgeable judgements about their own practice.

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.

TESOL

Lincoln Bishop boasts extremely high employability ratings and our BA English Language and Teaching course will provide you with a solid foundation in English Language and Teaching. With your degree you can continue your professional development in English language teaching, education, speech and language therapy, media and publishing, both in international and UK contexts. You will also have the opportunity to pursue further studies within a field of linguistics. Alongside the BA, if you wish to progress towards achieving QTS, opportunities exist to complete our pre-teaching course which can assist you with gaining a place on one of our PGCE courses.

What Our Students Say

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

Support

Studying at Lincoln Bishop is a student-centred experience. Staff and students work together in a friendly and supportive atmosphere as part of an intimate campus community. You will know every member of staff personally and feel confident approaching them for help and advice, and staff members will recognise you, not just by sight, but as an individual with unique talents and interests.

We will be there to support you, personally and academically, from induction to graduation.

 

Are you a parent or carer supporting someone starting university? Visit our Parents’ Information page for advice, guidance, and reassurance.

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.