BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies
Students on this BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies course will already be working or volunteering in an educational setting in roles such as teaching assistants, early years practitioners, instructors or unqualified teachers.
The course is designed to link education theory with practical experience so students can make strong connections between their current professional practice and their academic study.
Over the duration of the degree, students are able to further develop their knowledge and understanding of teaching and learning processes while continuing to work.
Studying at degree level positively supports a student’s continued professional development in their current role as well as their future career prospects. On completion, many of our graduates apply for an employment-based route to Qualified Teacher Status, or undertake a PGCE course.
Course description - Applied Education Studies BA Hons
FAQs
No. You need to be working or volunteering for at least two days a week in an early years setting, a school or an alternative education provision.
The majority of our students are working as teaching assistants, nursery nurses, cover supervisors or unqualified teachers.
University tutors do not visit students in their workplace and there is no requirement for a mentor. Some assignments require students to observe or participate in practice in their setting. University tutors will support your academic development throughout the course.
We consider a range of qualifications and also look at the experience you already have in education through your work. If you have accredited HLTA status, your prior learning will be recognised in Year 1. Your fee will be reduced by a third and you will only study two units.
The majority of our students go on to complete a teacher training course after their degree to gain qualified Teacher Status (QTS). Our students have gone on to qualify to be early years, primary or special school teachers. Routes into teaching sessions alongside alternative career options are provided during the four years so you are aware of the options open to you post-graduation.
The course is designed around the school year, term time only with weekly attendance at a local hub starting at 4pm. Access to online course resources and the digital library will allow you to organise your studies around your other commitments. Read below to find out how our students balanced study with work.
Email our Admissions team on admission@beds.ac.uk and request an application pack for the BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies degree. If you have any other questions, contact Allyson Goodchild (Course Leader) at allyson.goodchild@beds.ac.uk
Student Testimonials
Denise Curran
Working within a school setting while studying towards a degree in education with the University of Bedfordshire has enhanced my professional practice by allowing a deep understanding of how to teach. An applied degree means a hands-on approach to learning which has enriched my performance.
The weekly lectures give us the opportunity to be guided by our supportive tutors, who want us to achieve highly and lead us through each assignment providing valuable resources and effective sessions.
I am currently working as an unqualified teacher and have secured funding to help me through my next step, achieving qualified teacher status. My only regret is that I should have started it sooner.
Hollie Lau
I have loved studying part-time, allowing me to continue working full-time in a school I love. Throughout my time, I have been able to progress as an unqualified teacher - and hopefully a qualified one soon. I wouldn't have been able to do that without what this degree has taught me. Time on the course went by so quickly, and the variation of assignments, presentations and reviews have been manageable and beneficial.
I really do recommend doing this if, like me, full-time university was not for you; commitments to children and family life makes it difficult to balance; or you still want to be working full-time!
Elizabeth Kershaw
The BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies course
has been inspiring, informative and life-changing. The flexibility of this degree has been fantastic. It allowed me to continue work in school, implementing my newly gained knowledge, which gave me the confidence to aim to become a qualified teacher.
The support of all the tutors on the course enabled me to fit in my studies around my job throughout the length of the course and it never became overwhelming. In addition, the course content is relevant and interesting; the other students were great fun; and we all supported each other - and will do going forward, I'm sure. I would not have missed this experience and am so glad I applied for this course.
Michelle Canepe
I am so pleased I chose to study with the University of Bedfordshire. My continuous school experience was valued throughout the degree - it was also fantastic to meet/work with others from various schools. Units have always been of interest; are well thought out and can easily fit alongside full-time work (having a work/university/life plan to ensure balance is key!). Tutors have been inspiring and were always available to offer support.
The whole experience has been very enjoyable, I have made some amazing new friends, and my confidence has increased greatly. I was even promoted within my workplace during my third year on the course!
Sarah White
Being a mum of two, studying part-time and working full-time is not easy by anyone's standards but it is also the best choice I ever made. I have grown so much as a person and as a member of staff within my setting. The course for me was perfect - not only could I still earn and support my family but I also developed my career, knowledge and confidence.
I personally would like to thank the University of Bedfordshire for providing me with the confidence and knowledge I needed to get to where I wanted to be. If you are considering this course, DO IT!