Education

Module details:In this module, you will undertake a placement in an educational setting, allowing you to apply subject knowledge and practical skills while developing key competencies in line with QAA benchmarks. Through supported preparation, hands-on experience, and reflective practice, you will consolidate academic learning in real-world contexts. You will explore themes such as equity, diversity, and inclusion, and engage with pressing educational challenges. With flexibility in choosing your placement, personalised support, and access to enrichment opportunities, this 30-credit module spans two semesters and is designed to build your confidence, broaden your experience, and enhance your future career prospects.

How you'll learn: Lectures will explore key areas of educational enquiry and practice, including theory, research, and essential training such as DBS, Safeguarding, and the Chancellor’s Award. Seminars will focus on critical thinking and reflective workshops, supported by 30 minutes of weekly asynchronous digital learning, including ePortfolio tasks, discussion forums, guest speaker content, and a range of multimedia resources.

Assessment: This module is assessed through an online ePortfolio, used both as a learning and assessment tool to develop reflective practice. Students will critically engage with theory and apply it to real-world observations from their placement, while also reflecting on personal and professional development. The ePortfolio supports the integration of academic and practical learning, encourages ownership of progress, and helps build skills for future career pathways. Structured tabs will guide students through reflective tasks, enabling them to evaluate their strengths and areas for growth.

In this module you will explore how creativity shapes and challenges contemporary educational practice, examining what it means in classrooms and other learning settings. You will engage with concepts such as ‘big C and little c’ creativity, ‘flow’ and divergent thinking, and consider how creativity can be encouraged, assessed, and applied across the curriculum. You will reflect on inclusion, neurodiversity, sustainability, global issues, and diverse learning preferences, while analysing how education systems and policies support or constrain creative teaching. Through theory and practical activities, you will develop your own creative approaches and apply them to your professional practice.

In this module you will deepen your understanding of the nature, purpose and use of educational research in local, national and global contexts. You will engage critically with different methodologies and paradigms, exploring how evidence is gathered, interpreted and applied across varied social, economic and cultural settings. You will examine how research informs professional practice, shapes policy and supports educational innovation. Through ethical and methodological reflection, you will strengthen your skills in enquiry and learn to connect theory with practice, helping you contribute to inclusive and evidence based educational environments.

In this module you will explore how inclusive education can flourish beyond formal school settings, examining learning experiences in museums, galleries, science centres, cultural and spiritual sites, the outdoors, and online spaces. You will consider how these environments provide accessible, engaging and socially responsive learning for all ages. Building on prior studies, you will develop as an inclusive practitioner, exploring strategies across arts, heritage, community, youth work, early years, intergenerational projects, and digital outreach. You will reflect on diverse approaches to learning beyond the classroom, including outdoor education, residential centres, libraries, archives, and creative use of technology.

In this module you will undertake your Capstone Project, bringing together the knowledge, skills and experiences gained throughout your degree. You will design and complete an independent project in education or early childhood studies that reflects your interests, whether through action research, investigation, dissertation or another in-depth study with real-world relevance. Supported by a supervisor, you will apply theory to practice, integrate prior learning and placement experiences, and develop professional expertise. This module will challenge you to produce work that demonstrates academic rigour, practical impact, and prepares you for future career opportunities or further research.

In this module you will explore the multidimensional nature of wellbeing and its role in supporting holistic development and learning. You will examine physical, emotional, social, and mental health, engaging with theories, historical perspectives, and contemporary policy frameworks. You will apply concepts from positive psychology, growth mindset, and social pedagogy, using practical strategies such as social and emotional learning, circle time, and targeted interventions. Through case studies, collaboration, and reflection, you will develop the skills to create inclusive, supportive environments, enhance resilience and emotional literacy, and gain practical qualifications such as Mental Health First Aid to strengthen your professional practice.

In this module you will critically reflect on and synthesise your learning journey, evaluating how your knowledge and experiences can inform future career pathways. You will deepen your understanding of learning, teaching, and assessment across diverse educational contexts, building on prior modules in Professional Practice. You will explore professionalism in education, examine contemporary issues such as AI, sustainability, and global educational trends, and engage with research and expert insights. Through reflective activities, you will analyse the current educational landscape, anticipate challenges and opportunities, and develop the skills and understanding needed to enhance employability and workforce readiness.

In this module you will explore the social and personal challenges young people face as they transition into adulthood, considering global and multicultural perspectives. You will examine youth cultures, systemic inequalities, and sustainability through the lens of the UN SDGs, developing cultural competence and the skills to challenge prejudice. Through collaborative activities, case studies, and digital platforms, you will reflect on your role in society and explore ways to become an active agent of social change. You will also build transferable skills in critical thinking, teamwork, digital literacy, and media production, preparing you for careers in education, media, and public advocacy.

In this module you will explore how media shapes ideas about childhood, education, and the representation of children. You will examine portrayals across TV, film, art, advertising, and digital platforms, considering cultural and social differences and reflecting on your own perspectives. You will develop media literacy through methods such as visual analysis, semiotics, qualitative and quantitative approaches, and transmedia storytelling. You will also create media outputs and engage with gallery visits to analyse historical and contemporary representations, exploring themes like gender, race, and stereotypes. This module will build your skills in critically interpreting media to inform your practice as an education professional.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs.

30 credits

You will develop your core academic and integrated English language skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. You will become familiar with key academic skills and concepts, such as referencing methods and awareness of academic integrity and tone. You will apply these skills and knowledge to both broad topics and also your chosen subject pathway.

Teaching and Learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

You will develop your research, numeracy and information technology skills. You will investigate the difference between primary and secondary research, conduct your own research project and demonstrate your findings through data analysis. You will also develop your awareness of equality, diversion and inclusion in the UK, through a real-world issue; discrimination in the workplace.

Teaching and learning

You will be required to actively engage in on-campus learning for up to 10 hours a week.

You will be taught through a full range of teaching and learning methods, which include lectures, seminars, workshops, discussion groups, group directed tasks and presentations. This will enable you to learn from your peers and tutors in both structured and information settings.

You will be encouraged to think creatively about your approach to learning and discussions with your peers. You will also have access to recordings, resources, links and signposting through Moodle to enrich your learning.

Assessment

You will be assessed through group and individual presentations, comparative and reflective essays, multiple choice exams, coursework and reports, oral exams, portfolios, case studies and blogs. 

30 credits

This module provides an in-depth exploration of the principles, theories and practices underpinning learning and child development. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the key factors influencing children’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional growth, as well as your implications for effective educational practice. Drawing on foundational theories by Piaget, Vygotsky, Froebel, Skinner and others, this module bridges the gap between theoretical perspectives and practical application in diverse educational contexts.

Through weekly themes, you will examine milestones in child development, the role of play, language acquisition, individual differences, and the impact of external environments, including technology, on learning. Special emphasis is placed on reflective practice, observation, and assessment techniques, as well as strategies to support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs (SEN) and English as an Additional Language (EAL).

This module aims to also develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.

Teaching and learning

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.

You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of formal reflection as part of the reflective journal assignment, as well as tutorial support for the informative poster.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a reflective journal and an information poster.

50% - reflective journal, which documents your learning and insights from each session.

50% - informative poster, you will create an informative poster based on a chosen case study that investigates an aspect of child development.

30 credits

This module explores the relationship between education policies and ethical practices, emphasising your impact on teaching, learning, and professional responsibilities. Through a comprehensive study of key UK and International policies, such as safeguarding, equality, and SEND frameworks, you will critically evaluate how these policies are developed, implemented, and upheld in diverse educational settings.

This module integrates a focus on professional ethics, exploring how educators navigate complex decision-making processes while adhering to policy requirements and maintaining moral and ethical integrity.

The module prepares you to address the challenges of policy compliance and professional accountability while fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders.

This module also aims to develop your critical thinking, analytical skills, and practical expertise, preparing you to create inclusive, supportive, and effective learning environments that foster holistic child development.

Teaching and learning

By engaging with real-world case studies, global perspectives, and interactive workshops, you will gain the skills to critically analyse policy frameworks, apply ethical reasoning, and ensure inclusive and effective educational practices.

The teaching delivery for each module consists of one, one-three-hour lecture and one, two-hour seminar per week.

You will have a diverse learning experience of lectures/seminars, case studies, practical sessions and field visits, active learning workshops and microteaches and guest speakers.

You will also have an additional 30 minutes of online support each week to enhance your understanding and learning. This will consist of activities to develop your communication skills as well as providing you with opportunities to explore wider policy implementation in diverse/comparative education settings.

Assessment

This module will be assessed using a policy review and a school-based intervention pitch.

40% - policy review, where you will critically evaluate a key education policy.

50% - school-based intervention pitch, you will be design and pitch an intervention aimed at addressing a specific issue related to educational policy and professional ethics.