BA (Hons) Education

EDST408
Equality and Justice in Education 20 credits

This module focuses on notions of equality and social justice as ways of investigating several important issues in both policy and practice of education. It offers an opportunity to compare ideological positions with practices which should be validated against observation and discussion of equality or social justice issues in education. It examines the role of education in addressing social justice.

EDST409
Debating Values in Education 20 credits

This module examines the basis of the values and attitudes we hold in relation to educational issues. In particular we address the aims and purposes of education through the perspectives of significant thinkers in the field. Students are encouraged to make an in-depth philosophical study of one example of the application of value systems to an area of educational activity.

EDST411
Education Futures 20 credits

This module allows students to consider a diverse range of educational ideas and practices, including for example: de-schooling, radical/revolutionary pedagogies, Steiner, Montessori, educational utopias and democratic schools. Students will be encouraged to use these examples as a basis to consider both current and possible future educational practice.

EDST414
Introduction to Critical Dis/ability Studies and Inclusion 20 credits

This module will introduce some of the key perspectives in disability studies and inclusive education. It will critically examine the historical background and different models of disability. It will look at the role of the educator and education system in relation to learners with disabilities and/or special educational needs. Stereotypes, labelling and language use will be examined. It will challenge participants to examine their own attitudes towards disability. Educational perspectives on and practices of exclusion, integration and inclusion will be explored.

EDST416
Introduction to Global Education 20 credits

The module takes a broad view of global education and analyses how it relates to human culture and our relationship with the world around us. We will be focusing on environmental, economic, social and political aspects of global issues and how they interrelate, exploring educational ideas and concepts that underpin the aspects of the field.

EDST417
Going with the Flow: Creativity in Education

We will be exploring and questioning ways in which teaching and learning in formal education provision might encourage different ways of ‘knowing’ and flourishing, and/or shut these down. We’ll be exploring different ways of understanding creativity, as well as types of ‘knowledge’, and together and individually we will be looking at how we can start ‘thinking with our hands’ and engaging in finding creative solutions to problems we might have experienced in our past education journeys.

EDST518
Learning Matters 20 credits

A module that builds students’ capacity to recognise and evaluate learning as it occurs in educational, work and recreational settings. It draws upon established, current and critical theory on learning and human development, and focuses on applying these theories to examples of educational practice from existing research and the students’ experiences.

EDST529
Creating Inclusive Communities

This module aims to conceptualise Inclusion through a broad lens and explore how inclusive practices can enhance wellbeing in communities and groups and thus have ‘therapeutic’ benefits. Discussion, group explorations and creative activities are used to develop understanding of inclusive communities and consider what makes an inclusive therapeutic space and/or a site of belonging in education and social settings.

EDST530
Introduction to Work-based Learning

This module is intended to provide students with the opportunity to maximise learning opportunities which accrue from part-time, term-time (PTTT), and volunteering experience, which could include paid or unpaid work, based on the recognition that learning takes place in a wide variety of situations and settings. The module will require students to seek their own work experiences, as part of the intended learning, as well as to contextualise work-based learning in higher education. It aims for students to critically consider its potential for learning about the self, education, and society.

PIE500
Research Matters

The module provides a basic introduction to research methods to establish some of the fundamentals of research design and process. Students will explore methodological approaches and existing research studies. Students will have an opportunity to engage with a range of innovative and creative methodologies.

EEC522
Working with a Range of Professionals 20 credits

This module is intended for those who wish to understand more about working with other professionals whose work impacts on young children and their families in some way; in Case Conferences; strategy meetings as well as report writing, producing and implementing developmental and/or safeguarding plans, etc.

EEC545
Child Well-being in the Developing World Challenge Module 20 credits

Through this module you will be thinking about the big challenges facing young children today in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through reflecting on childhood and the well-being of young children in the developing world (defined as those that are low on the UN Human Development Index), we will be looking critically at issues such as poverty, global inequalities, access to resources, education, health, conflict, livelihoods and sustainability.

EDST521
Learning Outside the Classroom 20 credits

This module focuses on the understanding and personal exploration of Learning Outside the Classroom and Outdoor Learning. Understanding of the fieldwill be gained through theoretical and practical sessions. Students are encouraged to link theory with practice and will devise and justify (drawing on literature and personal reflection) a program of activities for a targeted group in a named real-world location.

EDST527
Sustainable Education in Action - Challenge Module 20 credits

Through this module you will be thinking about the big challenges of today in relation to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Through a service learning and collaborative sustainable education approach, you will be creatively engaged with pressing issues across the city and local area in order to facilitate learning that helps us make positive change together. This module will enable you to reflect on your development as: competent and confident professionals, sustainable and global citizens, resilient and thriving individuals, and critical and creative learners.

EDST627
Voice and Participation in Education and Society 20 credits

The module engages with a range of approaches to, and understandings of, inclusive values, practices and cultures within educational settings. The module is organised around two central questions. First, What is the difference between being in and being of an educational setting? Second, how might we best live and learn together and how can inclusive practice be developed by focussing on issues of voice and participation in education and society.

EDST619
Troubling Gender and Sexualities 20 credits

This module will explore theories and discourses surrounding gender and sexualities to examine historical, philosophical, political and cultural references, as well as personal experiences. The intention of this module is to raise personal and professional awareness of our differently gendered identities, practices, and attitudes towards sexualities. These will be contextualised within social and popular/culture phenomena in order to explore messages and representation of gender, transgender and sexuality issues, and to examine education and societal practices which foster the above. Ultimately, it is about raising a consciousness and inspiring action for change.

PIE600
Research Dissertation

This module enhances students’ knowledge and understanding of the nature, significance and role of research and its impact on theory, policy and practice in the field of education and early years. It develops students’ knowledge, skills and understanding in respect of planning, designing, carrying out and critically evaluating their own independent research enquiries.

EDST617
Education for the 21st century: Global, Sustainable and Wild 20 credits

This module offers an integrated approach to key themes in envisioning future fit education; namely global citizenship, sustainable development and environmental care. It asks the learner to explore contemporary educational issues such as the impact of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Global Action Programme for ESD. It critically and creatively considers the role of compassionate engagement in education with regard to ecological literacy, global citizenship, human rights, social justice, peace and planetary well-being.

EEC638
Children and Risk 20 credits

Looking at the complexity of child protection issues, within a personal, institutional and community context, addressing the issue of risk and the decision-making process the right decision against the defensible decision, in order to develop a personal, and critical perspective on issues of protection and control. In addition an exploration of the concept of Risk In the wider context.

EDST618
Wellbeing and the 'Good Life' 20 credits

What is meant by ‘wellbeing’? How do we know what it is, what affects it, and how to evaluate ours? What do we need to consider if we are going to ‘manage’ our own and to have achievable goals for a ‘Good Life’? This module is about exploring concepts and theories surrounding wellbeing, and to question our own individual and cultural values and expectations in regard to it. Essentially, though, it is about questioning our own, and looking at a small but significant wellbeing toolkit to help us negotiate the myriad challenges of daily life.

EEC645
Current Issues in Early Childhood: Politics, Welfare and Society 20 credits

This module will enable participants to focus on current debates related to early childhood studies with a focus on the political, welfare and society. By its nature the content of the module will change each year, as issues change, new understandings emerge and different perspectives apply. Key social, political and educational issues that affect the lives of young children, 0-8, and their families will be studied in this module. Some comparisons will be made with Europe and other countries. Students will be encouraged to develop a considerable personal perspective on social questions related to early childhood services.