Education, BA (Hons)

Explore Educational Practice in a Digital Age

pupils

Course Overview

Our BA Education is a research-informed three-year course, which supports the development of the knowledge and skills needed for a wide range of careers in the field of education, and beyond.

Education is an important area of study that draws on the disciplines of psychology, sociology, philosophy and history, and includes a range of topics including education policy, teaching and learning, wellbeing, child development, additional learning needs, equality and social justice and digital education.

As an education student at Swansea University, you will develop essential research skills, and be equipped with a solid grounding in contemporary theories and concepts that are informed by a strong research base. You will graduate with the skills required to think critically about education and will be able to apply your knowledge in real-world settings, in educational contexts and across the wider world.

The lecturers on this programme have a wide range of expertise and experience in education, some with backgrounds in research, others with experience as professional practitioners, at both primary and secondary school levels, offering you a wide knowledge base to draw on throughout your studies.

Why Education at Swansea?

You will be based on our stunning Singleton Park Campus, in parkland overlooking Swansea Bay on the edge of the Gower Peninsula. Throughout the programme, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Explore educational practice in the digital age, by studying digital learning technologies that are at the forefront of current education trends
  • Learn about historic and contemporary education policy and practice
  • Discover different styles of leadership and management
  • Gain an understanding of what education looks like in different countries, exploring the relationships between equality, equity and diversity and education
  • Examine issues relating to additional learning needs and wellbeing
  • Study different theories of child development, learning and teaching

You will be joining a high-performing department - Education at Swansea is currently ranked:

  • Top 15 in the UK for Research Quality (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • Top 20 in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Complete University Guide 2026)
  • Top 301-400 in the World (Shanghai Rankings (Academic Rankings of World Universities) Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2025)

Your Education Experience

You will undertake 120 credits per year. At levels 4 and 5, modules provide foundational knowledge and skills, which will be further developed at level 6. At level 6, you will complete a compulsory research module and dissertation, while being supported by your supervisor.

This programme is research-informed, student centred and underpinned by the principles of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment. It aims to equip you with a solid grounding in theories and concepts pertinent to education, develop your academic and research skills, and facilitate your critical examination of contemporary educational issues.

You will be introduced to a range of topics that are relevant to contemporary education including equity and diversity, policy and practice, wellbeing and digital technologies, theories of teaching and learning, and the curriculum in Wales.

Across the programme, teaching is delivered through a range of formats, including lectures, workshops and one-to-one personal tutoring. The programme is designed to encourage the development of key skills and competencies including critical thinking, independent thought, collaboration, communication, organisation and time management. You will be supported in developing your depth and breadth of knowledge through independent reading, workshop activities and assignment preparation and submission, as well as collaborative group work, presentations and self-directed learning.

All students on the programme will be assigned a personal tutor, allowing you to benefit from personalised support and guidance. In addition, all members of the teaching team have ‘office hours’, providing you with a further opportunity for personal support, where you can discuss any issues or concerns.

This programme also includes the opportunity to undertake a Year Abroad, enhancing your learning and offering invaluable life experience. 

The optional Foundation Year for this programme can give you an exciting introduction to higher education, setting you up with the skills, confidence, and knowledge that you’ll need to be successful in your undergraduate degree. It’s ideal if you need a little more support after further education, or are returning to education after a gap. Following successful completion of the Foundation Year, you will progress to Year 1 of your BA. 

Education Employment Opportunities

Employability, focusing on increasing your prospects as a graduate, is a central part of the degree and is embedded across the entire programme, with opportunities for developing employability skills available to you at every level.

During your final year, you will have the opportunity to undertake an optional employability module which includes a work placement, consisting of one day a week, covering a total of 70 hours. There is a flexible approach, which allows you to either arrange your own placement in line with your future aspirations, or you can be supported in seeking appropriate alternative placements. In recent years, students have undertaken placements in youth centres, the voluntary sector, the police and academia.

Alongside this, you will also have access to a suite of lectures and workshops that focus on key employability skills. These lectures and workshops develop your skills in CV writing, preparing for interviews, career decision making, networking, team working and time management.

Graduates of this programme progress onto a range of destinations. These include Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programmes in primary or secondary education, master’s degrees in education or childhood studies, or other postgraduate level studies. Potential careers include roles in education, youth work, social work, the third sector, social and educational research, local authorities, community learning organisations, public sector organisations, early years management, nurseries and pre-school and higher education.

Modules

We're currently reviewing our curriculum to enhance your learning experience and embed skills that will benefit your future career. This means that some modules may be subject to change.

Entry Requirements

We consider all applicants on their own merits and welcome applications from students with a wide range of qualifications.

Education, BA (Hons)

Education with a Foundation Year, BA (Hons)

Education with a Year Abroad, BA (Hons)