BA (Hons) Applied Education Studies Degree (Level 6) — Full-time

This degree programme is a great option for anyone who is interested in working in the education sector but may be unsure which career route they would like to take.

It has been designed to develop knowledge, understanding and critical reflection of the contemporary educational landscape through the lens of Early Years, Compulsory Education and Vocational/Post Compulsory settings.

The course seeks to prepare graduates for a diverse range of careers within educational settings such as:

• Further Education sector teachers
• Early Years Practitioner
• Teaching assistants
• Education administration
• Community development
• Health and social care environments
• Youth and community work or the voluntary sector

If you already hold a related Level 5 qualification (such as an HND or Foundation Degree), you can join the programme directly at Stage 3 (Level 6) and top-up to a BA (Hons) degree over one academic year.

Year 1 modules

AES401: Methods of Enquiry

This module will provide a clear introduction to educational research, including the importance of research and how it impacts everyday life.

You will also develop critical reading skills and will develop skills on how to reference accurately and why it is important.

Another key part of this module is for students to gain an understanding of research ethics and the importance of this.

AES402: Education in Context

This module will provide you with opportunities to explore different perspectives on learning and draw comparisons with international teaching and learning approaches, work-based learning, digital learning and educational philosophies.

You will examine curricula across the age ranges and explore the influence of culture, politics and social norms.

AES403: Theories of Learning

This module examines in detail the theories of learning, including those of Bandura, Piaget, Skinner, Kolb, Moyles, Athey and Rosenshine.

You will evaluate the ideas and think critically about the evidence that has led to these theories. You will also make links between theories and the outcomes of learning frameworks, for example, the National Curriculum and Vocational courses.

AES404: Education for All

This module explores the structural inequalities within education, including legislation, social and cultural movements, and global and national events.

The module examines the origins of barriers and the impact of relevant legislation to address the inequalities within education. Particular focus is on groups who are likely to underperform, examining the impact of gender, race, and social class on education performance.

AES405: Safeguarding

This module examines the statutory requirements, legislation, different agencies and the role of the professional in education in relation to safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable people. It examines high-profile pivotal cases concerning children and vulnerable adults.

This module aims to develop your understanding of the duty of professionals to work together to promote the welfare of children.

Year 2 modules

AESO501: Early Years Education

This is an optional unit

This module supports you in gaining a deeper insight into the management of the curriculum and consider alternative curriculum models and their impact on children’s learning and development.

You will explore the development of the Early Years sector in England, the United Kingdom and abroad and examine how key theories of how children learn have influenced them.

AESO502: Post-Compulsory Education and Training

This is an optional unit

This module explores post-compulsory education and training within the UK in detail. You will examine the history of post-compulsory education and its diverse function in society, with a focus on the different parts that make up post-compulsory education.

This module will also support your understanding of the key drivers and the impact on those who use the sector through academic, vocational, technical and apprenticeship qualifications.

AESO503: Teaching, Learning and Assessment

This is an optional unit

This module aims to support you in exploring a range of areas within teaching, learning, and assessment.

During this module, you will develop an understanding of different learning theories and consider how these might impact teaching, learning, and assessment of different age groups and the application of curriculum and frameworks.

AES504: Research in Education

This module links to the Methods of Enquiry module in year one.

The module aims to encourage you to develop your own research skills both in terms of researching a topic and in understanding data collection for research in education.

As part of this module, you will also consider the ethical challenges of conducting research in education and how they can design ethical research.

AES505: Dismantling Barriers to Education

This module explores the complexity of Neurodiversity and its potential impact on learning.

You will evaluate theories regarding Neurodiversity and evaluate strategies which can be used to support individuals in education.

You will also, as part of this module, examine relevant legislation and frameworks that underpin practice, and professional thinking will be interlinked with each aspect studied.

Year 3 modules

AES601: Contemporary Issues in Education

This module will provide you with a wide range of opportunities to explore issues in contemporary education. These issues will consider cultural, social and political influences and how these influences affect key stakeholders within education.

Within this module, you will also gain a deepening understanding of how historical ideas and government policy affects education in a range of contexts. You will be able and supported to critically analyse how these issues affect education practice and why educationalists should be aware of these issues in contemporary education.

AES602: Dissertation

This module is the final module of the course.

This module will also provide you with the opportunity to explore a range of issues in contemporary education in far more detail than in AES601. To do this, you will conduct your own research and critically analyse literature and findings.

As part of AES602: Dissertation, you will take part in primary or secondary research to explore an issue that you are personally interested in. Alongside this, you will also consider the ethical implications of educational research and how these considerations affect the use of different methods.

Useful links:

• Programme Specification
• Open University Students Guide 2023-24
• Open University Validation Regulations 2023-24

Nottingham College is proud to have been awarded the Teaching Excellence Framework Bronze Award for high quality student experience and outcomes. You can read more about this on the Office for Students website.